Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 8:25 pm Post subject: Grumpy Stroppy Puppy.
Mahsa has been a bloody nightmare today.
She's been grumpy, stroppy and just plain naughty. Her worst thing today has been a rotten wilfulness that has meant I have had to pretty much drag her around on the end of the lead.
We have a short walking route (about 5 minutes) that we go on and today she has just plonked her ass down and dug her front paws in and refused to go anywhere that I wanted to go...except she would be quite happy to wander off in her own direction.
I just don't know what's been up with her today...she's 14 weeks old today.
Definitely settled in
Sounds like you need to get armed with a pocket full of treats, best encouragement voice and the power of persuasion, patience and plain old reward.
Amber says "Dats ma girl"
____________ Gillian, Millie & Arya, watched over by Becky, Arwen & Amber from the Bridge. Run fast & free
Are you sure she's not poorly they can be very stroppy and grumpy and not want to do usual things if they're feeling unwell?
If you're sure she's just having a strop then yes take a deep breath, a pocketfull of treats and a squeeky toy and show her that you're going your way and not hers, standing stock still everytime she tries to pull you, it might mean that the five minute route takes about an hour... but hey you'll get there in the end!
We have a short walking route (about 5 minutes) that we go on and today she has just plonked her ass down and dug her front paws in and refused to go anywhere that I wanted to go...except she would be quite happy to wander off in her own direction.
What's in it for her to go in the direction you want to go in? She is just a baby dog at the moment and life is all about exploring and fun, perhaps where you are going, or how you are going just isn't as interesting as the way she wants to go. So it's up to you to make you way more fun than her way. Have you tried making funny noises and skipping along (and no, I'm not joking )? Have you tried, changing pace, from plod to jogging, every few strides so she has to keep her attention on you? Have you tried luring her with something nice and stinky?
Also when she wants to go off in her own direction, is it back towards home? Is it when you are moving away from home she plonks her bum down? If it is, this is really common and it usually happens when they are a bit scared. She is about the right age for that first Fear Stage to have kicked in. Their mental development seems to take a leap forward at this age and things they weren't bothered by before, can sometimes become a bit scary for them. So things like traffic, pushchairs, groups of people, even dogs can suddenly make them not want to get any closer, but want to go back home to their safe haven.
I don't really understand what you mean when you say she has been grumpy, stroppy and naughty. She is only a baby yet, so even though you probably think she does, she probably hasn't got a clue what being Good is, or being Naughty, so perhaps her moods are a reflection of your own instead. If she has done something wrong and you are cross with her, she will look like she feels guilty and knows she's done wrong, however in her head, she is probably wondering why on earth you are in such a bad mood and so is keeping out of your way.
I always try to counter every "AH AH" or "NO" with a "GOOD DOG", in fact I'd say I try to give out far more "GOOD DOGs" than I do "AH AHs", as otherwise you slip into a downward spiral of constantly nagging at the pup, until the pup either avoids you, or ignores you. Try to find even the smallest things, such as when she is playing with her toys, or takes herself off for a nap, etc, to tell her how good she is being. Pups NEED to know when they are being good, just as much, if not moreso, as when they are getting it wrong.
My puppy , Tess, is also 14 weeks old we had the not wanting to move 2 weeks ago. Initially she didnt want to leave the garden and would sit down, strangely when carried.out of.the garden she would happily go for a little walk. Then she realised the world outside contained twigs and sticks.
We have entered a new naughty phase as Tess realised yesterday that she can put her front paws on the kitchen table and grab things. I left her alone for 5 minutes this morning and came back to shredded post. Also we have about 30 minutes of devil dog behaviour mid morning and early evening where she tries to jump up on sofa with us and nip at us too. Otherwise lovely and gentle fun pup.
shes my first!
My puppy , Tess, is also 14 weeks old we had the not wanting to move 2 weeks ago. Initially she didnt want to leave the garden and would sit down, strangely when carried.out of.the garden she would happily go for a little walk. Then she realised the world outside contained twigs and sticks.
We have entered a new naughty phase as Tess realised yesterday that she can put her front paws on the kitchen table and grab things. I left her alone for 5 minutes this morning and came back to shredded post. Also we have about 30 minutes of devil dog behaviour mid morning and early evening where she tries to jump up on sofa with us and nip at us too. Otherwise lovely and gentle fun pup.
shes my first!
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she's settled in then! 
Definitely settled in 
She is only a baby yet, so even though you probably think she does, she probably hasn't got a clue what being Good is, or being Naughty, so perhaps her moods are a reflection of your own instead. If she has done something wrong and you are cross with her, she will look like she feels guilty and knows she's done wrong, however in her head, she is probably wondering why on earth you are in such a bad mood and so is keeping out of your way.
