aggressive type barking

[foxjazz]

In the evening when I am watching tv before bed, our doodle will sometimes have barking fits toward me. I am sure there is a reason, but I can't figure out why. She does this for 5 or 10 minutes ( I keep her leashed in the living room otherwise she gets into things like trash or cat-food).

So I will go in the kitchen for a slow drink, come back and she seems fine.

What should I do, showing aggression back only escalates her attitude (kinda like play) but I think it's something else. She is 6.4 months old.

[TobyDoodle]

Originally Posted by foxjazz

In the evening when I am watching tv before bed, our doodle will sometimes have barking fits toward me. I am sure there is a reason, but I can't figure out why. She does this for 5 or 10 minutes ( I keep her leashed in the living room otherwise she gets into things like trash or cat-food).

So I will go in the kitchen for a slow drink, come back and she seems fine.

What should I do, showing aggression back only escalates her attitude (kinda like play) but I think it's something else. She is 6.4 months old.

Our Labradoodle is just about 2 weeks past 6 months and exhibits similar behavior on certain occasions. I believe it is his attempt to dominate when he wants attention. It does not need to be for play or play time - which is when it happens sometimes too. Sometimes when one of us is on the telephone for a while he will bark very loud and almost aggressive as well - sort of like a "hey - pay attention to me not that thing you are talking to.

Not a clear answer - hope it is helpful to know you are not alone.

[CharlieBear's Mom]

Charlie will start to obsessively bark towards us when he wants to play or it is dinner time.....I think he can tell time better than we can. My husband unfortunately thought it was cute when it started but now it has moved beyond annoying. Now we are having to backtrack and retrain for this.....it's hard to ignore the behavior (as it is so annoying & LOUD) but we are trying to ignore it so he learns that we don't respond when he acts like that.....it's like training a toddler....Me...Me...Me! sigh.....we're trying to feed him before the barking starts, etc....so we can head the behavior off before it starts....good luck!

[lindamarie]

In a nutshell....this has to stop.
These are pups looking for attention and trying to be the alpha.

Who is at the other end of the leash? You or your doodle?

It's kind of like going back to the barking, whining pup in the crate. Remember? We don't let the out of the crate when they are fussing, barking or whining. We wait for them to settle...then take them out.

We use the word "ENOUGH" when Bogart starts barking too long at a person walking by or another dog he sees from the window. Verrrrrrry annoying.
I'm not sure if I can explain how to do this, but here goes.
During the time the barking/aggression is going on, distract the pup with a treat and say GOOD BOY/GIRL! Then walk away.
I know......it sounds like the pup is being rewarded for bad behavior doesn't it?
In essence, what you are doing, is you are first distracting and then praising. After awhile, the anticipation of the treat will be there and hopefully the barking will stop.

Next, these pups need to know who is alpha.
They must be told to lie down and stay.
Also, we use the word PLACE where we trained Bogart to go to his little mat, shut up and stay!
This may sound advanced, I know......but you MUST start doing this now and let the pup know they cannot get away with this.
Use words of orders with a low grrrrowl. The praise in a high pitched voice.
Be the mama dog! Mama's know how to grrrrrowl and get that pup to mind. You must learn to do the same.

[foxjazz]

Thanks for the info, she did it again, but milder.

I will make crate time tonight when she barks.
And show her the place command, she has a little pad she goes to when treated.

[lindamarie]

OOOOOOPS!
I may not have been clear on something. Don't use the crate as a punishment. The crate is suppose to be a place the dogs go to for security and where they like to be. If used for correction, they don't identify it as a safe haven.
You said you have a pad for treats? Use the pad for PLACE too.

Are things getting better in the last couple of days?

[MaxandMe]

Know what? i did what i was taught in OB training

this was 30min lie downs every single night for what felt like ages but it works and teaches a dog who's alpha and more.

you may feel silly doing it the 1st few times or so as you might even have to sit on the floor partially holding your pupppy or keeping a hand on the shoulder but even if your dog wiggles say for 20min that's fine they'll get the hang of it

i did it with 3 doodle puppies at one time, i'd put on the TV and they werent' allowed to play ...i mean nothing. i'd ignore eventually being able to possibly help.

what your doodle is doing is like others said: get your attention and also be the boss, yet puppies and small kids------kinda the same if you ask me hhahhaaaaaaa totally normal in that they push buttons to learn what they can and can't do.