Aggression Problems With My Dog

    • Bronze

    Aggression Problems With My Dog

    I currently own a Saint bernard boxer mix whom is 10 months old.

    Her name is Sophia. She has some serious problems I think I may have caused my babying her. So first off Sophia is very food/toy agressive towards cats, not humans though. She also will nip when being taking off a couch by someone. She lunges growls and barks when she wants something. Mind you this dog was socialized alot as a puppy and has correct training a she has been to puppy class any such. Any tips ? 

    • Gold Top Dog

     http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

    • Gold Top Dog

     I agree with Jennie. NILF (Nothing In Life is Free) wold be the way to go.

    Sophiasmommy1988

    I think I may have caused my babying her.

    It sounds like little Sophie has become top dog in your house. I know it is really easy to spoil puppies. They are just sooooo darn cute! But actually dogs prefer to follow humans not lead them. They like to KNOW what the rules are instead of guessing or making them up as they go. They like structure, routine. They thrive on predictability in their lives. So as much as you think you are supporting her 'wants' you are in fact putting a lot of pressure on her. It is important that you decide what is acceptable behaviour and what is not and enforce those rules. Be consistent. It is much easier to train a new behaviour than it is to stop an existing behaviour.  

    Sophiasmommy1988

     She also will nip when being taking off a couch by someone.

    If she is nipping then she does not belong on the couch. If she is getting up uninvited you should have her drag a leash to aid in removing her for your own safety. 

     There are lots of members here who will have some excellent advice for you. I am glad you recognize the problems you describe as it is important to address them early as it sounds like you will have a pretty big dog soon. I would love to see some pictures! Welcome to the forum!

    • Gold Top Dog

    I agree with the NIFL program. It does WONDERS!

    Also. If she is nipping when being removed from the couch, I would not let her up there at all. Nipping, in my house, is not exceptable behavior.

    As far as the cats go, I would feed them seperately. My dog has mild food aggression with other animals (has gotten a LOT better) but I still feed all animal seperately. I would not want to leave something up to chance, I would rather prevent the problem before it starts.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Ditto to Erica's reply.....great advice!