Who's the boss? (kinda long)

[LaceyMae]

Don't get me wrong, Bandit it doing really well with training. Stubborn at times, but patience with a pup! He's a little over three months old, and dominance testing has really just started. He's not neutered. I do have an issue with him getting into his crate before I leave for work and before bed (not ready for *open crate* at night yet). He does NOT want to do what Mommy tells him and he will dart. Lately pouncing, growling, barking, and even *snapping* (in the air, not AT mom) have come into play when Mom starts the firm commanding or any attempt at the crate. Treats and nice talk don't work during this time. I don't like trying to trick him into anything - that's not puppy training. I can't try to lead him in by the collar... half the time he wont let me that close at that time, and if I do, I would have to do it forcefully. I won't "force" him to do anything. Also, with his attitude towards the issue, I'm afraid he would become aggressive about it. Any advice? He will go to the crate when he's ready for a nap, and sometimes when he knows he is supossed to... this is only an issue half of the time... but the ONLY time he EVER does THIS. I'm hoping this isn't a sign that his "testing for boss" will become overly aggressive. Could this be??

 

[LILYLARUE]

He's definitely testing his boundries. At three months they can run around freely with not a worry, so they think they are all "grown-up". You just have to keep working with him and the crate. It would help if you could take him for a walk for 20-30 mins before you need him to go in. He would be tired and relaxed by then and probably willing to go in. Use some treats in there that he only gets when in there like a frozen kong filled with peanut butter. When you play with him, play near the crate and throw a ball in there so he goes in and out without being locked in.

This is another one of those "be patient" times in a puppy's training.......there will be plenty more. Don't give up and what you put in now will give back to you 10 fold.

 

[ELubas]

How long is he in the crate? He is a baby and can not be in there very long. You need to do it slowly. A minute while you are there, five minutes, then five minutes while you are out of the room, etc. If you introduce him slowly he will acclimate easier. At night, if teh crate is near you, that will also help him. Please, please forget about "dominance" with this little one. He is simply being a silly pup and aggression is not a worry at all, I'm sure. They love to use thier mouths at that age so be sure to teach bite inhibition and redirect him in a positive way. I so miss puppy smell lovicon

 

[LaceyMae]

He has no problem with the crate most of the time. Only lately before I go to work does he "throw a fit." When I get home from work, he's used to the routine. No "overly excited wiggles" - just a trip outside for his business, then food, and lovies then games and "training tricks"for him! He's been familiar with his crate since I got him... and willingly goes in there now and again to nap or just rest. (It's more of a small cage than a crate - it's big) He will drag a toy in there sometimes to just "be in his den" He understands "NO" and he knows when he's playing too rough. This is obviously not a "play time" for him. He really is doing wonderful.. . . a very good doggie. Doesn't really much act like a small puppy anymore... other than goofy play and chew temptations... but we have that covered. I just wanted to know if this is a possible sign of an aggressive nature... WHEN he begins to seriously test for dominance. And how would ya suggest I correct this?

 

[ELubas]

I just wanted to know if this is a possible sign of an aggressive nature... WHEN he begins to seriously test for dominance. And how would ya suggest I correct this?

Again, I do not think you should "expect" him to try to upstage you at some point . As long as you are a fair and calm leader for him he will be happy to follow you. Again, though, how long is he in the crate, is he excercised beforehand, etc? Also, switch up your routine-sometimes put him in there and don't leave He is most likely picking up on cues that you are off to work. This is pretty typical puppy stuff

 

[ehayes21]

Again, I do not think you should "expect" him to try to upstage you at some point . As long as you are a fair and calm leader for him he will be happy to follow you. Again, though, how long is he in the crate, is he excercised beforehand, etc? Also, switch up your routine-sometimes put him in there and don't leave He is most likely picking up on cues that you are off to work. This is pretty typical puppy stuff

I agree! Please throw out all that alpha/dominance mumbo-jumbo. Eileen is correct, he needs a fair and confident leader instead. I also agree on tiring him out before you leave. I know if I left two bored dogs at home for a long amount of time they would go crazy, too.

Here is a little reading for you.

The Macho Myth

Debunking the Dominance Myth

History and Misconceptions of the Dominance Theory