I've had my nine month old husky, Suzie, for about two months now. She was spayed four weeks ago. Until her surgery, things were going great. She was learning sit, heel, stay, down etc. She was learning not to jump when greeting people. And for the most part, she stopped nipping at our hands.

Since her surgery, however, her behavior has really regressed. She bites constantly (more than simple nipping). She insists on always putting her paw above my hand whenever its anywhere near her (which really feels like a dominance move). And she always jumps all over every person she sees.

Before the surgery, she responded very well to corrections. For example, when she would nip we would gently close her mouth with our hands, and she would stop biting. Or if we were on a walk and she tried jumping, she would stop after a quick leash correction. Now however, if we even try to correct any behavior, she starts trying to bit us.

It's getting very tiring. And because she's not responding to corrections, I don't know how to curb her behavior (other than giving her treats when she does things "right," but that only works if she actually behaves correctly in the first place). I'm just worried about that fact that her behavior has regressed so badly. Does anyone else have any experience with behavior regressing significantly post-spay? Or suggestions on how to work with her when she won't respond to usual corrections?

Exercise isn't the issue (she walks 4ish miles a day).

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum!! Not to make you think your thread is not important, I did want to mention that there is a similar discussion with a lot of helpful advice titled My dog is getting REALLY AGRESSIVE what can I do? HELP!! Please feel free to chime in and perhaps you can get some useful help as well.

Renee

I think, perhaps, you are entering the "teenage" stage - there is lots on here about managing this most challenging husky period - think back to your own adolescence

As for jumping on people - until she gets over this, I would just keep her on short leash around people or when people are coming into the house. Also, make sure that some people aren't encouraging her - my husband and son find Ami's kisses and ear nibbles adorable- but kisses are preceded by him standing on his hind legs and putting his paws on their shoulders

Also - huskies are quite mouthy - at times it seems to be my boy's primary mode of communicating...is her biting really aggressive (as in broken skin) or more a means of engaging you? Search "mouthing" and "teenage huskies" Keep in mind, she doesn't speak English and she has no opposable thumbs - she has to make do with her mouth and paws...

Welcome - and congrats on your new lady! Any pictures?