Is my puppy a unruly teen? ?
I have a 7 month old lab puppy. My husband and I got him at 7 weeks aged. He was house trained in three days, he is sweet to our daughter. He has other been hyper but he gets a lot of attention and walk so it has not been a problem. He was the best, well-behaved puppy.
However, lately he has been rebelling. He chews on things he know he shouldn't. He yanks on the leash really hard, he barks at associates and doesn't listen when I call him like he used to. Is he going through a phase or do I have a problem? He is not neuter yet but will be next month.
Also, is a choke chain a well-mannered thing to use? It seems cruel so I haven't tried one. I am afraid he will yank on it besides if he sees another dog, he is so headstrong and I don't want him hurt.
He is like any 7 month outmoded lab. Yes, they go through a rebellious teen phase but the problems will continue into prime of life if you don't get some obedience training going. He is conducting tests his limits and if he does not get training, he will keep hold of doing what he is doing because he can get away with it.
Choke chains are not dutiful to use. They can damage a dog's trachea. A prong collar or head halter are much better training tools (training because ultimately you should be able to put your foot your dog without them) but they should be used in conjunction with consultation beside a trainer familiar with their use.
You have a teen anger on your hands and he is testing you to be the pack ringleader as this is what they do so you will have to assert your dominance over him and treat him like a spoilt child and start disciplining.The check chain is cruel individual if people use it the wrong way and l can assure you used correctly the dog cannot verbs you anywhere.l would enrol this Dog in Obedience classes ASP and you will be taught how to use these chains and how to control the dog
Answers: It is normally just a phase, but don't let it happen because it is a phase. Correct the behaviours so that your puppy learn he can't get away with what he requirements and he needs to obey you. As for the chewing, if he is crate trained, put him contained by his crate when you aren't home or can't watch him. If he isn't crate trained, when you leave him or can't study him leave him in a confined room where he can't win into trouble or hurt himself and give him a stuffed Kong to keep him busy while you are absent. Continue practicing recalls and reinforcing them. If you know the recall isn't going to be successful and it isn't a necessary time to use it (i.e. you are surrounded by the house and want him to come to you instead of eating something that is of higher value), don't use it. Make the recollect a success every time. A fun game with a clan is to split up your puppies supper into little baggies. Every body take a baggie of the kibble and stand in a circle/triangle, and one by one call him from character to person. When he gets to you reward him. The dogs find this fun too. This will just reinforce what your puppy already know. As for the barking, do what you can to distract him from the barking and discourage it. For pulling on a leash, I don't like choke chains. I prefer pave the way halters (Gentle Leader is my favourite). This is because with a choke chain when the dog pulls it chokes them which is what is supposed to stop their pulling, but they are freshly learning to avoid being choked. With a head halter such as a Gentle Leader, when the dog pulls, within head is forced to turn towards you so that they are looking at you. This helps you to get their attention again and refocus them on walking. It is a impressively affective training aid and you will eventually not need to use it any more. I have never seen a dog who starts on a choke fasten learn not to pull when the choke chain is sour.
Good luck!
Yes he has hit youth with a vengeance. Just keep up the training and firm supervision, tighten up on food control, recalls etc. etc. Keep up with lots of socialisation. This is the most difficult period and it is confrontational. It will pass and in a few months you will have your acquiescent, faithful dog back as a young developed. Good luck!
Add - I know a lot of people will disagree with this but similar to any training aid a choke collar is effective if its used properly. There is only one agency to put it on . you form a P before putting it in. It should also be high up on the dogs nouns ...almost behind the ears. If you put it on properly the dog should respond more to the chinking sound and your simultaneous command (heel, regular etc.) and you should not need to tighten it excessively
