Hello everyone. I have a 16 week old black lab and slowly over the past few days she has been acting strangely to me, not coming when I call, not wanting to do anything during training time.

Then suddenly this morning, when I let her out of her crate, she just walked past me and into the living room. No greeting.

I took her outside for the usual walk, and then she wouldn't go near her food I put out for her. So I left her alone for a few minutes to let her eat...which she didn't. And then she came into the other room where I was. When I got up, she ran frantically around the room. I assumed she wanted to play. But she started growling at me and jumping at me biting my hands, when she knows biting is not allowed. Is she just trying to be defiant?

Its making me very frustrated with her.

What could be the cause of this very sudden and strange behavior?

Maybe shes not feeling well - sore tummy or the like ?
Or could she possibly be teething and it is causing her pain? Babies usually get a bit grouchy at that time ...
Just a thought? :)

Just may be you are being a bit hard on your pup and it needs a bit more play time and time out with you, some times we are so intent on training that we for get they need other kinds of training to come and sit by us and have time just being loved gently touching slow and softly, are you training with titbits?

Sounds to me like she may have just 'found her feet' and is starting to go through a 'little madam' stage. I know it is difficult when you have put a lot into her training, but just igore her, or if she gets over excited and starts nipping you, pop her back in her cage for a 'cool out' period.

Try not to fuss her when she demands attention, but let her walk away and then call her to you for a fuss.

Trust me, they do come out of it, but sometimes go back again at around 9 months when you think all your training has completely gone out the window. It hasn't.

Hope this helps
Sandra

Just wondered if you have been following a rank reduction programme with her, as this can make some dogs depressed.

She may be tired/playing/feeling ill - it could be any of those. If she isn't keen on training, do you make training a good experience for her? At 16 weeks and not wanting to train at all sounds strange. Do you punish her when she get something wrong? As that could make her confused and depressed and not want to eat, and also ignore you and play "silly" due to uncertainty.

If it continues do take her to the vet for a checkup. Any SUDDEN behaviour change (ie literally overnight) can be due to a medical problem. obviously over a few days too. I can understand people thinking she is being silly or over excited, maybe, but i would consider the fact that she is off her food.

Can't really give any more info without seeing what is happening, body language etc.

Lindsay

What do you mean by a rank reduction programme? Not too sure I understand.

Oooh! That was a quick reply LOL.

Rank reduction - can be lax or strict, but basically ignore the dog when it comes to you unless you call it, dog not allowed to eat first or sleep on beds etc....i doubt if you are, as if you were, you would know it :)

Some people use a "nothing in life is free" as an alternative; it is not so strict :) Both are behaviour/training programmes.

Hth
Lindsay