Cavalier king charles - getting bold

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have a beautiful cavalier king Charles puppy, she is 8 months old and I have had her since she was 12 weeks old. Lately she has gotten very clingy, follows me everywhere and goes mental barking and winging if I leave her in a room with the door closed (when I'm leaving the house) She was always good when I put her to bed, she would stay there and there wouldn't be any noise from her, now she starts crying and scrapping at the door.

If you could help me at all I would be very grateful.

ANSWER: If she hasn't been spayed, it could be part of the behavior changes leading up to her season.  Otherwise, perhaps just her maturing personality.  

You could also see what the vet has to say.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply.
I have been planning to get her spayed, so I am saving the money for it.
If it is her maturing personality what I can I do to make her behave better? I do find it a bit upsetting when she starts winging and barking!!


Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat.