by: Karen

Hello Leslie

Having personally raised 3 Pomeranians over the past 10 years, I have seen the same types of aggressive behavior that you’re describing with Ruby. What helped me tremendously was obedience training. Back to that in a moment but anyways, your Pom is showing signs of being a dominant type. This will probably never change entirely because it’s in her DNA but you are going to have to teach her to control it.

You might not want to hear this but your husband was on the right track and you actually should resume the training exercise that he recommended. You and your husband need to assume the role of pack leaders. Right now it appears as if Ruby is trying to take over that role or she might think she already has.

Since she’s only 9 months old, she is still watching your every move and seeing how you react to certain situations. Just as a human toddler does, she will try and press your buttons and see how far she can push you and what you will let her get away with. Believe me, I’ve experienced this with all three of my Pomeranians. When you stated that when you held her down and she reacted in a negative way and later became aggressive…This is precisely what I’ve been talking about. Her dominant side is showing itself, she want’s to do things her way and she’s letting you know this because she believes in her mind that you are lower on the totem pole than she is.

So, you must continue doing the exercise that your husband recommended. Keep doing it. Don’t back down to her. Let her know that you’re the boss. Don’t worry if she shows her teeth to you. Stay calm in your body movements and in your tone of speech. Continue doing this everytime the same situation arises. Eventually She Will get the message.

Also, as I stated earlier, try and get Ruby into an obedience training class, preferably one where you are handling her. These types of lessons will really show her who’s in command and who isn’t.

Hope this information helps you out. Let me know how things turn out or if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

Karen
Mommy of 3 Poms

by: Anonymous

Thanks, Karen, for your input. Sorry it took me so long to respond; I actually forgot about this site and the fact that I even put the question out there! Things are actually better with Ruby–she’s now a month older (10 months) and I still “bargain” too much with her, I know, and my husband still doesn’t let her get away with much at all (a good thing). She is responding so much better now to the “No” command; she seems to be more eager to please, which is probably natural since she is maturing. She is backing down quickly now, when reprimanded. For example, she loves to torment our cat (who was actually here before she was!)I think it’s more of a love/hate relationship; she really wants him to play but he’ll have no part of it, so she proceeds to jump on his back or try to go under him and flip him over, etc. Now when we tell her “no” sharply, she’ll back down. She seems to be more obedient too, when she’s “stolen” something she shouldn’t have and runs off with it. It’s still a challenge taking something away from her, but it seems to be getting better. Thanks again for your help,
LeslieL
Leslie

by: Rita Rail

The replies you have already received are very good indeed! One area that has not been addressed is the applauding of the dog when it has done well. This is most important in an animal, be it a pat on the head or a full in arms hug. They are like young children and need to be assured that they have done well. The problem with the paper etc., I have had with Kleenex tissue with a shitzu and my current two Poms. I was very angry when I saw the shredded tissue on the floor and in the dog beds. Needless to say, I scolded both of them. Crystal stopped within a short time as she is a very gentle soul and did not like to hear my loud voice in disciplinary anger. Emily!!! is a spitz fire that thinks she has no rules. Whenever I saw her with tissue, I would say her name in a strong voice and tap on the floor while asking her to bring this to me. It did not work right away because Emily is very dominant. After about a week, she began to obey bringing me the tissue as she had stopped shredding it, walking slowly towards me with her head down. I felt like an executioner. I continued the command until she came to me and put the tissue in my hand. I had won!!! Emily received a lot of hugs and petting and she and Crystal are tissue free to this day. My shitzu Lucky took them out of any opened purse if left on the floor. The same method was used on him. I have no idea why dogs want tissues. My daughters Belgian shepherd had a taste for them also. Take care. RR