My 9-month-old pup keeps backing away whenever I want to pick her up, even though she's whining for attention. I have to resort to all sorts of tactics just to manage to get hold of her.
But the moment she's in my arms, she falls fast asleep.
Translated from French
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Hi,
My 8-month-old poodle won't listen to me and doesn't come when he's called. Now, he’s also gone off his food and won't eat anything.
What should I do?
Thanks.
Your dog needs to understand that he’s the submissive one and you’re the pack leader, so you’re the one who calls the shots. Once that’s established, things should be better all round. Have a good evening.
Hi, my dog used to do exactly the same; he would back away or move forward, and I tried approaching from the side or the back, but he just wouldn’t have it. I mentioned it to my vet and, since she’s also a behaviourist, she told me that he shouldn't be the one calling the shots. If he comes over for attention, he mustn't be allowed on your lap without permission. It’s not for him to decide the time or the place for a cuddle. I tried it out and pushed him back several times—alternating a bit, obviously, as you shouldn’t always say no—and he’s finally understood. Now he lets me pick him up with no trouble at all; he yaps to ask for a stroke but doesn't climb onto my lap without an "OK". Give it a go, you never know, it might work for you too. It certainly worked wonders with my Miniature Pinscher. Hope this helps!
You shouldn't just 'pick up' a dog, and they shouldn't be carried around either. Your girl sounds like she has a lovely temperament; she'll come and sit on your lap when she’s good and ready.
Dogs often find it quite intimidating when you approach them head-on. Have you tried approaching her from the side instead when you want to go in for a cuddle?
