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Teresamag · 03-08-2011, 07:34 AM

Poor Lola, she has got to be confused and upset. I don't know what her previous home was like but it's possible she got to do anything she wanted because she was ignored. Now she is in a busy household with active children. I bet she is really wondering where she fits in. In dogs it's really important for their security and happiness that they know where in the "pack" they fit in. Lola is probably trying to figure that all out - especially with the changes in her life, and she may be telling the younger kids that she is "boss" over them in the "pack" by growling.

Besides the obedience class (which is a wonderful idea) I would recommend you look up the "Nothing In Life Is Free" (NILIF) program. You can google it and find out lots of information but basically the concept is that the dog has to do something for you before they get anything they want - food, attention, walks etc. The kids have to be involved in this as well because they have to be seen as "above" Lola in the "pack". Dogs feel more secure and happy when they know where they fit into the pack and that they can rely on the "pack leader" (you) to discipline the younger "pack members" (your kids) and she doesn't have to.

Also - remember that a tired dog is a good dog. Make sure she gets plenty of exercise and it will help with the hyperness and make her less inclined to be "queen of the rule book".

After she is more comfortable in her new home then take her out in public. I would suggest going to smaller places at first (walk around the block, city park) so she isn't overwhelmed with everything. Dogs who are not used to lots of strangers or crowds and are taken to a ballpark may be overwhelmed with sights, scents, noises, etc. She may have felt worried or scared and that was why she growled at strangers. I'm sure she will love going in the future but it may just be too much for her right now. Just start out by going to places where she meets a few people and then gradually work up to larger crowds.

Good luck with your new family member and good for you for taking her in.
I'm sure with a little work she will fit right in.

Teresa

03-08-2011, 07:34 AM	#4
Teresamag YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 358	Poor Lola, she has got to be confused and upset. I don't know what her previous home was like but it's possible she got to do anything she wanted because she was ignored. Now she is in a busy household with active children. I bet she is really wondering where she fits in. In dogs it's really important for their security and happiness that they know where in the "pack" they fit in. Lola is probably trying to figure that all out - especially with the changes in her life, and she may be telling the younger kids that she is "boss" over them in the "pack" by growling. Besides the obedience class (which is a wonderful idea) I would recommend you look up the "Nothing In Life Is Free" (NILIF) program. You can google it and find out lots of information but basically the concept is that the dog has to do something for you before they get anything they want - food, attention, walks etc. The kids have to be involved in this as well because they have to be seen as "above" Lola in the "pack". Dogs feel more secure and happy when they know where they fit into the pack and that they can rely on the "pack leader" (you) to discipline the younger "pack members" (your kids) and she doesn't have to. Also - remember that a tired dog is a good dog. Make sure she gets plenty of exercise and it will help with the hyperness and make her less inclined to be "queen of the rule book". After she is more comfortable in her new home then take her out in public. I would suggest going to smaller places at first (walk around the block, city park) so she isn't overwhelmed with everything. Dogs who are not used to lots of strangers or crowds and are taken to a ballpark may be overwhelmed with sights, scents, noises, etc. She may have felt worried or scared and that was why she growled at strangers. I'm sure she will love going in the future but it may just be too much for her right now. Just start out by going to places where she meets a few people and then gradually work up to larger crowds. Good luck with your new family member and good for you for taking her in. I'm sure with a little work she will fit right in. Teresa Last edited by Teresamag; 03-08-2011 at 07:38 AM.