12month old pup that nips and barks - 2008-06-13

Question

My pup Toby is a Smithfield. I think I have let him think of me as a playmate more than mum. He nips at me and barks especially when I am lying in bed. (I work shift work so my hubby often leaves him in bedroom with as he sometimes. He is well housetrained since 10 weeks old and sits to let me know he needs to go out, but if I am not up and at it he jumps up on me. He is still jumping on people when he meets them. The other thing is he tends not to come quickly when off the lead. Thanks in advance

Answer

Think of this like a boy coming into the puberty age. He has worked out that he gets the attention he wants, when he nips and barks – and when he is awake, Toby thinks you should be too…… He tries and runs the place – and until you make a change to that and show the leadership he needs, a lot of the things you describe will not change (why would he?). Jumping up is also attention seeking, like the rest of the behaviour as he thinks visitors should greet him before they greet you. Recommend that you become the pack leader and show the leadership this dog needs. There are some great books to help you with this, or get some professional assistance.