Quote:

Originally posted by Jordan:
The various pieces of the puzzle just didn't seem to form a coherent picture (for me). . . . I also mistakenly assumed that a female is not able - or likely? - to have rank issues} . . . . It seems that if I treat this as a limits testing issue, and pay attention for clues suggesting dominance, I cannot go wrong? I can stop playing with her, give her an unemotional correction, and/or put her in her crate as Richard suggested. Something has to give - other than my skin - and it seems this is a reasonable way to deal with this issue. The only reason I did not do something about this behavior earlier is that I was afraid it might reduce her prey drive.

Jordan, sometimes the motivation behind a behavior can seem ambiguous -- it could be this or it could be that or it could be a little of both. Sometimes it is clear as a bell -- no ambiguity whatsoever so it is easy for you to react appropriately. The best you can do is watch & use your best judgement with regards to what feelings/motivation the puppy is acting on.

Regarding rank order issues, it is my understanding (from memory now -- don't have time to look it up again) that there are two periods when rank is an issue. The first is rank order within the litter -- I believe that occurs up to about 4 months of age. The second is around puberty (physical sexual maturation) anywhere over 9 months of age about and that involves rank order within the pack -- it is the more serious one which would involve you as pack member.

There was an interesting discussion on the board about prey drive and teaching the puppy to "cap" it especially if the puppy has a very high drive and low threshold which may or may not be what your puppy is. The thread is under "Protection Dogs 8 Weeks To 6 Months/Solid Nerves or Sharpness" -- the post is by Kevin Sheldahl -- 7th post on the first page dated Oct. 23 at 4:53pm. I think it goes along in line with what Richard says and offers some good training options regarding how to deal with it productively. You might find it helpful.

 Quote:

Richard writes:
What concerns me is the level and ferocity of the attack, and the attempt to make up when mildly rebuked, but further pressed offensive when met with a normal reaction. It concerns me with dogs that may or will have dominance/rank issues later to have taught them how to be more effective in fighting with people. When the issue comes up they will use that against you.

Thank you for clarifying your concern. I agree with what you say if that is the situation. I hope my recommending that post by Kevin Sheldahl above was correct from your point of concern. I thought there was a connection. If not, I apologise for misrepresenting you again <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> -- it was not intentional.

Ellen,

I agree that Kevin's is an exellent post.

As I have said before, language is an imperfect method of communication and if what I say comes across wrong I can only clarify if I know there is a misunderstanding of my position. If misquoting was a crime Lou would have had me shot by now!!!