I have found myself seduced by jethro's improvements and found myself lulled into a false sense of security. He let's me know when I am giving him too much leeway by acting pushy. I would not let him initiate pets until he was sitting calmly in front of me with soft eyes. I use calming signals to get him to switch off unwanted attention, works like a charm.

I can relate with those moments, like coming in from a walk, when jethro would be at the window barking as I was taking off my jacket. I have started reorienting with him when we come in the house. Usually I have dropped his leash as I unlock and open the door. He is in a sit, waiting to come in. I give him the okay and he moves past me into the house. I step on his leash once he is inside and that forces him to turn his attention back to me. I click and treat the eye contact and gesture sit. He sits and waits while I get my outdoor gear sorted out and take off his coolar and leash. I put on his indoor leash, and then he is free to explore the house before I ask him to settle. It is really helping because now he isn't trotting into the house like he is lord of the manor.

 Quote: Lauren Jeffery

the roommate seems to be completely incapable of doing any of the very simple things I ask of her in regards to the dog.

Lauren, we hear a lot about what this roommate does wrong. I could also go on and on about what my husband does wrong. Seems him and my young one are in a constant battle for prime real estate in the house. I walk in the room and everyone settles down. The dogs respect me because I ask them to. Him, not so much.

I’ve harped on him about certain actions but refuse to belabor the point. Dogs know the difference. They are very in tune with pack structure, who calls the shots and who’s a push over. Not everyone can be a leader. This is very apparent in the dog world as well as in human nature.

When Bob does take a more serious, leadership role (generally when he’s frustrated about a certain behavior that is a fall out of his interactions with them) my words start to sink in. When I catch him doing something right, anything… I let him know how proud it makes me that he’s such a great leader to our boys. He is a primary caregiver and for the most part, we are completely in tune. If he wants to let a few things slide, he knows the repercussions. It’s his choice in how he wants to interact and find enjoyment with our pack.

I would grab the small stuff with your roommate - when you notice her ignoring the dog, when she’s closing doors - stuff that’s helping you. Ask her for some input, what are her ideas on things you could do. Let her know how much you appreciate her leadership and how great it is to have her as a roommate. How someone else may not be as helpful as she is.

I know it’s like grabbing at straws with some folks but it’s a full understanding of the baby steps that leads to permanent change. Plus we just tend to hear things better when we think our actions and input are appreciated.

With the pushing down on your hands, I notice stuff like this when they are seeking more intense attention. I always turn it around and drive the actions. This is a great time to work on those things that they may not like so much.

You’ve got their full attention and they want yours. Up and down the hallway with a focused heel, food refusal, get my slippers, etc. Five minutes of attention (provided they’ve been adequately exercised) and they generally settle down nicely.

I don't want them pushing and poking at me, so it's my job to either show them a new behavior in it's place or what kind of reaction their behavior will generate in me - a few minutes of some more complicated obedience generally does the trick with my guys.

I get what your saying CJ, and I have tried exactly what you are saying. Ill keep at it, maybe it will get better, maybe not.

My reason for starting this thread was not to gripe about my roommate. I have realized all I can do is the best I can in regards to the dog. If she continues to reinforce bad beahvior in the rare moments that they are alone together, there isn't much more I can do about it. The constant management is exahusting, but its my only option for now.

Thank you for answering my question about the head pushing. Thats really all I wanted to know. I will try your advice.

LOL...so Lauren, are you saying we got off on a tangent? Sorry about that!

I do not allow pushy requests for petting...usually I just send them off with a "go lay down" which means get out of my business, mutt and they all know it. I love CJ's idea about transforming it into a training opportunity.

haha..

Its cool. Its always a big topic around here that other people will screw up your dog if you let them. Its hard enough dealing with strangers who get in your space, nevermind the people who live in your space. I understand why people would focus on that part of the post.

Maybe I wasnt clear enough explaining the situation in my OP. The thing is that I have noticed that when the pup gets pushy with roomie, its not long before she gets a little pushy with me. If I let it slip she becomes a major PITA before I know it.

It ain't easy living with three bitches in one house