Question
Wee Coops
Hi, Just some advice regarding my 13mth Female British Bulldog Cooper. She gets lots of attention from us, but when we finally sit down to unwind in the evening, she often jumps to bite at our hands, and can get really wound up and repeatedly jump at us when we push her away or shout at her. She has never hurt us, but I don't like the behaviour. I am happy for her to come up on the couch for a cuddle when invited, but not whenever she wants. Also, when we are eating, we put her out of the room, she whines at the door to be let in. We have always done this, and usually ignore the behaviour, but she persists. She also whines if my partner or I go into another room and close the door behind us. She can also get quite anxious if one of us leaves the house, and it can be difficult to distract her to get her out of this mindset. (Extra info: She goes out 3 times a day. She eats 1 meal per day. We have attended training classes) Many Thanks in advance. Mel
AnswerCute picture! At thirteen months, she probably looks like an adult dog, but there's still a lot of puppy in her. It sounds like the jumping up at you is a game to her. When you shout and push her away, that probably seems like you are playing too. The loud voice and quick movements also raises her level of stimulation. It may also be a way she copes with being stressed. When she starts this game, I would cross my arms and turn away. If she continues, I'd leave the room and close the door (briefly - a few seconds) And I would do that every time she started to try to instigate this version of play. I would also teach her what things WILL get attention - for instance sitting or lying down may be rewarded with treats or a quick game of tug. Since you've had her to classes, she should have several behaviors you can ask for that she can't do at the same time she's jumping and nipping. I'd also teach her that lying on her bed while you eat is rewardable behavior. In fact, I'd be working some obedience with this dog every day, and asking her to give me an asked-for behavior for anything she wants. Fixing her dinner? Ask her to down stay. If she breaks the down you don't need to say anything, bowl goes up out of reach and you leave the room. Then you come back and try it again. I would also feed her twice a day, instead of once a day. 24 hours between meals is a long time and may be adding to her anxiety. Also make sure she's getting enough mental and physical exercise. Dogs are frequently anxious when they don't have enough structure and routine in their lives, and they don't know what the rules are. If you can alieve some of the general anxiety, she is likely to be less anxious about specific things like people leaving the room. Instead of punishing her when she does things you don't like, (which can be very anxious-making, when you don't know the rules, so you don't know how to avoid punishment) I would be teaching her the things that really make you pleased with her, and might get her a reward. Concentrate on what you want her to do instead of what you don't want. Sandy Case BFA MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com
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