Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 12/15/2006

Question
Hello,

My family has recently acquired a new puppy from a rescue league. She is a mix between a chocolate Lab and a German short-hair pointer. She is 5 months old.

I am curious as to why she does not seem to want to spend time with me as much as time with other members of my family. This has been happening since about a week after we got her. I have been firm when training her and made it clear who is the human and who is the dog, but have never been so aggressive as to scare her, and have never struck her. I have fed her and taken her out for walks, etc. many times before, so I don't believe it is a question of not caring for her. However, she slides away from me when I try to play with her or spend time with her. I have heard of this happening when puppies acknowledge their superiors, but I am not sure.

Any insight is much appreciated. Thank you!

Answer
Dear Alana,
Thanks for the comments.
Relationships between people and their dogs are complex.

Five month old pups can be quite a handful!

I'm not quite sure what you mean by:
>>> "I have been firm when training her and made it clear who is the human and who is the dog" ......>>>"puppies acknowledge their superiors"........>>>>>she slides away from me when I try to play with her or spend time with her">>>>

My first inclination is to suspect there is a breakdown in communication during the time you do spend with her --- during training sessions.


What is your primary teaching strategy? How do you tell her about her behaviors? Are you using corrections or food treats? How do you teach her new commands, for instance...how exactly did you initially get her to sit or down? How do you practice these now?

Check out an article I wrote, Forget About Alpha. http://howsbentley.com/bentleyhowls/forgetalpha.shtml

Buy the book, Puppy Primer (Paperback)
by Brenda K Scidmore, Patricia McConnell.

I'm happy to offer specific tips. Please give me more details.

Happy Training!
AT
http://www.howbentley.com