Why is my puppy's behavior so inconsistent? Is it a training issue?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In my experience these situations will become worse if not handled correctly. I recommend taking Rosie to your vet to discuss behavior training. There is a lot you and your family can do to prevent it getting worse but you may need to talk with a specialist. Your vet can help you find someone in your area but I recommend setting this up soon. Good luck and kisses to Rosie!

Your best option is to work with a professional trainer. Some puppies are harder to manage than others and the trainer can provide not only guidance but also teach you techniques for how to get Bailey to act the way you want her too. These behaviors are not unusual for a puppy but training does need to begin ASAP and remain consistent. You must also make sure to meet all of Bailey’s exercise and mental stimulation needs or her behavior is not likely to improve. Reading about behavior and training will also be beneficial. Stick with trainers who utilize positive reinforcement techniques. There is a trainer named Victoria Stilwell who has written several books and I recommend to read them. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! A lot of this is puppy behavior and jumping is the hardest bad habit to break. It sounds like you need more professional help if you have tried training her and this is where you are at. I recommend a private trainer than can work one on one with you and Bella. A group class setting will not get you where you need to be. I applaud you for trying to fix this now at such a young age. I can't tell you the countless numbers of animals I see where the owners think this behavior is okay. Once her vaccines are up to date consider doggie day care a few times a week as an outlet for her energy. https://www.petcoach.co/article/puppy-biting-nipping-of-hands/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/jumping-up-on-people/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/basic-dog-puppy-training-rules/ I wish you the best!

I am afraid that unless Murphy is properly assessed and trained, he is a bomb waiting to go off and very likely will hurt someone. I suggest you make an appointment with your vet to have him examined in order to rule out any physical or health reasons that feed his aggression. Then get a recommendation for a veterinary behavior specialist (or you can find one here: https://www.dacvb.org/ ) and have Murphy assessed and then the behaviorist will work with you to alleviate the aggression, and the urinating issue (which is likely a dominance issue). It is best to deal with this while he is a puppy.

Poor Bella. This may be behavioral or there may be something going on causing her to have accidents. I would first want to rule out any medical issues. I would have your vet take a look at her and check her fecal for parasites including giardia and campylobacter as these can cause a loose stool and even just an increased urgency to go to the bathroom. I would also have them check a urinalysis to ensure she doesn't have a urinary tract infection (UTI), UTIs commonly causing them to have accidents in the house. If everything is normal, I would start back at basics with training. I personally like to crate train dogs because I feel like it works the best. I will attach more info below. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-crate-train-your-puppy-or-older-dog/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-tips-to-potty-train-your-dog-young-and-old/

It sounds like Gizmo could benefit from both some basic obedience classes, and talking with a trainer or animal behaviorist in person, especially if his behavior is worsening or not improving with home-training. This can help increase his social skills in a structured and supervised setting and may help with overall confidence, greeting people, leash walking, and manners. If he is also having accidents in the house suddenly, or has had a sudden change in behavior, ruling out any health issues is a good step as well to make sure there isn't an infection or other underlying problem that could be causing the changes.

Fear and aggression are both often due to underlying fear and/or anxiety. Working with a trainer will help you learn how to correct behaviors in a way that doesn't exacerbate anxiety or fear. It may be helpful to discuss anti-anxiety medication with your veterinarian as well. What you are describing is not normal, but working with behavior modification techniques and possibly with medication could be very helpful. Best of luck with him. https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-myths-about-dog-aggression/ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/aggression