| Re: Concerned about first heat.
I agree with what many of the others have said previously. I don't think this has anything to do with her being in season. All of my girls have been in season, one even pregnant for three litters and I have never experienced what you are describing.....in fact quite to the contrary my girls in season are probably what would best be described as more sucky or cuddly and more demanding of attention.
It would be a REALLY cold day somewhere before one of my girls would THINK of taking a bite at me merely because she's in season or for any other petty reason......
I agree with Gina this has come down to a lack of leadership & training. My best guess is that your girl has gotten away with several smaller things that might not seem like a big deal but they have been small victories for her and now that she's entered her "teens" she is being a rebellious little beast. I would go back to the basics with her....NILIF...and make her work for absolutely EVERYTHING. And definitely get her into training before her behavior escalates.
I get a chuckle out of the big fad with Cesar Milan and his training but the absolute one thing that I will unequivocably agree with him about is that YOU need the proper mindset......set your mind that YOU are going to take your girl for a walk, be very matter of fact about getting your outdoor attire on, pulling on your shoes, calling her over to you and making her SIT, WAIT, and snapping on the leash and off you go. In absence of a competent leader the dog WILL do its own thing. Set your mind that you are taking her for a walk and make it happen....and watch for the tiny warning signs that your girl is thinking about doing something. A lot of people say the dog just bit unprovoked....I don't agree....I think there are a million small signs that we miss unless we are actively looking for them. If your girl stiffens or hackles, or begins to curl a lip....correct THEN before the behavior escalates into a nip.
Heather Peters  |