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« on: February 20, 2007, 03:32:42 pm »
Hi there! I have an 8 month old newfie puppy, Lucy, that started being a total brat last week. She's entering her teenage stage and started to challenge my authority. I knew I needed to nip in quickly and regain control so I talked to a trainer that gave me some great advice and we will be starting private classes in March. But basically it was the same stuff as has already been said - make her work for what she wants - sit before food, sit before attention, sit before leaving her crate etc. Some of it I was already doing but now I'm doing it even more. I'm putting her in extended downstays and not just petting her everytime I see her. So far it's been working really great. As for the biting, she was never very "mouthy" but whenever she did put mouth on me, I'd yipe really loudly so she knew she was "hurting" me (even if it didn't hurt). She would immediately take her mouth of me and look away. So maybe you could try that?
Oh, and the exercise that has been mentioned is huge too. When Lucy hasn't had her regular exercise she's such a pain in the tookus! Drives me nuts.
SOrry this is so long, I just wanted you to know you aren't alone with a teen newfie in the house! I hope you get your mellow newfie boy back soon!