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I have a 4 month old Alaskan Malamute something mix. I've had him since he was 10 weeks old and absolutely love him. However, in the past few weeks, he's started to develop "bad" habits that need to be fixed, and I'm having an extremely tough time with him. A little bit of background, he's pretty much with me 24/7. I'm always outside in the barn and so is he. He's great with other dogs, horses, cats, people, etc. He's been with me pretty much all of the time since the day I brought him home. However, when I'm not home, and can't take him with me, I do put him in a crate (bad habit #1: chewing on the house). He does fairly well when he's in the crate, except for whining like crazy when he first goes in (bad habit #2: crying obsessively when left alone for any period of time, in a room, his crate, the car, anywhere...). He follows me around, which is wonderful! However, he recently discovered squirrels and has decided that they are much more important than wherever I am going (bad habit #3: running off and ignoring me when I call him), he always comes back, but I don't like the fact that he ignores me. Also, when he sees people, being an attention loving dog, he gets very excited and will often start barking and dancing around, but typically right into the individual's leg and then rolls over on their feet. This only bothers me because he fails to listen to me when he gets in this mindset. I'd like to identify the problem, what would cause him to do that. I never ignore him and I encourage him to be quiet each time I see him. I understand his excitement, but it needs to be toned down. The other people in my household sometimes ignore him when he's happy to see them, and I feel that this is making the problem worse and not better because he only becomes more desperate.
I'm looking for advice on how to help fix these habits. I don't really feel that they are a huge deal (perhaps normal puppy behavior, even?), I just don't want them to grow into something bigger. I've considered taking him to obedience class, but for the most part, other than what I've outlined above, he listens well (sit, stay, come [typically], no, etc).
I highly recommend Patricia McConnell's book "The Other End of the Leash". She is an animal behaviorist and I learned a few new things in just the first 2 chapters. I got a used copy from Amazon.com but I am sure a library could also get a copy. He needs to obey you.
If you want him to come when called.. have good treats ready to give him when he does come to you after being called. He is still a puppy so he is still learning.
Yup, definitely get yourself a copy of The Other End of the Leash. I'd also always keep him on a long lead so when he ignores you, you can reel him in without having to chase him down. He will lean he MUST respond every time you call him with no exceptions.
The book can help, however he is still a puppy and this behavior is quite normal.
Keeping him on a leash for short walks can help as you are in control and he can assimilate a word or sound to an action.He will get used to that eventually.I don't think he is ignoring you in any way,he is a puppy and is only thinking about playing and exploring.
He needs a bit time,that's it.
Having your dog around 24/7 is teaching him to be dependent -- and opening the door to separation anxiety. There are lot's of training books out there to help you deal with that -- start now. It's late, but late is better than never.
Dog training has to start from day ONE. It has to seem like a game to your dog, so make it fun. If I were in your situation, I would start this game like hide and seek. Put him in a down stay, go "hide", and then after counting to ten, call him to you. Do this several times a day, for longer and longer intervals.
If you didn't yet teach him "down" or "stay" or "come" you have some catching up to do. Don't worry. Keep at it. You will get there.
BTW -- the training play never stops. Make it fun for both of you.
Having your dog around 24/7 is teaching him to be dependent -- and opening the door to separation anxiety. There are lot's of training books out there to help you deal with that -- start now. It's late, but late is better than never.
I used to think it was cute when our pup followed me everywhere until he developed separation anxiety. We've worked through it with the help of our trainer and now when he follows me (which he does much less now) I tell him firmly to "Go On" and make him go the other way. He's not even allowed to be in the kitchen the same time as me unless I invite him. And for the time being, he cannot even choose to sleep near my feet if I'm on the couch...I am always the one in charge of his access to me. Sounds harsh, but it has helped us SO much!
Try feeding him in his crate, it'll help him come to like it more. Also get a kong and freeze it w/ lowfat plain yogurt, lowfat peanutbutter or cheesewhiz mixed w/ his kibble, it'll keep him busy working at getting to the food.
He's young still and has a lot of learning yet to do, all dogs get distracted easy. Train him in 15 min. short sessions and end on a happy positive note. Treats help too.
Never had a Husky but I understand that they are very food and toy motivated. I'd start wearing a fanny pack with both and training as you go along during the day. Get him to come randomly for no reason when he is not distracted often during the day, reward. A reliable come can be very hard for some breeds and Huskies are one. You have to practice practice practice. Same with sit - for when he's greeting people.
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