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rylers Jun 14, 2007 09:09 PM

We just rescued a siberian husky from owners that gave her no attention. She is a fast learner and great 95% of the time. Others she will play bite and bark at us when she wants to be heard or petted or just attention. How do I fix this problem and well as her being possesive with bones. That is the only time she ever growls.

Replies (3)

Chelle Jun 15, 2007 11:54 AM

Since she's a fast learner, she's goign to try to train you to get up and deal with her on her schedule. Don't listen to her demands. Just stay put and ignore it. Don't even say a word or flinch. She'll get the hint fast that barking gets her nothing in return.

As for the resource guarding of bones- that can get dangerous. I teach my dogs a "leave it" command. I start small with very low value treats (typically toys) and when they respond just by looking away from an object, they get a better treat than what they had. I then slowly work up to letting them have better and better things and ask them to "leave it" and I pick the items up. 90% of the time I just pick the item up and give it back to them and give a treat for letting me do that. My dogs know that by listening ot the command to "leave it" I come into their space, investigate what they have, and they get rewarded for letting me touch what they had. No fighting, battle of wills, or keep away games. The 10% of the time I dont' return their item to them they think nothing of it because they still will get a treat from me.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Time01 Jun 16, 2007 05:57 PM

Chelle Great advice!

Leave it works here also. I started with putting the bone down and stepping on most of it. When the dog went for it I said leave it. Then I picked it up and I gave it to them. It only took a few times for this to work, they got the idea right away. It is my bone or toy until I share with them.

itobean Jun 20, 2007 07:02 PM

I completely understand where you are coming from! My little girl is a rescue and I had to teach her not to be food aggressive. After all she lived on the streets for who knows how long. But after a few weeks of consistent training and her being comfortable with us (knowing she'll always have food with us) she is absolutely perfect!

Unfortunately I don't scold her when she "talks" because I think wherever she was before she was hit when she barked or "talked". At first she never made a peep. Now she talks all the time to us and her brothers!! I love it because it is such a deep sound!! It makes me laugh so hard! And it brings joy to my heart that she feels comfortable enough with us to be herself!

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