Dog biting and training issues HELP? ?

Question

My dog is now over 6 months old and has only shown small improvements since I got her from the shelter a few months ago. Despite my taking her out several times a day and having her p**p outside, she still pees and poops on the floor when we aren't watching, then she runs and hides in a dark corner as if she knows what she did. In fact, like clockwork, she poops as soon as we put her in the crate. She is treated well by my family and we all love her but she's showing some aggressive behaviors if we stop her from misbehaving (jumping up on the furniture, grabbing food from the table, jumping on people and scaring them.) Now she is biting frequently. Recently, I took away her toy because she kept jumping up on the sofa with it. This is a new behavior. She watched me put the toy away, waited and returned and grabbed my wrist pretty hard and I had to put a pillow between us to separate her as she wouldn't stop coming at me. When I try to get her to enter the crate at night she growls and tries to bite me. She nipped me tonight again, didn't puncture my skin, but now I'm beginning to feel scared of her aggressive behavior. My husband won't go near her as he is scared of her. Have I made a mistake adopting this dog? Is there anything I can do short of taking her back to the shelter?

Answer 1

For her aggression, I wouldn't be too too worried, my dog was like that too when she was a pup. Once she gets older she wil stop being aggressive and will most likely stop the biting and growling. By the age 2 her agression issues will be noticebly better.

You have to show her who's boss, i don't mean this in an abusive way though.

when she pees and poops outside, praise her and give her a treat. When she does it inside be mad at her and raise your voice a bit. This will only work though i you scold her right after she did it. If you wait to long she won't know what you're mad at her for.

In order to get her into her crate, try luring her in there with food, toys or treats. Once she goes in, praise her and tell her she was such a good girl.

After the first time she's gone in, leave her in for about 1 minute and then let her out.

Every day increase the amount of time you keep her in there and maybe she'll go in more willingly.  The reason you only keep her in for a short amount of time is to show her that her kennel isn't a bad thing and that if she behaves, she's allowed to go back out.

Your husband HAS to create a good relationship with this dog while she's still young because it will be hard to gain her respect once she's lived with him for many years.

When she's calm, have him lay her on her back  because that's a sign of dominance in "dog language".

I wish you the best of luck :)

Answer 2

Since your dogs aggression is progressive you need to quickly show her that this behaviour is not acceptable. Do not be aggressive with her, ever. Be firm and consistent with your teachings and never scold her by locking her in or sending her to her kennel. Her crate needs to be her 'den' .  Dogs (most animals for that matter)  will never soil their home. Let that be her safe haven. When she bites give her a stern "No!"   If you're in the middle of a fun activity or whatever, and she nips, say that "No!" and then stop the activity. When she's good, give her lots of attention. If she's running around and jumping all over the furniture she needs more exercise. Period. Dogs won't do that unless they're allowed to or unless they simply have way too much energy. From the age of 6 months to  a year and a half of age, dogs need the most exercise than at any other time. Going to obedience training with her would be an excellent idea. All dogs need to be able to effectively learn is a stern "No!" (and a stop of pleasurable activity when appropriate) when they're doing something bad and lots and lots of praise when they're doing something good. Consistency is key.

Help her to learn to trust you, watch your body language and vocal tone.  

Answer 3

Get a behaviorist to work with you - check the web site:  www.APDT.com.  

There are many reasons this dog is progressively getting worse, and it needs to stop NOW.  I'm not sure i would call this aggression (it could be play, it could be keeping her pack in line, it could be fear, it could be many things); but she needs an assessment.

Have you taken her to training class?

What type of dog is she?

How much exercise, socialization and mental stimulation does she get?

She sounds afraid (running into a corner after pooping), what kind of training methods have you been using?

Did you do any temperament testing before you adopted her?

These are just some of the questions a good assessment might explore.  

Good luck

Answer 4

Yes, you should be getting her some professional training.  She is taking over the house, and both of you.  Since she is scaring both you and your husband, a third party needs to be put into play here so they can show you how to handle your pet.  It will be worth the money in the long run and you will be able to keep your pet.