positive-training.htm

Sandy,

I can't take it anymore. I have a 12 week old pomeranian female that is a cujo. I got her at 7 weeks old and

after one week with us and the other 3 dogs I have the devils child. She started out growling and tugging

at our pants legs and biting our feet. Now she growls and bites when we pick her up, when she's in your

arms, anytime. The only time she is nice is in the morning when we let her out of her crate or when we come

home. I'm not talking a puppy playing and biting I'm talking mean mean. If my husband didn't just get layed off

I would take her to puppy school but right now all I can do is get books and internet advice. I have tried positive

training, trying to distract her when she is growling with toys, with giving kisses instead, and it doesn't stop. I

have tried ignoring her and she doesn't care she just goes and bullies one of the other dogs. I have tried non

positive training and it has made it worse. I put her on her back and held her til she calmed down, I tap her in

the mouth and tell her no. All these methods have done is made her meaner. In the summer I will have kids in

and out of my house and the last thing I need is a vicious dog. My 12 year old had a sleep over and the kids

couldn't even play with her, she is only 12 weeks old and kids can't touch her. I'm afraid if I don't get this to stop

I'll have to get rid of her and I really hate the thought of that.

P.S I love your web site with all the advice. It is nice to see someone giving advice without saying money please.

If I had the money now I would be paying.

Lisa

Hello Lisa,

The Pomeranian Cujo? The devil's child? Come, come, Lisa....get a grip. I'm sure that the whole problem is
simply a breakdown in communication.

The reason I only offer individual in-home training is because each dog has a different temperament. It appears that your little
angel isn't really a candidate for "positive training". The treats and kisses work with many dogs. However, it sounds like all that sissy stuff is just pissing your little girl off.

A big mistake people make is thinking that little dogs can't be stubborn, dominant and just plain "mean". It sounds like your
Pom would make most Rottweilers seem like shrinking violets. So forget about all the "new age" dog training that pollutes the
internet and prepare to break the little beast of her bad disposition.

First, stop trying to pick her up, cuddle and make nice. Your dog probably views you as a silly puppy that needs to be put in
your place with a good nip. Ignore her except for feeding and exercise. Get yourself a prong collar and a leash. Unless your
dog is in her crate, have her wear it. If she shows any aggression toward humans or other dogs, pick up the leash and give her
a good yank She will think you bit her. This is what her mother did when she was a little puppy. Your dog will finally understand what you mean.

Repeat as necessary and you will rapidly see a miraculous improvement in her disposition.

As she starts to show improvement, you should follow up with obedience training. Teach her to walk on a leash at a heel and the down command. These will be the most helpful commands to let her know her place in your home. Over time and very gradually you can start to show her more affection. For now however, you must show her that she has a strong leader that demands she obey your rules and guidelines. Both you and little "Cujo" will be much happier.

Good Luck!