Dog Training And Punishment?

Question

Maya   hi there i have an akita X husky, she is 2 years old, and was good learner, but lately she has been testing her patience, she is chewing loads more and the other day she growled at my child while she was trying to cuddle her. maybe because she was trying to sleep? i dont know but shes only done the growling thing with meat or bones she is fine with my little girl playing with her toys etc, but she is starting to not listen to a word i say. i dont know what to do with her not listening. also i dont know how to properly punish her, i tell her off face to face but dont know how to properly punish her is there any advice i could have on this please


best wishes
Jade

Answer
Hi Jade,

I am so glad you asked this question! I have some recommendations for you.

First off, never punish your dog for her aggression, e.g., growling. We know that punishing aggression only makes it worse: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217141540.htm

Please also see this position statement on punishment by the American Veterinary Society of Veterinary Behavior: http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/avsab%20postion%20s%8Ant21

Also, please see this statement on dominance: http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/domina

In terms of your child hugging your dog please be aware that the majority of dog bites occur to children and they occur at face level. Dogs do not like hugs and kisses, even though many learn to tolerate this. Please teach your child to never disturb your dog while sleeping or eating. Please never leave your child unsupervised with your dogs and never punish her - especially in the presence of your child! Your dog could associate your child with the punishment! Please see this website for additional information: http://www.doggonesafe.com/

In terms of the resource guarding of food and bones, there are several good sources I can refer you to. One is a book called, "Mine" by Jean Donaldson, and these articles by Pat Miller:

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/13_3/features/Dog-Guarding-Food-Behavior

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_10/features/Resource-Guarding-Behavio

I highly recommend you enroll your dog in clicker training classes with a qualified trainer. You can read more about clicker training here:

http://animalinfo.com.au/fact_sheets/view/2/25/175/Clicker_Training_What_is_it

http://dubuquedogtrainer.hubpages.com/hub/clickertrainingfordogs

Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement training - read more about positive reinforcement training here so you will know what to look for when you search for a trainer:

http://animalinfo.com.au/fact_sheets/view/2/25/177/What_is_Positive_Reinforcemen

To find a certified clicker trainer, you can start here: https://www.karenpryoracademy.com/find-a-trainer

Call the 800 number if you don't see a clicker trainer listed in your area since not all Karen Pryor Academy grads pay the fees required to be listed on the site: 800-472-5425.

Hope this helps!

Cindy