[Willow&Jasper’smum]

Hi guys. So I have a 6-7 month puppy named jasper who is an absolute sweet heart and loves to give kisses and love but..... he has this issue where we are on the couch and I try to scoot his butt so we can sit together he will growl and snap at me. It doesn’t always happen but it’s so crazy to me when he acts that way because he is usually so sweet and that behavior scares me because I do not want another dog with behavior issues. He knows the off cue on the couch. I read somewhere that I should prohibit his access to the couches which I think would help a lot since he only acts this way when he is on the couch. Any advice?

 

[Lillith]

Utilize that "Off" cue and reward before you sit down, then invite the pup back up. Many dogs don't like being physically moved once they've found a comfy spot.

You can also prohibit the dog from couches by heavily rewarding him for being on his bed, instead, if you wish. You will have to block access to the furniture to prevent him from jumping up, or be committed to giving the off cue every time he jumps not the couch and luring him back to his bed.

 

[Lodeto]

Since you have 2 dogs with issues currently, have you considered consulting with a dog trainer? That might help since both your dogs seem to be exhibiting aggressive behaviors.

 

[Willow&Jasper’smum]

Since you have 2 dogs with issues currently, have you considered consulting with a dog trainer? That might help since both your dogs seem to be exhibiting aggressive behaviors.

I have yes they are just very expensive in my area or they use prong collars which I don’t believe in using. With my other pup I realized she was feeling left out and she hasn’t had any behavior issues with me since I gave her more attention.

 

[Lodeto]

In that case, I would just get the puppy off the couch. Any privileges should be earned imo. At least that’s what we do with our new puppies. Our new pup isn’t allowed on the furniture, except for an hour of snuggle time on our bed before the last potty break, and that’s only by invitation. We use positive reinforcement training with our dogs as well, and I’m happy that you don’t like prong collars either.

 

[Willow&Jasper’smum]

I will do that for sure!! Thankyou. And yes I find them very cruel. Had a trainer one day that used one and I had never heard of it and we tried it on my older pup and it made her cry and Yelp and I just could not bare to use it on her anymore so we told the lady thanks but... no thanks.

 

[DaySleepers]

As with anything, if this is a new behavior that popped out of nowhere, it's worth considering a vet visit in case there's pain involved. But it's also fairly normal for a comfortable dog who doesn't want to move to defend it's space, and/or for one to find being physically pushed uncomfortable or distressing. And your pup is getting into adolescence now, which means you may see him asserting himself more and pushing boundaries. Very normal, but can be disconcerting when you're used to a compliant, tolerant puppy. Using cues to move the dog is a great option in these situations. I teach on/off furniture cues, but also sometimes use targets (touch my finger with your nose) to move a dog if I only need them to scoot over, get out of my way on the floor, step onto a scale at the vet, etc.

 

[Uncle Foster]

Looks like it’s been several months, how is Jasper doing?


Every pack has a hierarchy. No two pack members are equal. Jasper seems to be confused on the order of your pack. That needs fixing.

Basic Obedience? How’s he doing with Sit, Down, Stay, Come. Heel, Leave It?

One solid benefit of obedience for Jasper is he is reminded (reinforced) that in your relationship you give the commands and he obeys them. Some dogs can be very hard headed about this. I know our dog Dino was a knot head for sure and he was that way from birth.

One thing we have down with all of our dogs and all of our fosters is to handle their bodies. Ears, muzzle, mouth, feet, tail, belly. This is a simple procedure with young pups. Some dogs as they get a bit older and their heads get harder it can be a real challenge. Also very important, rolling the dog over on it’s back and being calm.

With foster litters, every evening both my wife and I would spend five minutes or so with each of the pups. This practice really pays off when, for example, medication needs to be administered.

Clicker Training (Operant Conditioning) A very effective training method. Search for it.

If you have never enrolled in an obedience class with one of your dogs I expect you would find it beneficial. I know the very first class I attended with our dog was a real eye opener. Your local humane organization is a good source of information. Frequently they offer obedience classes and their trainers are most likely skilled and experienced.

I will suggest a book; Search “ Ray McSoley, Dog Tales” . I learned much from this book and I highly recommend it.

Another book recommended; How To Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin, D.V.M. Dr. Yin is all over operant conditioning.

Best of luck to you and your dog,

Uncle Foster