Leerburg / Ask Cindy / Categories / Obedience / My 6 month old puppy has starting running toward m...

May 18, 2011

My 6 month old puppy has starting running toward me at top speed and bounces off of me. I try a leash pop but it doesn’t help. What is this strange new behavior?

Full Question:

Cindy,

I've read all of the articles on your site and have viewed the "Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months" DVD. My puppy has been through groundwork, is crated, and is always on leash. I always make him/wait sit before we go thru doorways BUT...

Lately, he has been going wild on me when I take him out to my yard. After he does his outside potty business he will run at me at top speed and bounce off me. Sometimes he will come with mouth open and clamp on my arm (but not hard). When I try a leash pop correction this wild behavior doesn't stop. It seems like he wants to rough house play and loses it!

Then, as soon as I walk him to the door back inside he immediately calms and is submissive. What is this new outside strange behavior towards me?

Thank you,
Kelly

Cindy's Answer:

Without seeing this, it’s hard to say but it sounds like he’s just trying to instigate some play or action. Since you know when he’s going to do it, change the picture for the dog. Keep him on leash and as soon as you see his intent to approach ask him to come to you and sit for a food reward or a toy and then YOU initiate the play. Interrupt him, don’t wait until he’s already running at you to try to stop it.

If you let it continue, he’ll get pushier and pushier.

When you know what’s going to happen, then it only makes sense to take control of the situation before it even begins. Training puppies is all about managing the environment to your advantage.

Cindy Rhodes

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