Is my CC puppy testing me?

[tyson_le_corso]

Hi everyone!

Tyson, our two month old CC, is very intelligent and learns extremely fast. Since I am not working, I spend most of the day with him 5 days a week. He has always been obedient and just good in general. Now that he understands what is expected of him, I think he sometimes tries to test me and my leadership. The other day, I commanded him to "come here!", and he laid down while starring at me. Yesterday he growled at me when I was eating --something he has never done in the past. However, he has not shown this behavior with my husband, who spends less time with him but who is much firmer with Tyson and more experimented with puppies and dogs.

My question is, do you think my puppy see me as weaker as my husband? Have you experienced a similar behavior with your CC? I want to be a good leader for Tyson and establish a trusting relationship between me and him. The only explanation I have for his behavior is that when I correct him, I often yell instead of being firm.

Thanks so much!

 

[PrinceLorde13]

I don't think he's testing you as much as his boundaries if he sees you as the rule maker/enforcer then you're the one he's gonna see how much he can get away with and how consistent you are, I would look at it more as being a brat at that age then anything else. Over time and with solid consistency he will learn his boundaries, sounds like you are off to a great start since most 2month old puppies don't even have bladder control yet let alone know a series of commands. Also that young they can become easily confused of what you're asking of them, my girl would immediately sit and stay when she wasn't sure because it was the first she learned. Also if you yell it can make them nervous and much harder for them to focus and do what you're commanding

 

[musicdeb]

Yelling accomplishes nothing with a mastiff except cause them to stop listening or become afraid.

Growling can be a play growl or I'm serious growl. Titan growls when he is playing with me and when he wants me attention, it's like he's saying, "hello, pay attention to me."

He is 2 months old and he does need more training and guidance as to what you want him to do. Use a firm, stern voice when correcting. When Tyson does what you want, reward with motivational reward. Show him what you want him to do and reward.

Puppies require consistency in training with motivational reward, LOTS of patience and do not allow the pup to feel your frustration which causes him to stop listening to you.

 

[season]

How old was your dog when you got it? A reputable breeder shouldn't be allowing you to have a dog until at least 8 weeks...usually longer. There is so much they learn from their litter mates and mother. But anyway, it's too late now....It's your dog and it sounds like you are on the right track. Someone above mention the dog "being a brat." Dogs aren't born brats...they are allowed to be brats without proper leadership. Rules, boundaries and limitations. Also, no need to yell. You can be firm and calm with better results. Don't take things personal and get mad or upset. Make sure your corrections are believable. Have you thought of having your pup on a leash inside. Keeps them close when not in the crate (assuming youre using one) and makes it alot easier to make corrections if needed. I'll give u a link you can read if you want.

Just remember, a dog knows a leader when they see one. They know what you know and they know what you don't know. They'll feed off of your energy. Be calm. Be assertive and don't compromise. Never miss out on the small opportunities to lead instead of waiting for explosions. Easier to be proactive.
Leerburg Dog Training | The Ground Work to Becoming Your Puppy's Pack Leader

 

[tyson_le_corso]

Thanks everyone for your replies! We got him when he was 7 weeks old. Before that, he would always be around his parents, other litter mates, kids and even cats. I know it will take time and require lots of patience, so I am not too worried :=)