5 month old - is he testing me ?

stephbeau444

My dog just turned 5 months old and the past 2 days he has been so grumpy. We allowed him on our couch and he sleeps in our bed. But since yesterday, once he's comfortable on the couch and we go to pet him, he growls and twice he's "air snapped". I kept a lead on him and forced him off the couch right away and disciplined him. He sat facing the wall for about 5 min without moving, I know he knows he did something bad. But he did it again today, and more than once. My husband and I decided he does not get to sit on the couch anymore, and he will be sleeping in his crate at the bedside from now on. I love cuddling with him and waking up to his kisses, but i feel that he thinks he is the King of the house. AM I RIGHT ?

How do I correct this ? Sometimes if we go to pick him up, he growls and his ears go flat and its more of an angry growl. 

We have had trouble with him food guarding since we got him at 8 weeks old. Tried everything, from positive reinforcement to leaving a pinch collar on him and when he was aggressive we corrected him ( I only did that once ). But we can at least go near him and pet his back and he doesn't growl. We DARE not touch the bowl or he will snap. So we decided to just let him eat in peace, petting occasionally, but letting him finish his food, in the 30 seconds it takes. WE also decided to not give him "bully sticks" or toys that he feels are "high quality".

What am I doing wrong? I just want to raise a good dog. 

I've been using a prong collar the past 2 weeks because he was pulling me with his harness and at times refusing to walk. He heels right beside me on the left side, sits at every corner when I ask. And I have been making him sit before he enters the house. And I walk in before him. 

Any advice is appreciated. I dont want him to get worse. Do puppies go through a stage where they are just so disobedient?

Marx

Start hand feeding every meal, sit with his food bowl in your lap, wait for eye contact then let him eat a small amount out of your palm and keep repeating with eye contact before every hand full. This worked like a charm with our last Bully, may take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks but you will see a big difference in your little guy.

In my opinion the prong collar isn't necessary, a gentle leader or haltie head harness type collar will give you control of your walks with minimal physical exertion. If he's still being a mule or trying to rub the collar off just ignore the antics, eyes front and walk at a slow but steady pace, the antics won't last long in my experience. I also use a training collar (chain collar) as a back up in conjunction with the gentle leader just in case.

In time once your little guy learns he's not king of the castle you will be able to invite him back on the couch and back into your bed too. Bullys are petulant little puppies longer than other breeds but will get with the program eventually with enough time and repetition, all your efforts will be rewarded having a great companion with loads of personality and a heart of gold.

Djammy

@stephbeau444

They definitely go through a "rascal phase", testing and challenging, who's the boss and also checking out how much of a vote they have in daily business.

They need to now exactly where they stand in the household and who makes the rules. That's why they first "question" it. Once they get to the point of accepting leadership and authority, they will start watching you in order to find out how to make you happy.

Fixed routines and scheduled living does not only help humans, but also dogs. Once they've settled, they will start to develop the most lovely routines and your consistent routines help them to feel more secure in life.

Marx already gave you great advice, especially with the hand feeding. Also you are doing the right thing, not tolerating aggression and dominance - every time! Rest assured that, if you keep up with this now, just as Marx already said, there will come the time when you can invite your little rascal back on bed and couch without worries and dominance issues. Just be consistent and patient for now ... you will be rewarded with a devoted and loving companion later.