Question
Khloe
My 15 week old American Cocker girl has started answering me back when I correct her. For example, she is not allowed in our bedroom and for the most part has learned this rule very well, we are firm and consistent with this however, on occasion she steps inside and I tell her "no, out". In the last day or so she has growled back at me while retreating from the room, this morning she didn't come in but sat at the doorway and growled for 10 seconds or so. Also, when she becomes over excited or obsessed with pulling up grass (for example), I use my hand and call her name to get her attention and she growls and snaps at me. Overall she is quite well behaved, this attitude is not regular although she plays rough with other puppies - always having to be on top, even more so when there are male puppies that are being "over friendly".
We are presently feeding her Wellness puppy food and will switch to Innova once our pet store gets a shipment in - we live in a remote area and cannot find anyone that sells Orijen or Addiction which you recommend.
Could you tell me how to deal with this issue that I refer to as talking back?
AnswerGosh, she's a cutie. And yes, you're right - it is "talking back" and NOW is the time to address it.
Here's what to do - at the FIRST growl - get down on her level and give her a Clint Eastwood STARE then say NO firmly but fairly quietly. Do not lose eye contact. Be physically still and don't raise your voice. Count to 3 - say NO again - never losing eye contact.
When she looks away (breaks eye contact) you just won. Do the same outside. Even if she's excited - grab her by the scruff (gently) and get the eye contact going.
Cockers are quite dominant dogs and she's not being a bad girl - she's just trying you on.
Do this every single time and it'll be history in a week.
You are literally "staring her down". In a pack, if she was annoying the alpha dog she'd first hear a low, warning growl (NO) and then the alpha's head would turn and do "the stare".
No drama - no yelling - it's just authority.
I'm glad you're into nutrition and reading up. You can order Orijen and Addiction online.
I've found doggiefood.com - K9 Cuisine - OnlyNaturalPets all have it at a much better price than the retail stores. The Innova and Innova EVO are great foods too.
Addiction also makes a Venison kibble which The Whole Dog Journal voted as "top dog food of 2009".
So give that advice a try - let me know if you have further problems. I have a few tricks for little girls who are auditioning for top dog :)
Delores
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