Dog Goes Crazy When Not Crated

Question:

Well our dog is a big girl. 60lbs. As of her last visit. But my problem is she wants to growl at my daughter from time to time. My daughter is 35yrs. old and likes to play hard with my Penny, that is my (dog's) name. She is my baby, I have always had her around other people, and family. She is a great protector. But my daughter has always talked me in to krating her when others come into the house, I have had four dogs in my life and never have I did this.

I feel the way my daughter plays with my penny, and the putting her in the krate, is what is making her the way she is. She will go nuts when people come to the house now, and I must put her in this krate when they come. I beleave she will be ok with others if I just hold her till the visitors come, and then let her go, I had my son-in-law's niece come, I never put her away, and she was great with her, just wanted to play with her, and smell her a little. Can you tell me what i should do? I can not afford a trainer. I am on SSI. Please can you help me.. martha drisch.. sorry for my spelling I am dyslexic...

Answer:

Martha,
Your spelling is just fine! On the other hand, it sounds like your dog needs a little work!

You should start by walking her every day around your neighborhood. This establishes you as dominant and helps relieve some of her energy. Teaching her tricks (making her work for a reward) can also accomplish the same thing. As long as your dog is not biting other people, you can use behavior modification to gradually shape her behavior. You can start by having someone over, just one person at a time at first. Reward her if she does not "go nuts". If she starts the unwanted behavior, crate her immediately. Gradually work her up to more people, rewarding the good behavior and punishing the bad as SOON as it occurs.

Do not allow your daughter to play rough with her if this seems to make the aggressive behavior worse. It sounds like the behavior may be escalating and you need to get a handle on it ASAP! Any large pet store in your area, such as the one mentioned in your bio should have some fairly inexpensive group training classes that you could take her to that may solve the problem and keep someone from eventually getting hurt.

I wish you all the luck in your endeavors!
Sara F. Jennen DVM