Dog To Dog Correction

[01kismet]

I didn't think to post here before, it was suggested to me and hopefully someone can help

I'm having a problem at the moment and am after some advice

Firstly (I posted this in the general discussion area too) I hope I'm being slight paranoid here so please bear with me. We have a nearly 9yr old desexed male shepherd x and a 9 wk old pure breed shepherd. Just now the older dog had a bit of a go at the pup. Basically the pups been acting boisterous all day, I think Ken's getting a little jack of her. She arrived Thursday night, at first he avoided her and ran when she came close, today it progressed to him growling when she was biting his ear and trying to steel the toys out of his mouth, he still move away from her and we removed her too.

At one stage she grabbed his toy and tried to pull it out of his mouth and he pinned her down and growled (kept the toy in his mouth so no biting) but about 5 minutes ago she did something and he pinned her down and bit her ear, about 3 or 4 times (no shaking her but a few bites) she screamed blue murder and I pulled him off (he did not resist) I popped him outside, checked her ear (wet no blood) popped her in her crate (she's now resting) and let him back in.

Now do you think this was correction or slight dangerous? They are never left alone together, but as above it took me about 5 seconds to get round the table and remove him and I'm not sure if its just him teaching her manners or if they need a more structured introduction. Also I'm not sure if I acted the right way in removing him then letting back in.

Sorry haven't done this for a long time and I'm not sure if he should of just pinned her or what?

[Kelpie-i]

01kismet, in most cases, older dogs are the puppy's best trainers.

Most of the unruly and rude puppies (who then grow up to be rude and obnoxious adults) are those who don't have an older dog at home to occassionally show them some manners.

Sounds like your older dog did have jack of your puppy and merely told him like it is. It is very obvious this was a disicplinary action. If it were a serious attack, there would have been puncture wounds and blood. Great bite inhibition displayed by your older dog!!

If possible, do not separate and just allow your older dog to discipline....but always use caution and PLEASE separate immediately if you think it may be escalating.

Also, YOU as leader must take responsibility in controlling the pup as well. Don't let it get to the point where your older dog needs to step in each time.

Edited April 5, 2009 by Kelpie-i

[01kismet]

Thanks they are back together now, both in with us, and the pups much more reserved and polite. Both still wagging tails and sniffing but no jumping and biting at this stage. I think I'll just let it go for now and if/as soon as he starts growling again will remove her to her crate. I'll post a photo just 'cause its cute and you'd think butter wouldn't melt in their mouth (mean while I'll try not to have a heart attack at their antics.)

I love the new girl, who can resist a pup but my old boy is magnificent he is just so good with us and the kids.

[Erny]

If there's more growling as a result of your pup being a little s#$t (as they can be ) towards your older dog and you think it will escalate to more than just your older dog putting pup in his place (I love it when they do that well), then I'd be inclined to put puppy in his crate or pen to give your older dog a break, rather than the other way around. Not punishment for your pup, mind. Just more of a 'settle down'.

ETA: Your puppy looks such a little cutey .... and cheeky . Your older dog looks very good for his age. He's a shep x ? I don't see any shep in him, but then some crosses can look nothing like what one would expect from a mix breed mating. Doesn't matter - he sounds like he's a lovely dog and I agree with Kelpie-i ..... if he was doing more than just chastising, you would have seen blood. Ears puncture very easily (and bleed like there's no tomorrow) so it sounds to me as though your boy has great bite inhibition.

Edited April 5, 2009 by Erny