Hi everyone!
A bit of background info- we already have a 3 yo yellow lab whom we rescued from the pound early this year, Banjo. He was microchipped to a breeder (details not current), undesexed. Unsure whether he had ever undergone training but from the start he was an ''easy'' dog- has never barked, bitten whilst playing, chewed anything etc. Very affectionate, sits on demand, plays fetch. He sleeps inside in the lounge room, is house-trained.
Months later we decided to add one more canine to the family and adopted another yellow lab from the pound, Sunny. When I met him there, I knew he would require some training as he was very excitable and jumpy. He was undesexed and wasn't registered. Despite his jumpiness and barking at other dogs, and I saw his potential, he was sweet and bright and I was smitten. He arrived at our house yesterday, and following another DOL'ers suggestions, we introduced the two dogs outside the house (on neutral territory), on leads, equal footing etc. After a good sniff, they both seemed keen to play, we didn't sense any aggression so let them into our back yard. They had a good play for an hour or so, tug-of-war with toys, chasey etc.
Sunny then began jumping on Banjo though and trying to ''hump'' him at any given opportunity. This has been going on since he arrived...poor Banjo doesn't seem impressed. I did some research and it seems likely that it's an act of dominance. How do I respond to this? Ignore and let it sort itself out? Spray bottle of water? Just a firm ''No''? Tugging his collar so that he gets off? So far I've been doing a combo of ''No!'' and tugging his collar so he gets off but would appreciate some feedback.
Because it's wet weather here, and with all their playing the dogs got really wet and muddy, I didn't bring them inside last night. We have a sheltered area outside with dog couches for sleeping on, so I kept them out. Sunny barked throughout the night, at one point I brought him inside and put him in the laundry, but the barking continued. He also chewed things outside (I brought in most stuff but he got hold of a couple of sandpit toys and chewed his food bowl.) He pulled the blanket off his couch and left it in the rain, and every time I fill up the water bowl he splashes it all out with his paws.
I really don't know where to start with him- I have spent a fair bit of time this morning using lots of postive reinforcement to get him to sit on command. He has been full throttle since he arrived but I know it'll take time for him to settle in, but I need to be firm with boundaries. He's been wagging his tail alot and ''smiling''- licking us etc, he's a lovely boy but crikey he is hard work! He pulls VERY hard on the lead- so far we only have a normal collar and lead for each dog but now I am wondering about a halti or check chain for Sunny. I am nervous about taking him for a walk- and how should I go about it? Walk one dog at a time, or get them used to walking together from the start?
I am new to this but very committed to Sunny and open to any suggestions. I think with some guidance he will come along in leaps and bounds. The incessant barking especially has gotta stop or our neighbours will report us to council. I have just read the thread on e-collars which have given me alot to think about too. Thanks in advance. Oh, both dogs are now desexed, male and aged 3 and 2 yrs.
