Quote:
Originally Posted by TerryH  I can try ignoring him because he does hate that! When he does bad things I will say bad and he knows and his ears go down. When he's growling or showing his teeth that doesn't work. He just growls more! |
I would skip telling him that he is bad when he misbehaves. Go with ignore. Withdrawing attention is very powerful.
For instance, when Max continues barking after being told "quiet," I leave the room and ignore him. He can't follow when I go to the other side of the baby gates.
If my boys fight while playing and do not heed the warning to settle down, I get up and walk away.
When you get up from the couch and have to move your pup, make sure you give him a little warning. Talk to him kindly. Maybe pet him or scratch his chest, whatever he likes, then place him in his own doggy bed. Maybe that way he won't be so fussy about losing his comfy place on your lap.
I strongly believe in positive reinforcement training, with the ignoring being the only "negative." I've gotten much better results with my boys this way, and they are strong males.
Just remember that changes may not happen overnight. Be patient. Good luck!