Change in Behaviour - ? Dominance

Hi, I have a beautiful 8 month old Airedale who has had a change in temperament. She has started chewing window sills, garden hoses and me! And anything else she can get her paws on. When she is doing this she starts to growl. I can distract her with a toy for a while and then she will come back to chew on me. She is walked daily, and during the week spends most of her time between 9 - 5 by herself or with the cat. Weekends she tends to come most places with me and behaves wonderfully. Not sure what I have done wrong?? Any ideas gratefully received.

Thanks

Helen

Comments

Aidan's picture

Not dominance and you've

Not dominance and you've done nothing wrong (well, nothing bad anyway).

She is just at an age where this sort of behavior can start to manifest. A daily walk if probably not enough, she will require more mental challenges and I strongly suggest you start clicker training. Taking up an agility class, or flyball (or anything really!) will really help her. Nosework is excellent, check out this link:
http://positivepetzine.com/tracking_nosework

When she chews on you, follow this plan:
http://positivepetzine.com/puppy_biting

... whatever you do, don't distract her with a toy unless she has already stopped chewing on you. My guess is that you have probably reinforced chewing on you because it makes fun things happen.

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com