Hercules used to be very sweet and was even certified as a therapy dog. He started getting really cranky a couple of years ago and we thought it was because of some health issues he was having. Now thanks to Elaine, I know it's just an evil stage, LOL. It's been difficult to deal with. He doesn't bark excessively, but he's aggressive with some people and he will snap at them. The difficult thing is that he's unpredictable. Some people he's OK with, and others he is not. We just tell all new visitors not to pet him, and we watch them carefully! I do try praising him when he's good, and trying to redirect his energy into obeying sit/stay commands also. Good luck!

Henry loves to bark just to get attention. I heard on NPR one day to try banging two pot lids together. All it took was one time. Now, when he starts, I pick up the lids and he stops. Sometimes I only have to hold my hands up like I'm going to clap them and he stops. He's such a knucklehead.

and I would encourage you to continue doing just that...talk with her to keep her attention (add treats too but keep her focus on YOU)and do try to control the situation when you take her out among people. First I'd start with her after dinner when its not terribly late but it is a bit dark, and use a 3ft leash so she is very near you, to hear your footsteps and your voice, and if she reacts to anything (bird/bunny/car) you should be helping her "interpret" this thing..."its okay Lola" or "uh-uh Lola, No Barking" along with lots of "good Girl!" when she chooses to ignore something that previously would have riled her. Its not a one-week lesson, but an ongoing opportunity to build upon a dedicated Start-Up Position.

Maybe one or two sessions with a personal trainer will help you see Lola thru different eyes and learn some better ways to make use of your time with her.

ignore the bad and capture and praise the heck out of any good girl behavior. If she loves to eat, keep back 1/4 cup of her kibble and use that for treats. Keep little bowls of it around the house and in your pockets and use it often. If she's not impressed with her kibble, find something she does do flips over and use that. Tiny bites are just as satisfying in the mind of a dog as a whole big cookie.

How old is she? I doubt the surgery has anything to do with the behavior. It's probably more likely that she is maturing into that evil stage they all go through.


Didn't I tell you to adopt an old sweet rescue dog? If not, I meant to.


I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

I avoid situations that I know will grank her up, if someone knocks at the door I make sure to crate her before I answer it, I am also introducing her to a few new situations slowly, like traffic, more people, noises, ( we live in a pretty remote area) I sometimes put her on her leash and sit her with me when there are a few people over, I find she reacts to alot of noise, and commotion. but there are also moments when she loves strangers, but definately not female dogs.

LOL


I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

Do you just keep her home and accept that shes the way she is.. be careful when new people come over? It may just be lola's attitude as she gets older so I may have to think about adjusting

Sherryl, Onslow and Buttercup

or classes. You might try having her sit and start feding her treats as a stranger (to her) comes near. Keep treating her for good behavior, have the person move a little closer a little at a time and keep praising and treating good behavior.

Sherryl, Onslow and Buttercup

but good luck, sounds like my lily, but mine would eat them,