Alfie&Maya Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Hi I have two 9 weeks old husky. they have been good, do what puppies do. however, recently they start fighting each other. not really over food or toy... just by looking at each other,growl, then fight.... what should I do when they start? should I try to separate them? but how? When I firstly got them the boy is the outgoing one and the girl is timid and fearful one. After I took them to puppy school, the girl came out of her shell become very naughty. Now from what I observe it is her starting the fight. the boy is backing off... btw, they are litter mates. I am really worried that if I dont stop this problem now, it will become worse when they grow up.... Could someone please help me? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Welcome to D O L :) two babies fighting....... Who apparently wins? What is their body language when they fight? What happens if you do not intervene? has the breeder been contacted for advice? have you owned this breed before? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) They're 9 weeks old, they would have been to puppy school what - once? How "recently" can this have started - given that they are only 9 weeks old????? Ditto persephone, need more information. What were they like in the litter - have you ended up with no 1 & no 2? Personally I would leave them to get on with it, pups this age often have spats and it settles down within a day or two usually. 2 Sibe puppies, you're a very very very brave person! Edited when I re-read the original post which clarified they are littermates Edited September 9, 2012 by Sandra777 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 2 Sibe puppies, you're a very very very brave person! I was also thinking this :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 2 Sibe puppies, you're a very very very brave person! I was also thinking this :) Me too. My advice would be to return one to the breeder and just concentrate on raising one puppy. Raising littermates together is never a good idea, especially with a breed as demanding as Sibes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlc Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Hi and welcome to DOL, are you absolutely sure they are fighting and not just rough housing? Have you contacted the breeder and had a chat to them to see what they recommend you do. I'm actually suprised a breeder sold you litter mates of this breed. You will need to have your wits about you to have two pups of this breed grow up to be good k9 citizens. From your first post it sounds as though you have had these pups for a while when realistically you should have had them for a week if you bought them home at 8 weeks old? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfie&Maya Posted September 9, 2012 Author Share Posted September 9, 2012 Hi, haha , I know, I made a mistake by getting two together. But I cannot return them anymore ... I just have to live with it. It is a challenge but I am not quitting yet... I brought them home when they were 6 weeks old. 8 weeks they start going to puppy school. ohh... I forgot to mention I took them separately to different schools so each of them have their own classes and socialize independently with other dogs . The fighting started this week.... Normally they will be playing with each other and fight for one toy (even though there are other toys around). So one gets the toy and goes to a certain spot to play, and the other one will just look and walk around the one with toy then they start growling at each other, suddenly toy or food doesn't matter anymore, they stand next to each other lunging or growling to each other. sometime if I don't stop them, it will end up with one walking away. but sometimes they will start jumping on top of each other and barking but that doesn't last long as well. 10 seconds, then one will walk away. Everything else is going well. I train them every morning and night before food. They learn sitting, lying down, walking on lead, and toileting all pretty fast and good. They are currently sleeping in a big laundry, they even wakes me up in the night to go outside to poo, they don't poo in the laundry hduowever during the day, we wont be there, so they pu and wee in certain area in laundry. So till now, they are not as hard as we thought but with them growing up, I am sure it is going to be harder and harder.... Thanks for the replies, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) The fighting started this week.... Normally they will be playing with each other and fight for one toy (even though there are other toys around). So one gets the toy and goes to a certain spot to play, and the other one will just look and walk around the one with toy then they start growling at each other, suddenly toy or food doesn't matter anymore, they stand next to each other lunging or growling to each other. sometime if I don't stop them, it will end up with one walking away. but sometimes they will start jumping on top of each other and barking but that doesn't last long as well. 10 seconds, then one will walk away. <br style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(238, 242, 247); ">Doing this every so often sounds pretty normal..... obviously this just an opinion based on what you've posted ..we cannot see the pups, know what their parents were like , etc. suddenly toy or food doesn't matter anymore, they stand next to each other lunging or growling to each other. It does matter - a LOT ..that's why they are fighting . Do they ever do it when there are no toys or food? Unfortunately , getting them at 6 weeks meant they didn't have important time with their mum to teach them manners!! The time up to 8-10 weeks before they normally go to new homes is important in learning what they should & shouldn't do . It also means you probably bought them from someone who didn't give you much information on the pups' family - what their health and temperament was like .... You are doing well going to puppy school separately and with your training ......and now that gives me an idea why the bitch pup became more confident - she was in her own space for the first time ..and enjoyed it! Edited September 9, 2012 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mish13 Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 You sound like you are really trying but two things ring alarm bells for me, one the breeder sold you the puppies at six weeks. The second thing is you cant take one back, most reputable breeders will take back a puppy and find a suitable home for it. I dont like the sounds of how they are behaving and think you have lots of trouble in front of you, I am not experienced enough to give you advice but I wish you all the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Hi, haha , I know, I made a mistake by getting two together. But I cannot return them anymore ... I just have to live with it. It is a challenge but I am not quitting yet... Why can you not return one now you realise you have made a major mistake. In fact since you bought them from someone who obviously doesn't care about the welfare of their pups (or they wouldn't have sold a pair at 6 weeks to a novice owner....) I would suggest you return BOTH and demand your money back in full - all you are doing by keeping them is encouraging this puppy farmer to breed again. I brought them home when they were 6 weeks old. 8 weeks they start going to puppy school. ohh... I forgot to mention I took them separately to different schools so each of them have their own classes and socialize independently with other dogs . So they have been to one class or do you take them more than once a week. It certainly is a great idea that you are taking them separately The fighting started this week.... Normally they will be playing with each other and fight for one toy (even though there are other toys around). So one gets the toy and goes to a certain spot to play, and the other one will just look and walk around the one with toy then they start growling at each other, suddenly toy or food doesn't matter anymore, they stand next to each other lunging or growling to each other. sometime if I don't stop them, it will end up with one walking away. but sometimes they will start jumping on top of each other and barking but that doesn't last long as well. 10 seconds, then one will walk away. Sounds like perfectly normal puppy behaviour to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 A good breeder does not allow someone to adopt littermates, especially with this type of dog. I'm not sure if you answered the question of whether you were familiar with the breed but it will be a long hard road ahead. These dogs are working dogs, they need very good fencing, plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Many Huskies are dumped, it's because people simply can't manage them. I'm not convinced you are an experienced dog owner from what you write, i find it very worrying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Whether you are going to keep them or not, if you bought them in NSW, please report the breeder to their local council for breaking State Laws that require all puppies to not be sold under 8 weeks of age. They must also be vaccinated and microchipped. Until buyers start lodging complaints and these idiots get fined, they will continue to sell underage, unsocialised puppies that will cause their owners untold grief. Unfotunately nothing will replace the extra two weeks they should have spent with their mother and litter mates to learn to be social dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Alfie&maya .. on D O L there is HEAPS of info on Siberian Huskies if you CLICK HERE and info on puppies & their development if you CLICK HERE There is also discussion on raising littermates together .......................... HERE there is also a siberian husky NSW club site ...full of interesting info, including THIS PAGE enjoy :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfie&Maya Posted September 10, 2012 Author Share Posted September 10, 2012 Hi everyone, Thanks for the websites, info and feedback. I did read those husky related and puppy related topics after I found out this forum before I left a message here. I did know SHCNSW since I start planning to get husky which is about 1 year ago. It is actually a member from SHCNSW recommend me this forum. I agree I made two big mistakes: 1) DID NOT GET PUPPY FROM REPUTABLE BREEDER 2)GOT LITTERMATES I do understand why and what you guys are worrying about... btw, I am actually a first time pet owner... But, I am trying very hard to be a responsible one. If not I would not even come to this forum. I did prepare my house for my dogs, we have high fence, and blocked yard where they can dig to get out. I am planning to get those dog bag packs when they can start walking with me and the sledding gears in the future. Its a long hard way in front of me, however, Its always good to have some experienced owner(you guys) and experts (vets and behaviorist) to help us finish this road. isn't it? Thanks again for all the replies. I will keep posting to let everyone know, how the puppies are going.... (PS: I felt so negative the whole weekend after reading all the feedback. Really need some positive energy....) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 ..What you have done is, I guess similar to buying an F1 race car ...and then having to work out how to drive it safely!! For a first time owner- you have started off in the deep end, for sure ...BUT remember there is help just a few clicks away ..as you already know , so do as you did - let us know any time you are concerned, or notice anything ..or have doubts as to something you've heard .... many different points of view can be useful, if confusing :) One more thing to read ............ may I suggest you and your household start Nothing In Life Is free ... so your babies learn in a gentle, and matter of fact way every hour of their day .. just what it means to behave and get rewarded :) LINK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlc Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 (edited) Hey at least you are trying to do the right thing, no point cying over split milk as the saying goes, you ave the pupiesnow so you might as well soak up a muh info as you can get, being a first time pet owner with these pups you will certanly have your work cut out for you. Are you familiar with how much excercise these pups can have while they are growing? Another thing for you to read up on, I think there is development section in the puppy forum, it may be pinned at the top. Are you on your own or do you have somen else that can help you? Edited September 10, 2012 by tlc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Good on you for trying to do the right thing. The thing is if you return one now the chances of it getting another home is really good - puppies get snapped up quickly. If you return a 6 month old pup there is a good chance that it would just land up in the pound. Personally, I'd set my own feelings aside and do what is in the pups' best interest - a new home for one, and time for you to concentrate on the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticpaw Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Well done to the Alfie and Maya for posting here. Not all of us who get our first puppy get them from a "reputable breeder" However these puppies are now here and the owners need to get help and information from people with experience or these pups may end up in the pound. I would encourage the OP to stick with this forum, and chat on the Husky thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDaz Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 (edited) Hi Alfie&Maya, I just wanted to share my story with you. I made the mistake of buying two female Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies from a breeder. I came do DOL much as you have, seeking advice on what seemed excessive fighting for my girls at about 9 weeks of age. I was given a lot of advice on this forum to return one of them right away, I was told I had made a big mistake and they would end up killing each other. My initial reaction was shock and agreement that I should return one, which was heartbreaking. At some point during the thread Underdog Training put some perspective on my situation and suggested I think further before giving one up and look at getting someone to assess the fighting, as well as discuss options for controlling their behaviour. I also contacted the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club for advice who gave me some good advice as well. Nearly 5 years later I have two female littermates who get along amazingly well, they know each other so well, but I also realise this could change at any time. It has been hard work training wise and by no means do I have the best trained Stafford’s around, but I have two people friendly (they are SBT's) and for the most part dog friendly Stafford’s you could meet. It is a huge commitment though and a hell of a lot of hard work. They each have their individual issues which I could have addressed better if I had only had one dog, but overall they are great dogs. If I had my time again, I would only get one, but I am so glad I didn’t give one up when advised as such by numerous DOL members. I am not advising your situation, just explaining mine as I don’t know Huskies at all, but then I didn’t know Stafford’s either. The other thing to understand is I am an absolute dog lover, there is nothing I would not go out of my way to do for my dogs.....they have cost me a fortune but you may not be in the same situation. Sorry for the long post but it is an important subject. Edit to add: What I perceived as agressive behavior was Staffy's playing, but this was specific to my dogs and I would suggest if you are concerend to have someone assess you dogs. Edited September 12, 2012 by BigDaz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Rusty Bucket Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 (edited) You could contact www.k9pro.com.au for some more specific help. I would also report the breeder to your local council or the RSPCA because they have breached a bunch of enforcable codes on this... http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/animal-welfare/codes/breeding-dogs-and-cats specifically the standards listed on page 30, transfer of ownership 9.1.1.1 Puppies and kittens must not be re-homed before they are 8 weeks of age.9.1.1.2 Dogs and cats must not be re-homed to people less than 18 years of age. 9.1.1.3 No dog or puppy, cat or kitten may be sold unless vaccinated in compliance with the requirements of Section 8.2 of this Code. 9.1.1.4 All dogs and cats re-homed must be microchipped, and treated to remove gastrointestinal parasites prior to release. 9.1.1.5 No dog or cat suspected of being sick, injured or diseased may be sold under any circumstances. 9.1.1.6 At the time of purchase, clients must be offered accurate written information at no charge which concerns the care of animals purchased. 9.1.1.7 If within 3 days a dog or cat is not acceptable to the purchaser for any reason, the breeder is required to take the dog or cat back and refund 50% of the purchase price of the animal. This guarantee must be provided in writing to the purchaser at the point of sale. and page 33 10.1.1.13 Kittens or puppies must not be separated from their litter or their lactating mother until they are seven weeks of age to facilitate socialisation, except in the best interests of the puppy or kitten, or their mother. The vaccinations and microchipping are not likely to have been done on puppies under 6 weeks old. In fact I think the minimum age for microchipping is 8 weeks and in NSW, puppies are not to be sold without being microchipped. And vaccinated. I'm willing to bet you didn't get the written guarantee or any info on how to look after your puppies. I'd report the breeder. Edited September 12, 2012 by Mrs Rusty Bucket Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now