Who is in charge....

    • Gold Top Dog

    Who is in charge....

    Our 8 month old GSD mix, Minsk doesn't have any major behavioral issues, but after giving it a bit of thought it became clear that he thinks he is the Alfa.  Its nothing very overt, but the symptoms are clear; terrible recall outside the house, darting all over the dog park and very rambunctious play, marking the outside lounge cushions where we sit, trying to answer the door first when guests come over and not listening to his stay commands in these situations etc.  Anyways, we decided that Minsk is a clear candidate for NILF.  My question is this:  he seems a little bumped out.  He has started sitting further away from us, become a bit more stubborn on his basic commands, sitting on our feet, yawning like he is stressed out.  It is a bit of a change for him, as we got lax and started giving him lots of rubs, kisses, belly rubs all day and now we probably seem more distant.  Do pups, fight the NILF thing at first?  When I make him sit at the door and wait for an "ok" before running out he gets a little bratty and gives a little huff like its a huge bother.  This new NILF regime has only been for a few days, but it seems like it has started a test of wills that I thought we had already past a few months back.  Is this normal?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Minsk sounds like a totally typical adolescent dog to me. Great time to take a refresher (or beginner) obedience class.
    • Gold Top Dog
    ORIGINAL: minsk99

    Our 8 month old GSD mix, Minsk doesn't have any major behavioral issues, but after giving it a bit of thought it became clear that he thinks he is the Alfa.  Its nothing very overt, but the symptoms are clear; terrible recall outside the house, darting all over the dog park and very rambunctious play, marking the outside lounge cushions where we sit, trying to answer the door first when guests come over and not listening to his stay commands in these situations etc.  Anyways, we decided that Minsk is a clear candidate for NILF.  My question is this:  he seems a little bumped out.  He has started sitting further away from us, become a bit more stubborn on his basic commands, sitting on our feet, yawning like he is stressed out.  It is a bit of a change for him, as we got lax and started giving him lots of rubs, kisses, belly rubs all day and now we probably seem more distant.  Do pups, fight the NILF thing at first?  When I make him sit at the door and wait for an "ok" before running out he gets a little bratty and gives a little huff like its a huge bother.  This new NILF regime has only been for a few days, but it seems like it has started a test of wills that I thought we had already past a few months back.  Is this normal?

     
    To me it doesn't sound like he was trying to be "alpha," rather he is beginning adolescence.  If you are following strict NILIF protocol then you're doing the right thing.  He will probably keep trying your patience and resolve on and off for a few more months (until he's 2 or so) and then realize "Hey it's good to listen." 
    • Gold Top Dog
    He is showing dominates for sure, marking furntiure, sitting on your feet and he is a adolesant as well.  I don't think that he is bummed out, he is trying to understand what you want from him, you are the leader now.  NILIF will teach your dog to respect you.  Continue with the program and do not enthusiastically pet him unless it as a reward for good behavior and not from your guilt.  Your on the right tract and you won't believe how much and how proud you will be of your dog using this method.  Don't feel guilty he dosen't mind, he actually like it when your in charge of his decisions.