[Sarah515]

Lucy is almost 3 years old now and I had her trained beautifully when she was a puppy. I've lived at home this whole time with my parents and younger sister. I told them the rules...no table scraps, outside to potty not play, etc. Well they went against everything I had to say. After a while I just gave up as finishing grad school was too much to train my FAMILY in addition to Lucy. Lucy is my dog, I have always paid vet bills, groomers, food, etc. I am getting married next weekend and will be moving into an apartment where Lucy will be going through some major adjustments.

She currently thinks she rules the roost. She barks all day long. She will stand by the back door (which is a french door so she can see everything) and barks and jumps and they just let her out. Not to potty. My dad is actually the most guilty of this because he is always in the yard. Well when he wants her to come in he'll start with "Lucy, come inside. Lucy want a treat. LUCY GET IN THE HOUSE! LUCY! LUCY!" Drives me flipping insane! I tell him multiple times..she does not need to be in the yard that much. She has allergies and she puts everything in her mouth and it is impossible to see what she is doing at all times. My dad is home during the day because he works nights and that is how I lost control as pack leader.

She actually is much better behaved when he is not around. She is extrememly hyper and loud when he is home. The same way he is. I've heard that dogs adapt to the people that are around, so when he is home she is loud and annoying just like he is. Anytime we are eating dinner does she come beg to me? No, because she knows better. She's at his side begging and this is where he puts on the show like "what? i don't feed her!" clearly ya do, because she knows who to go to. This really gets to me because there have been 2 different times that I have had to take her to the vet because she was sick and paid hundreds of dollars all because they refuse to respect my position and follow the rules I set for MY dog.

To top it all off, they have had her sleep in their bed for almost a year! I finally gave up the battle as Lucy seemed to enjoy this. My dad gets home at like 2 am and she would jump from my bed and want out to see him. I've tried to do what is best for my dog and what would make her happy.

This whole week I have made sure she goes to bed with ME. I took her to the apartment last night to sniff around and check it out. I plan on doing this throughout the week so when we get back from the honeymoon she will be familiar with her new home. I am trying to reinforce all of the commands and tricks I've taught her through the years. I am trying to get her barking under control by getting her attention and telling her a stern "No" and then praising her when she stops. The problem with this is she runs around so I can't look her in the eye to tell her no. Just a few minutes ago I told her to come and she just looked at me and walked away!!!

Ahhhhhh. I am grateful for the fact that they have helped when I was at school and such, but I can't help but be a little resentful! Sorry for the ramble but it really has been something I've struggled with for a long time and it finally has to be resolved.

P.S. Another thing, I heard my mom telling her friend their "plan" to keep Lucy. I don't effing think so! I didn't mention anything to her but that was when I decided to be more aggressive.

Any help is greatly appreciated!