I love my pug pup, Annabelle, however lately she has been attacking me and wanting to play a lot, this is fine except that she tries to get my attention the wrong way by tugging at my pant legs and biting at my feet. I have tried flipping her over and scolding her and several other techniques, but nothing seems to work. Unfortunately I can't play with her anymore then I do already (3 hours of playing to be exact) I have work I need to do and can't be attacked every time I get up to get a snack or a pencil. Another bad habit to get my attentions is she keeps getting into the trash and tearing up tissues. If someone can help me curb one or more of these problems I would be most grateful

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position, Letting your dog know you are the boss

Even a top dog must be 100 % consistent, every time she tugs at your pant leg or bites you feet, something bad must happen and she must never succeed in getting petted that way. I used to use the ''roll on the back'', but as part of the current trend in dog training, I am using a sharp ''Ah, ah, ah!'' and offer a toy. I think the ''every time'' is more important than what you do.

A mousetrap is very effective in making a dog leave something alone. Most
Dogs will stay away from anywhere they were surprised by a snap. The best
Part is that it is not you that is correcting the dog. It works whether you
Are around or not. The mousetrap is very patient and is always on task as
Long as you reset it. Sometimes it works to sit it in front of the trash. I guess you could keep giving the trash a spray of Bitter Apple. I don't know if it would ever come the attraction of a dirty tissue or not.

Mostly we keep our trash where the dog can't get it. The kitchen trash goes behind the pantry door. The bathroom trash sits up on the tank. The dogs have very little access to the rest of the house. She could lose interest in it in another year or 2, but I wouldn't count on it. We are keeping a friend's 6 year old, and I caught his face in the trash when I left the pantry door open. He is a trained dog guide no less. We have him now because not even they are allowed her father in the intensive care unit.

Unfortunately my dog likes bitter apple :/, however she does not like hot peppers... maybe some chili powder will do...

I was thinking wouldn't a mousetrap be potentually dangerous to a small dog?

I checked with the dog guide school, and they assured me I could use them on their young puppies. I had one that was jumping on the sofa when others that age were still struggling with the step into the garage. If they are OK for young Lab puppies, they should be OK for adult Pugs. It is good that you are concerned enough to ask.

Thank you for your help, my only question is how do you use them without the trap snapping on her paws

Well, I have never had one have its foot caught. I am not sure exactly why.

Hmm... I might still try it but will be careful

Never mind... I can't take the risk, thanks for the advice anyway but she is a $1000 dog and a part of the family I will stick to chili powder

Anna, most dogs will attempt to get you to interact with them when they are bored. This is a good time to practice her sit and stay training. The best way that has worked for me is to completely ignore the bad behavior. They get tired of it and eventually stop. Your dog needs to learn that play time is when you initiate it, not when she does. If you can't manage to ignore her because she has nipped you and hurt you, give her a "bite correction", which is using your hand and fingers as if you are a mother dog biting her, putting enough pressure to let her know that you mean business, but not enough to hurt her. You do it quickly using your fingers, and then turn back and keep doing what you were doing. When she comes back at you, do again while pushing her away, and telling her firmly "NO". Eventually, she will get the idea and leave you alone. This is going to take a number of corrections.

You might want to consider looking into some doggy daycare options in your area. A couple of times a week is good for a dog. They need the social interaction that comes with playing with other dogs, and it will tired her out.