Too big for his britches

Thanks everyone for the advice. We did really well starting off with NILIF, but I think with focusing on agility, and now trying to keep Bentley "happy"--I've forgotten that he isn't a kid, he's a dog, and he still needs reminding that we are in charge. Giving him free cookies doesn't necessarily make him happy (though temporarily I suppose it might).

We went out and got the Gentle Leader tonight. I can tell I'm a huge softie and need to work on it because I felt HORRIBLE when he fought against it. He really is a very calm dog in the house (unless he hears a dog on TV), and it was so out of character for him to buck like he did. It didn't take him long to relax, which was good, but I was pretty upset for a minute or so.

Tomorrow maybe we'll try taking him out for a walk with it. I don't want to push him too hard, though.
 
Try slipping the gentle leader on while he is eating his dinner - just to get used to the feel while he is distracted, its easier then when they wear them on walks.

Could it also be a seasonal thing? Looking back I realise Spring is a lousy time for my dogs too. They turn into monsters by the end of winter (and our winters arent as cold as in Nth America) and then there is something about the odd spring weather. Deska is not much older than Bentley and he goes through these annoying phases too and he only started to settle after he turned 3. I think the male dogs dont mature as fast as the girls.

More than not being a kid, he is a young adult now. I have found it makes a difference when I switched to treating my dogs as adults rather than pups (although I do transgress with Tully sometimes because so is just so little and cute). Less treats (although I still praise) for doing the right thing and more gentle punishment for doing the wrong thing.

Dont worry too much, we all go through these periods
 
Update...and not a good one.

Tonight we went to this outdoor bar/restaurant on the water since the weather was so nice.

Lexi had a great time, and it was a great experience for her as EVERYONE wanted to stop and pet the mini-collies (kids and adults alike).

Bentley, in typical Bentley fashion, barked a bit at first and then calmed down. Even after a particularly boisterous lab puppy (therapy dog in training) barked in his face multiple times, he did calm down and lose interest.

However, as we were paying, a big chocolate lab came up behind Bentley and startled him. He whipped his head around and actually snapped at the lab! They sort of "got into it". I wouldn't say it was a fight, but it was that snapping and snarling thing that dogs do. I was mortified. As soon as I could react I pulled Bentley away, but I felt really bad. He has never shown any kind of real aggression before. I feel like this behavior is unacceptable, but I'm not sure what to do about it.

Any suggestions?
 
I wouldnt worry to much - given it was a puppy he snapped at. Was the puppy six months or older - that's often the age adult dogs will start reprimanding young dogs for bad behaviour. And yes snapping and growling is usually how they do it. Deska actually pins young dogs down when he is telling them off - I was horrified at first until it was pointed out by the vet/behav this was usual behaviour. They dont hurt the pup, its just a stern rebuke. However, if the pup was young it is inappropriate and you may need to keep a tight line on him when around pups.
 
I agree with Caro, and you mentioned that the Lab was big, so I'm guessing he was probably big (old) enough to know better.

NILIF is the way to go. Phebe has been on a serious NILIF regimen for the about 10 days now and the difference is like night and day. Don't feel bad about making him work for everything. You're giving him an opportunity to show you what a smart and good dog he is. Hugs to you. {{{Ashley}}}
 
Thanks for the reassurance. Yes, the puppy appeared to be older than 6 months. Still had that young lab look, but definitely not full grown. I'm happy to hear that it might have been semi-normal behavior...I think it just scared me and I was really embarrassed, too.

And Phebe, thanks for the reassurance about NILIF. It's harder than I anticipated. I didn't realize all the "free" things he was getting before I started to think about it.
 
Ashley, My Maggie and Katie would of reacted the same way. I think sheltie's don't like being startled! NILF will work, we had to do that with Katie when she was a puppy and I am trying to have Zak sit for everything. I agree with what Phebe and Caro said about it.
 
corbinam said:
Thanks for the reassurance. Yes, the puppy appeared to be older than 6 months. Still had that young lab look, but definitely not full grown. I'm happy to hear that it might have been semi-normal behavior...I think it just scared me and I was really embarrassed, too.

And Phebe, thanks for the reassurance about NILIF. It's harder than I anticipated. I didn't realize all the "free" things he was getting before I started to think about it.
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If something big and hairy came up to me from behind and startled me, I'd snap, too!! :eek2: Sometimes a new or crowded situation builds stress as the times passes. Maybe Bentley had one nerve left, and the lab got on it. :lol:
 
*Caro said:
I wouldnt worry to much - given it was a puppy he snapped at. Was the puppy six months or older - that's often the age adult dogs will start reprimanding young dogs for bad behaviour. And yes snapping and growling is usually how they do it. Deska actually pins young dogs down when he is telling them off - I was horrified at first until it was pointed out by the vet/behav this was usual behaviour. They dont hurt the pup, its just a stern rebuke. However, if the pup was young it is inappropriate and you may need to keep a tight line on him when around pups.
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Toffee is a horror like that too, with puppies.
I re-direct and click and praise/treat when he says hello friendly. I usually don't stick around TOO long to test Toffee's patience.. usually it is ALWAYS a hyper lab puppy/young dog OR a super hyper one who just isn't polite when meeting other dogs...
 
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