[susant80]

I have a Schnauzer/Australian Shep mix that is so protective of me that she lunges, jumps and nips at children and other animals when I pick them up. I stop and tell her no and try to remain between her and the child or animal but she does it everytime. Has anyone encountered and/or have training tips? I don't have any children but have a lot of childrenin my family. Thanks in advance!

Susan

[lange]

You can tell a dog "no" but if there's nothing serious behind that "no" it means nothing. You do have to mean it. They know when you're serious. And you have to be 100% sure your emotions are relaying the exact same message. Otherwise your dog will not likely listen no matter what you say.

Does your dog always listen to you or just when it wants to listen? These are telling signs. A dog either respects your authority or it doesn't. If you have a dog that just doesn't see you as the authority then you have to work with her all the time and not just when you are holding something. Otherwise nothing will change.

If it's only happening when you're only holding something then firmly tell her, "no" and tell her to go lay down and stay. You can walk into/towards her while you do this to teach her you mean business. If after awhile it still doesn't work then leash her and practice taking her to her place until she listens. If you're still having problems you'll need professional help to teach out how to train her. Good luck.

BTW I tend to think you're not being serious enough with your dog. The fact that you think your dog is being protective is probably causing you to think on emotion. If my dog did that I wouldn't think it was protecting me because I don't think that's a sign of protection. I would think it was being a BULLY to whoever I was holding and not respecting me. It's a totally different personal aspects there...

[susant80]

Thanks for the feedback...she does listen to me otherwise. She sits and stays and comes when told. She knows "quiet" when she is barking at something she doesn't need to. She's a well trained dog and does respect me, she just gets protective (or maybe possessive) when I try to pick up a child or another animal (cat or dog). I will practice with her more with my other dog (an italian greyhound mix...easy to pick up) and the cats and hopefully she will learn. I was hoping there was something someone else had used for this exact behavior, but making her sit/stay before I attempt to pick up a child or animal may be the way to go (instead of picking up the child and THEN telling her no).

Thanks again!