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meeting new people

19 17:00:41

Question
we just got a pomerainian from a shelter. she is 2 years old. we have only had her about 5 weeks. we think she may have been hit. she is sweet with my husband and myself. she adores my husband and follows him every where.  when she is home with me alone she is fine. she sits on my lap, cuddles with me, sits on the floor next to me when i am at my desk working etc.  as soon as my husband gets home she is all over him and just wants to be with him. one night my husband fell asleep, so i told her "bed time" and went to pick her up and she growled, and snapped at me. my husband woke up and was very angry she did that. he picked her up and put her in her crate for "bed time" and went back to bed.  she barked for an hour.   the next day she was fine.  but same thing that night. my husband and i were watching tv for about 2 hours and she was laying on the bed with us.  the news was over and it was "bed time" and when i went to pick up she did the same thing. i realize its because she wants to stay with him, but my husband is upset. he said, i don't like her growling and snapping and biting at you.  what can i do to stop this behavoir. she is sweet dog. and is fine with me until i go to remove her from where he is.
thank you

Answer
Therese, do NOT allow her on the bed.  Don't even allow her in your bedroom "for the time being".

This is dominant behavior and what she's saying to YOU is "This is MY bed and MY human".

Luckily for you, this is extremely specific and therefore more easily addressed.

She has to be trained to "go to your bed" whenever you tell her to.  Until she does, leash her and when it's bedtime, simply say "Into your bed" and take her there.

But most definitely do not allow her on the bed until this is accomplished.

How to train her:
Put her short leash on her...command "Go to your bed"..take her there.  Give treat & praise.  Associate "bed" with
"treat".  Continue until she'll go on her own.

At that point you can SEE if she'll obey when on your bed.
Have her short leash on her.

And never yell or punish.  If she won't get off then you just grab the leash and say "let's go" and she has no choice.  Ignore any vocal protests.  Do not chat with her - don't coax - just GO !
Delores