Debbie, how are you/they defining "aggression?" I have to wonder whether
the puppy's owners are inexperienced with dogs and/or ignorant of normal
dog behavior. Your brief description sounds like *perfectly normal* PLAY!!
She's probably trying to entice the owner into a game of tug-of-war. Her
"acting out" is probably a combination of growling, holding the toy (or
other object) tightly between her jaws, and running away. This is normal!
And if this is what it is, I would be *a lot* more concerned that the
owners regard this as "problem behavior." (They might need a little
training themselves...) I think many if not most Cavaliers (especially
young ones!) have a huge appetite for play, including -- importantly --
*interactive* play, i.e., it's not enough to assume that a dog will (or
should be) be satisfied simply playing by itself.
Also, have you investigated *when and why* they try to take a *toy* away
from her?? If they want to clean the house, for instance, they can either
distract the dog with another object she can play with, or they can simply
do something else and pick up the toy after she's gotten bored and left it.
A final thought re training: "Leave it" or "Drop it" are commands that can
be trained; for this as well as much else, clicker-training is highly
recommended. HOWEVER, I think before someone attempts to train any dog they
should be knowledgeable about normal canine behavior, instincts, and
communication. This will prevent misdiagnosing "problems" -- and prevent
the possibility of misunderstanding and/or inadvertently mistreating a dog
who's simply being a normal dog.
Alida
> Hi List,
>
> I'm writing to ask your help with some training tips. A young female
> Cavalier (8 mos.) seems to have developed a problem behavior with her
owners.
> She will growl and show aggression when they try to take something away
from
> her. It may be a toy or something else, but when they go to take it away
she
> will act out.
>
> If you have any experience or tips on how to change this behavior, please
let
> me hear from you.
>
> Thank you,
> Debbie Dame
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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