Talking back

[Squeemunk]

Hi everyone. I could really use some advise on how to possibly stop what is turning into an undesirable behavior. Reesee is 14 months and we have had her since she was 3 1/2 month, close to our one year anniversary now! She has always gotten a little testy when she doesn't get what she wants, pouncing on the ground with her front paws, barking, grabbing my arm with her mouth (almost like play nibbling no real pressure) etc... We read that we should ignore this behavior and she will calm down, and it seems to work, but it has not stopped the behavior from occurring. The best way I can describe it is like a teenager getting mad when you ground her and yelling back. When I yell at her or tell her no or try and get her away from something she shouldn't be doing is when she starts on her "tantrum". Any ideas on how to stop them from starting in the first place?

 

[laneylou]

Hi Squeemunk,
I know what you mean - my 7 1/2 month old boxer Poppy has starter to answer us back too - she turns her head and looks at us out of the corner of her eye as if to say 'I know what you are asking me to do, but I am going to pretend not to hear you' and then sometimes she will bark and bark at one of us to play - or answer her back with funny noises if we shout at her - it is bad enough with my 11 year old daughter - i dont need her to answer me back too!!! hopefully it will pass