Keela has finally settled in enough that some of her quirks are beginning to show up. Hopefully, this behaviour she is exhibiting is just that - a quirk - and not a problem. She is kicking her hind legs out, like some dogs will do after going to the bathroom, except she does hers all the time, not after going to the bathroom.
For example, we were playing fetch yesterday. I was sitting on the floor throwing various toys for her and Jezebelle to chase. I don't just throw the toy, I play tug with them a little bit first, then throw it. During this play period, she kicks her hind legs out. I think it is in anticipation of me throwing the toy. When she and Jezz are playing, she'll also do this. I figure this is just part of her personality when she gets worked up. It didn't/doesn't bother me.
But what has me worried, is that I caught her in the kitchen digging at one of the cabinets. I told her uh uh, and removed her from the kitchen. I find her in there later trying to do the same thing. I tell her no again this time, but with the word 'no'. She stops, looks at me, and goes to kicking her hind legs, almost like a little kid might stomp their feet when they are having a temper tantrum. This time the behaviour concerns me.
Now, their water bowl is in the kitchen, which is why I don't have her locked out of that room. Acutally, the kitchen and living room are the only two rooms she is allowed free movement in as I can see her since we are still working on the potty training issue. Second, I have been using uh-uh, instead of 'no' to correct inappropriate behavior. I save no for when she is really going after something that might be dangerous for her, or a behaviour that needs instant stopping. This has been working good, but tonight, when I had to do the firm 'no' - I get the leg kicking almost like a challenge to me telling her not to do something.
The only other time I have noticed this behaviour, was when she was staring at the box blocking the hallway to where the cat's food and litter box are located.
I don't know if I am reading too much into the leg kicking behaviour, or whether it is just one of her weird personality traits. Has anyone else had this type of behaviour as a dominant or challenging problem?
My mom says I am having 'new mom jitter's' since I am worried that I am either letting her get away with too much because she's in a new situation or being too inhibiting in trying to teach her manners and limits.
Anyone with any thoughts on this behaviour? (She's 9 months old, and we've had her for 2 weeks come Saturday)