JustAnswer > Dog
Ask A Question|Register|Login|Help
JustAnswer

Dog

Ask a Dog Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

Have your own Dog question?

10 Vets and Dog Experts are Online Now
characters left:
Not a Dog Question?

Related Dog Topics:

  • Dog
  • ,
  • Cut
  • ,
  • Eye
  • ,
  • Pet
  • ,
  • Toy
  • ,
  • Back
  • ,
  • Calm
  • ,
  • Dogs
  • ,
  • Face
  • ,
  • Kind
Bookmark and Share

Question

Hi....... We have a very smart 2.5-month old Maltipoo who has been trained to go on the paper. However, often when she gets bored or excited, she has begun to tear at the paper or drag it across the room. I suspect this is to get our attention (game) but she does it when we're not in the room, too. Ignoring her, saying NO!, trading paper for a toy, or giving her time outs have so far not phased her in the least. She will calm down but later in day will do it again. She has not had all of her shots yet as she is too small to receive full doses; however, when she is fully immunized, we will start training her to go outside. Until then, please give me some novel advice that will stop this behavior. Thank you very much - Cindy

Submitted: 430 days and 11 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
+
Read More

Optional Information

Age: <1; Female; Breed: Maltipoo

Already Tried:
No! Time outs. Isolation. Spraying bitter apple on paper perimeters. Distraction with chew toys or bones.

Posted by Walter 430 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

Hello,

 

My first recommendation is to enroll her in a behavior or obedience course. These classes are often underestimated but can be the saving grace in rectifying this behavior. Once your dog has learned who is in command and how to follow basic commands curbing this behavior is a breeze. The fact is if your dog does not understand what "no" or "stop" means then all she understands is you are saying something to her in a firm voice.......what that is she has no real clue.

 

In addition to the classes you will want to pick up a spray bottle fill it with cool water. Anytime the dog picks up the paper or moves the paper, be quick to spay her square in the face. Followed by the firm NO! This will not only stop her but will show her NO is a serious word.

 

If you are not in the same room or are busy doing other things, keep a bottle (Pop bottle or water bottle) with some loose change in it around you. If you see her messing with the paper......shake the bottle quickly to get her attention then give the firm "no" command or "leave it" If she continues the spray bottle and time out will be needed. After a few days you should be able to simply say NO and look at the bottle and she will settle down.

 

Keep in mind, Rome was not built in a day and your dogs behavior will not change overnight either. You must be consistent and firm each time. If you allow her to get away with it every now and again she will not learn.

 

Walter

430 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you. I will try your suggestions. Because of incomplete immunizations, she isn't ready to be around other dogs or even go to a groomer. I suspect that some of her behavior is learned because my husband has starting playing fetch with her which results in pulling/tugging and more aggressive play; hence, when she wants to play, she does things that get our attention. I'm just worn out from spending the last 3 weeks training her and keeping tabs on her because she is so tiny (3 lbs.) She is adorable, affectionate, very smart, and we love her very much. But I sense she is beginning to challenge us and looks upon us as more of a litter mate than her leader. Any further comments would be appreciated.

Posted by Walter 430 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

Hello,

 

Some dogs do try to take over alpha control and it is better to stop this now before it gets out of control. I agree to wait on the obedience classes until she is fully vaccinated. The good news is the water bottle technique is very good at curbing most behaviors and teaching your dog how to follow your orders.

 

To address the alpha dog issue you will want to show her that she is not alpha. Being gentle yet firm is the key. Walk tall and proud and look her in the eye when addressing her. Do not ask her to get off the couch, order her off the couch. Dogs can often tell the difference in a "Get off the couch honey" and a " I said Get Off The Couch Now" In a firm voice with no nonsense attitude. The same goes with any order you give your dog. Firm orders not requests.

 

Alpha dogs are used to being fussed over. In a real dog pack, subordinate dogs are forever touching, licking and grooming the alpha dog. It's a show of respect and submission. For now, until her attitude has shown improvement, cut down on the amount of cuddling your dog gets. When she wants attention, make her SIT first, give her a few kind words and pats, then stop. Go back to whatever it was you were doing and ignore her. If she pesters you, tell her NO! in a firm voice and ignore her some more. Pet her when you want to, not just because she wants you to. Also, for the time being, don't get down on the floor or on your knees to pet your dog. That, too, is a show of submission. Give praise, petting and rewards from a position that's higher than the dog.

 

Walter

430 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you very much! One small LAST question: Should we stop the fetch game until she's older? To me, it just feels like we're encouraging the nipping, aggressive behavior.

Accepted Answer

Hello,

 

Play time is important, and fetch will not encourage the aggressive behavior so no I would not stop it. The key is teaching her their is a difference in play and destruction.

 

Walter

Picture
Expert: Walter
Pos. Feedback: 99.7 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/19/2008

Breeder

Breeder and pet health consultant. Have spent a number of years with dog rescue, training and health

+
Read More

Related Dog Questions

  • I have a 10 week old newfoundland puppie. she is experiencin...
  • I was wondering if dogs can catch any illnesses from ferre
  • My Aussie just ate about 10 bite size hersey bars. He got
  • 3 year old yellow lab, lives in the United States, Arizona.
  • My 7 yr. daschund had emergency surgery for a hard mass in
  • I have a schnauzer, 28 lbs. and he is scratching, panting,
  • my two dogs have botchulism. how long will it take to over
  • I purchased a registered full petigreed Maltese from a wonde...



Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Question List | Become an Expert | Terms of Service | Security & Privacy | About Us
© 2003-2009 JustAnswer Corp.