don't bother me, i'm tired!!!

I used to have one that was like that, too.  He just didn't take well to being messed with while he was sleeping.  I started clapping my hands and calling him to wake him up first, then he was more agreeable to moving.

Joyce

please define the problem much more clrealy......

The first thing that one usually does is to have a vet check the dog, especially if this is a new behavior.  Dogs that are arthritic, or are experiencing pain from hip dysplasia, Lyme disease, or even a bad tooth, can be testy.
If the vet clears the dog, then look to a behavioral issue.  Often, dogs assume leadership roles they are not entitled to, because in "doggyworld", someone has to be the leader, and if they don't perceive that you are the leader, they will assume the role. 
Don't just continue to move her with your hand and let her "practice" biting you - what you allow you are teaching her is ok.
I would snap a leash on, and gently guide her off the couch/bed and reward her as you say "off".  Also, I would initiate some positive, but NILIF training.  There's a great little book, "How to Be the Leader of the Pack and Have Your Dog Love You For It."  by Patricia McConnell.  Most dogs can benefit from the benevolent leadership techniques you will find there.
Has your dog been to a class lately? It's never too late for a refresher, so that she learns to earn her privileges.

Thanks Anne,


No, she has just been to the vet for her check-up and she is good in that respect, it's definally not physical. This behavior has started ever since she has gotten spayed (which was over a year ago or so). the temper has worsen and that is what concerns me. I think it's just because she doesn't want to be bothered while sleeping, who deosn't? but, i want her to still know that i am the dominant one even if she is tired and cranky!

I havn't taken her to classes lately because this only occurs when she is tired! is it because when we spayed her, she thinks the pain came from moving her? I think it's dominance, hmmmm....

please define the problem much more clrealy......

Why does she do this? my cocker, Maddie, always gets really aggressive when she is laying down or sleeping. For example, if you want to move her and you touch her she snaps. what can i do to prevent this, it HURTS[X(]!!!!!!

[align=right]









like snapping at me and biting my hand when i try to move her or signal her to come to bed!

I don't think you need to remind a sleeping dog of your dominance. [] She is probably just getting her bearings as she awakes and may not even realize who is poking at her in that moment of waking up. I would follow Joyce's advice and give the dog some kind of auditory wake-up before trying to move her.

I'm a big believer that dogs should have their own "safe place" in the house where no one bothers them. It's not uncommon for dogs to want to "den up" when they're overtired, cranky, sick, hurt, or just looking for some alone time, and I think it's healthy to give them such a space that's entirely theirs. This is one of the things crates are good for.

You might want to put out a crate or designate an area under the table out of the way that would be the dog's "safe place." That way the dog understands that if she wants some peace and quiet, this is the place she can go, and no one will bother her there. OTOH, when she's not in her "safe place," she's fair game for being touched or moved.

Generally, dogs who have a "safe escape" place figure out that this is where they should go if they're cranky or overtired or just want to be left alone for a bit. I'd create this spot for her, then when she looks like she's getting into that mode, move her there and let her relax in peace. Teach her that this is where she should go to be alone. Soon enough, she'll get the idea.

In the meanwhile, I'd take away all furniture privileges until this is worked out. Snap a leash on so you're not in nipping distance, but don't let this behavior go on, because the lesson she's learning from this is that she's in charge, which is not okay.

A verbal wake up is okay if the dog is out cold and you don't want to startle her, but don't let her hijack your furniture, or your house.

Jan

My dog use to do this too but he didn't need to be sleeping, just relaxed or resting and he would growl at you if you went by him.  That went away once we go serious with NILIF and worked out the bowl garding issues - which by the way were both related to him not finding us to be consistant leaders.

You might want to put out a crate or designate an area under the table out of the way that would be the dog's "safe place." That way the dog understands that if she wants some peace and quiet, this is the place she can go, and no one will bother her there. OTOH, when she's not in her "safe place," she's fair game for being touched or moved.

She does have a crate that she could use but she would much rather sit on the sofa, spoiled little brat! I don't mean to bother her, but when it's time for bed, i'm not going to let her get away with that, i am the leader! (or so i try to think so)

Forgot to mention that the "teasing with treat" method has been working wonders! Sometimes i just call her and she gets up w/o a problem! She just doesn't like me touching her when she first gets up, brat!

This is a method I've tried to a Mal we're fostering right now, Sirius-
 
We took a target stick and did small ttouch* (read The Tellington Touch, by Linda Tellington Jones) circles all over his body when he was laying down. Then I'd praise him and give him treats. I did that until the growling stopped. When it stopped I did it with my hands and repeated it all over again.
 
Now I can gently kick him and poke and prod him with out problems.
 
 
Haleigh