[Vivianne]

I’ve heard not to use this method for correction, but even though Madison has been in continuous education since 4 months of age (started in puppy classes and is now in advanced obedience) she still tries to push her limits with us.

It’s the typical adolescence behavior I’ve been reading about on the forum lately. I’m not the only one, so those threads have helped. She’s on a leash every minute she’s out of her crate, I put her in the crate for time-out periods, she gets no petting and correction when she mouths us, (sit stay or down stay).

She responds to all of this very well, but five minutes go by and bang she’s at it again. I’m sure it’s an age thing (she’s 8 months).

So when I was almost wishing I hadn’t got her in the first place (temporary insanity I call it) I grabbed an empty water bottle and put a few pennies in. While she was on the couch, a big no-no, I rattled this thing, told her off and she was perfect angel for longer than usual.

Should I use this or not? Our trainer told us not to, but this was during puppy classes. Is there a difference now that she’s older? Our classes are once a week, so I can’t discuss this with her till next week. Please point me in the right direction.