- Jan 12, 2010
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If you've ruled out all physical problems, (she's 18 wk .. could it be pano (growing pains)? mostly hits large dogs).. It's mental and sounds like she's either being insecure or posessive of you and don't want the other dogs around. (mom has 2 mps and they are mental train wrecks, bark at everything... it's bad!!). She is just a puppy though....
#1.. no matter whats wrong with her - stop coddleing her! Do not pick her up and hold her when she crys out! I'd observe her behavior as much as you can, not what happened before during and after crying. What does she do if you pick her up vs not.. ... she'll figure out if she acts like a nut case, she'll get the attention she wants. Ignore her except for walking, eating and bathroom time, you should be the one to introduce play time and everything else. Switching the food could cause stomach upset, you may want to mix it together for a few days and transition back to her regular food. And put her back in the crate if you originally kept her in one.
My moms min pin got sick from an immual issue. The dog was not getting better dispite the vets efforts. My parents had to leave on a trip so I watched the dog for a week. The vet said she knew the dog would get better with me because I didn't coddle her... and she did. My parents wouldn't even let the dog walk around. My point is that if you make a big deal about the dog being sick it will affect them... if the dog figures out he can get what he wants by faking it... he will!
#2.. if you haven't done any obedience with her you should start (I know alot of people dont think little dogs need it, but they do). Make her earn her food, potty breaks etc. Keep her off the furniture, bed, lap etc. You may think you're alpha now, but it sounds like she may win the head games!
Make sure she's getting enough excersize! (even at 18 wks you can start teaching ob, but no corrections)
I really hope the dog is ok and she's just playing head games... I'm confident you'll win!
Sorry I typed this thinking you said 18 months old, not weeks. I made some corrections but some would apply more to an older pup.
#1.. no matter whats wrong with her - stop coddleing her! Do not pick her up and hold her when she crys out! I'd observe her behavior as much as you can, not what happened before during and after crying. What does she do if you pick her up vs not.. ... she'll figure out if she acts like a nut case, she'll get the attention she wants. Ignore her except for walking, eating and bathroom time, you should be the one to introduce play time and everything else. Switching the food could cause stomach upset, you may want to mix it together for a few days and transition back to her regular food. And put her back in the crate if you originally kept her in one.
My moms min pin got sick from an immual issue. The dog was not getting better dispite the vets efforts. My parents had to leave on a trip so I watched the dog for a week. The vet said she knew the dog would get better with me because I didn't coddle her... and she did. My parents wouldn't even let the dog walk around. My point is that if you make a big deal about the dog being sick it will affect them... if the dog figures out he can get what he wants by faking it... he will!
#2.. if you haven't done any obedience with her you should start (I know alot of people dont think little dogs need it, but they do). Make her earn her food, potty breaks etc. Keep her off the furniture, bed, lap etc. You may think you're alpha now, but it sounds like she may win the head games!
I really hope the dog is ok and she's just playing head games... I'm confident you'll win!
Sorry I typed this thinking you said 18 months old, not weeks. I made some corrections but some would apply more to an older pup.
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