Behavior Issues

Question
I have a great Lab mix named Cookie.  She has two issues that cause problems.  The first problem is that she can be quite the thief at the dog park.  She'll run off with the toys of other dogs or a child's sippy cup.  While normally quite responsive on a "come recall," she employs selective listening and won't come when called.  The other problem is that she'll growl continuously when strangers enter my house.  I'm wondering what is the appropriate strategy to get her to stop growling at strangers.  By the way, at the dog park or out in public, she's very friendly with both dogs & people.

Answer
I don't do a lot of off lead work.  I can see that being a real problem at the dog park.  Watching dogs play, I really think their favorite game is chase.  One dog gets something and runs off with it and the others try to catch it.  I am not going to be able to give a good answer on that one.

On the growling, try giving the strangers a treat to give her.  If you haven't over used treats, it doesn't need to be more than some of her regular kibble.  

Both problems may be partly do to you not being established as top dog.  That is the whole key to controlling a dogs behavior.  You need a good book.  Try one of these:

The Cultural Clash by Jean Donaldson, 1996

Excel-crated Learning by Pamela Reid, 1996

Don't Shoot the Dog, by Karen Pryor, 1996

Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1993

Second Hand dog, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1988

Dog Problems, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1989

Super Puppy, by Peter J. Vollmer, 1988

HELP, Mt dog Has an Attitude, by Gwen Bohnenkamp, 1994

Owners' Guide Better Behavior in Dogs and Cats, by William Campbell, 1989

What All Good dogs Should Know, By Wendy Vollmer, 1991

Successful Dog Breeding, by Chris Walkowicz, DMV, 1994

How to Raise a Dog When Nobody is Home, Jerry Kilmer, 1991

Puppy Primer, by Brenda K Skidmore and Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., 1996

Beginning Family Dog Training, by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., 1996

The Other end of the Leash, by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.