Is it ever too late to train?

Hi Elaine
This is quite a common obsessive behaviour. Here are a few suggestions:

Since you have already tried ignoring the behaviour and blocking and redirecting her brain with food, it sounds like the intensity of the behaviour has quickly escalated to a point where neither eye contact, body language nor sound will snap her out of it. The behaviour now needs to be addressed and you need to match her intensity, but calmly. Use a physical touch to block the brain's behaviour. Just a light touch to the neck or hip area with your fingers should snap her out of it and get her attention. Or you can use a leash for the same reason. Then send her back to a place of your choice using only your body language and command. Try to ensure that your energy always remains calm and relaxed, yet stern. She will believe you if she sees that you are serious. Set up an invisible barrier a few feet away from the television and always ensure that she stays behind it. She will quickly learn her boundary with the TV and give it full respect. When she next throws herself at the TV correct her and send her back behind the invisible barrier. You can ask her to sit or lie down if you like, it will help her relax quicker. Instruct her to stay there and wait as long as you have to until she relaxes. Even if you have to stand there for 5 minutes, it is important that you wait until she relaxes before going back to your seat or leaving the room. She needs to submit to you and the television! Remember to always stay calm and relaxed throughout, keep your shoulders back and your head up high.

You essentially need to claim the television for yourself. At the moment she is claiming it for herself by jumping all over it. Once you claim it for yourself, then she will respect the television as yours and leave it alone. Any time you see her begin to fixate on the television and you sense her about to pounce on it, correct her at that moment with a sharp sound and your assertive energy. Catch it in the bud before her intensity level escalates. Practice by turning on and off the TV several times a day to challenge her. Correct her until the obsessive behaviour disappears, which will be in no time at all.Hope this helps good luck with it
Mark
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Edited by Peter Banks - 15 March 2011 at 11:47pm