Anyone know what this is?

Winnie is now 17 weeks and she is an absolute treasure. However recently whilst going out on walks in the woods(off leash) we have noticed that she will suddenly jump right in front of us blocking us and starts biting our trousers and feet and looking all wild and frantic! When we try to stop her by saying "no" really firmly or pushing her away it just makes her worse. Its literally impossible to walk. At first it happened as her walk was ending so we just assumed it was because she didn't want to leave but now she does it randomly in the middle of a walk. She also does it to me sometimes when we're in the garden and I'm walking back inside, I suppose to block me from going in. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, do you have any hints on how to deal with it.

Is there anything frightening her when she does this? Is she trying to protect you?

I wouldn't push her away that will only excite her more. The "no" is fine, and then turn away from her. Don't make any eye contact and don't touch her at all. If she carries on, repeat until she stops. That way she will know that she gets no attention when she does it.

No, there is nothing frightening her. If anything, she looks very excited. Problem is its impossible to walk when she does this so should I just turn away and stand still or is that giving her what she wants?

Think she wants you to play and is just hanging off your trouser leg how she would another dog's neck. Shes just being a hyper puppy but as you said how are you supposed to walk with 10kilos of staff stuck to your leg! Also you need to try and nip this in the bid as children and non-doggy people will probably freak out if she does this to them. As Caryll said when she does it turn away from her, say no in a firm voice and stop looking at her. You might have to do it a couple of times until she gets the idea! When she does stop drop to your knees or bend down and praise her. If she gets to excited during the praise then stop again and stand up, ignoring her. She will get it eventually.

I think she has been doing it in the garden too as she wants u to stay and play and not go back inside the boring house!

thats what I think. Thanks. I will try the turning away and ignoring and brace myself for when she attacks my heels instead!

I do know what does work though, but I feel a bit silly taking it out on a walk and that is a tin with some old batteries in. When I shake it she always stops immediately!

claire wrote:I do know what does work though, but I feel a bit silly taking it out on a walk and that is a tin with some old batteries in. When I shake it she always stops immediately!

If it works then take it and don't feel silly about it!!

Nosipho wrote:I think she has been doing it in the garden too as she wants u to stay and play and not go back inside the boring house!

I'd agree with this, she likes the play outside & wants to carry on.

janey wrote:

claire wrote:I do know what does work though, but I feel a bit silly taking it out on a walk and that is a tin with some old batteries in. When I shake it she always stops immediately!

If it works then take it and don't feel silly about it!!

Absolutely!