I have a 1 year old yellow Lab, she is extremely hard to train as of now. When I scold her, she barks at me and when I try and discipline her, she runs away wagging her tail and barking at me. She is very disrespectful and disobedient. She steals food off the counters and out of my toddler's hands. When I try to scold her or give her a smack, she runs from me wagging her tail and barking, like it's a joke. I would like some advise before I buy a shock collar as guidance. Has anyone had this type of difficulties with a dog of this age? Any advise would be very helpful because I'm stressing so bad with her right now.
You must establish yourself as the leader or else your dog will assume that he is the leader. When she steals food crate her. She will learn that she gets more attention and love when she does the right thing. I would keep food off the counters for now.
Your dog isn't taking you seriously. I'd suggest one or two sessions with a trainer to see where your body language and voice aren't telling her you're serious.
If she is a house dog, crate her when she acts up. It may take a shock collar. I am about to use on a German Shepherd we have. If you don't get it corrected soon, she will never stop. She thinks she is the alpha. When you are eating or preparing food, crate her. When she acts up, crate her.
I am not sure where you live, but if you have 4H in your area, and your dog is up to date on her shots and is not a biter, you may try calling your extension office and see if a kid in the dog project wants to train your dog as their fair project.
I'd just like to point out that crating a dog when she acts up is not recommended.
