Replies

I'll ping and then read through again and answer...

First question... When the puppy has been 'playing' (ie "being a pest") and the older dog has gotten on her case in the past, have you interfered? Or have you let her plotz him without punishment, or coddling of the pup?

Second question... Do you respect the pecking order, or do you conflict with it? When there is a dominant dog, it's vital that you honor the pecking order. Feed her first, pet her first, and give her more attention than the other dog (at least while she's looking) It's easy to be tempted to pick up and coo over the pup, but it sends both of them a mixed message and prolongs and elevates the conflict if you don't honor the pecking order.

Those are my first two questions...

And here's the ping to everyone else..

Ping!

Other articles with keyword "DOGGIEPING" since 12/29/04

First question:

When we first got the puppy he would pretty much have his way with her with nipping and trying to stand on her and the like. My wife and I didn't interfere and I was hoping she'd give him a good wop but that never happened.

She would just play bite back and this would go on for a while. That's been the story up until last month. These attacks never happen when they're already fighting.

It's like this, we're watching TV, the female is on one side, the male puppy on the other. One of us makes a move to pet the male puppy or he slightly shifts his weight and she attacks, literally launching her self at him. Everything goes pretty fast after that. One of us probably says "No Saffron!" (her name) or something like that when it happens.

We never interfered when they were tumbling around on each other biting and chasing each other. But I guess I'm afraid this new behavior is too violent.

Second question:

I guess together we might of been doting on the puppy more. The female is kind of a daddy's girl and prefers to spend time around me. And I'm sure I give her more attention. But during the day when I'm at work my wife might be giving the puppy more attention because, well.., he's a cute little puppy. She also feeds them and I'm not sure how she orders them.

So I guess the wife and I need to be better about respecting the female's status?