My new dog pulls away when I try to pet her head. What should I do?

If she's just shying away from head petting, that's not a hopeless case. Most dogs are not very comfortable with someone reaching for the top of their head, and it could just be she isn't used to it, or related to some pain such as teething, as you suggested. A good thing new people meeting her can do is to bend down and either offer their hand for sniffing, or offer her a treat, and then to gently pet under her chin instead if she'll accept that. You can also have new people meeting her offering a treat and let her approach first, and then praise and treat if she accepts petting without shying away. If she becomes too fearful or stressed, stopping all petting and giving her a chance to relax before trying again can help. Group classes are useful for socialization with other pets and people in a structured environment, so even if it doesn't address the specific issue, it can help with overall social behavior. I'd just keep up with positive reinforcement training, having new people approach her slowly, and praising and treating when she shows interest in them, without pushing her to interact if she becomes stressed or fearful.

Hi there. Dogs don't try to be "dominant" over their owners - this a myth, so no need to worry about this :) Humping behavior is usually related to frustration, excitement, or over-arousal. I would simply ask distract Leo with a toy, or ask him to do some other behavior he knows (such as sit), and reward when he does what you ask. Many dogs don't like to be patted on the head, as this is not something that dogs would normally do with each other and a hand coming over their head can be seen as scary or threatening. If he doesn't like to be patted on the head at certain times, then just avoid doing this. You can pet him on the chest or under the chin instead if he likes this better :)

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. He may just be scared and needs time to get used to people petting him on the head. I would associate treats with being pet on the head so that he enjoys it rather than fears it. I hope this helps!

A lot of dogs don't like the head harness to start, but over time they may become used to it. Try putting it on at home and distracting her with treats. Let her wear just the Halti not attached to the leash when you are at home and can watch her and she can get used to feeling it on her head. You could also try a gentle leader harness where the leash clips to the front of the harness by the chest. When they pull their balance is pulled off to the side. https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=33614&cmpid=sc Continue with obedience training. It takes time and lots of practice to teach a dog to walk without pulling!

Remember that, while you thought about this dog and bringing her into your home, all she knows is that one day she was Here, and the next day she was THERE, with no warning or explanation. She is confused and frightened. Try letting her come to you when she's ready, instead of approaching her. Don't pet her for the time being. Just be a calm and stable presence i her life. Understand, too, that dogs have no idea what a "name" is, other than a familiar word that usually has something to do with her. Yes, there are things you can do to help her adjust to her new surroundings, but this is not a "one or two sentence" answer. If you would like me to work with you on it, just click on the prompt ot initiate a consult.

If Lily does this with growling and ears back, stop petting her immediately. Do not pay her any attention until she relaxes. Begin to make her "work" for everything. This can be as simple as sitting before going outside, before eating and before playing. Do not allow her to initiate contact. It must be done when you want. Do not allow her on furniture or bedding. Provide a bed for her on the floor. All these actions will teach her what her place is in the home. You must be firm and consistent. Praise and reward good behavior, correct negative behavior immediately. Of course, it may also be a benign reflex because you are scratching her "itchy spot". It all depends on her behavior while she exhibiting the lip curl.

Dogs are actually very uncomfortable by being hugged and snuggled, and if Maddie doesn't want to snuggle with you, I would not force her to do it. You can encourage her to lie next to you with treats and affection, and she may feel comfortable enough to put her head in your lap. Praise her if she does that, and you can give her treats for that behavior as well, which will reinforce her to do this again. You can also allow her to sleep on your bed with you if you'd like.