What do you do with your sassy 17 week old puppy?

Question

My 17 week old Collie puppy has become quite sassy the past couple of days. Barking and even snapping her jaw at me in a rebellious, not vicious way, when being corrected.

I have read in my Dog Bible that pups her age through about 6 months can be like this...but, it did not really give me any hands on experience in dealing properly with it.

We are in puppy school and will probably be addressing this this week in class...but, I thought I would ask here as well and see what kind of suggestions you all have.

Thanks for your input.

Answer 1

Show it who's boss. Don't be afraid of it. If you have to, take a stick or a rolled up paper and hit it with it.

Answer 2

I have a Shiba Inu and he used to do that to me as well. The best way to be a good leader to your puppy is through the control of resources and positive reinforcement techniques. I have tried the harsher techniques (aversive based) and they did not work well for my Shiba Inu. They just made him more aggressive.

Here are some things that may help:

1. Always put a drag lead on her. Use a light lead, and clip off the loop at the end so it doesn't catch on anything. Make sure to use a flat collar and not a training collar. When you dog does something inappropriate, non-mark her (ack, ack) and stop her. For example if she jumps on you, turn away; if she gets on the furniture, use the lead to get her down,

2. Time-out. If your dog continues with her bad behavior after you have told her to stop, then say "time-out" and remove her to a time-out area (a safe but boring room, e.g. laundry room). Leave her in there for a couple of minutes and let her out. If she starts up again, non-mark her (ack, ack), and say time-out and put her back in time-out. This time lengthen the duration to about 10-15 minutes. Note that if your dog stops the bad behavior, make sure to praise her a lot and give her good treats. Keep this up and your dog will learn that certain behaviors get her rewards while others get her into a boring room with nothing to do.

3. NILIF program. A great way to establish yourself as leader is through the control of resources. Don't give anything to your dog (including pets and affection) unless she does something for you first. For example ask her for a "sit" before you give her food, toys, or freedom.

4. Obedience training. Try and do some obedience training sessions everyday. It is great that you have planned ahead and are going to a puppy class soon. Practice with her for short sessions (10-15 minutes) every day. This will help establish you as a leader, improve your bond with your dog, exercise your dog's mind, and give you good tools that you can use to help control her in the house.

Answer 3

Yes the info in your book is correct. They can be sassy at 17 weeks. Your case is a bit different in that you have one of the smartest breeds around. It is very common for a pup to “Challenge” the alpha. This is normal and a good sign of your pups mental health. What you need to do is stay calm when he/she challenges or nips and let him know that you’re “above” him and that kind of action. I know this may sound strange but staging calm, but being very stern and confident with him will give him the correct symbols. A Collie is a very intelligent dog so you need to prepare yourself for the challenges that will come. Challenging your position will be more common with this breed than some others. Just remember you are the alpha, and act that way. He/She will pick up on your confidence.