Why won't they share??

NefAndWord · 03-06-2007, 05:59 PM

As I posted in the training forum, I have TWO puppies. One is about 6 months, the other is approx 8 weeks.
They wrestle around a lot, and growl... I was concerned about the aggression, as the 8 week pup is definitely a rott mix (my guess is akita or GS).
They chase each other around and take toys away from one another. They totally ignore me, and any playing I might try to do.. they are way more interesting in fussing over who has what toy, and the fact that the ONLY one they want is the one the other pup has. In fact, my older pup will take a toy off of the little one and bring it to me, like I am going to protect it from her. I'm sure this is normal.. but is it OKAY? Should I let them act like this, or is this going to be problematic when they get older? The puppy seems to be "undoing" all of the dedication I have put into training the older pup... I am so frustrated!

Brandismom · 03-06-2007, 06:36 PM

Sharing doesn't come naturally to dogs because the concept of sharing isn't in their instinct. It's a human trait. Even small children who have no siblings have to learn how to share. In the wild there is no sharing of food. The leader eats first, then the rest of the pack according to the pecking order. If there isn't much food some go without but the head of the pack eats his fill to stay strong to hunt again.

NefAndWord · 03-06-2007, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandismom

Sharing doesn't come naturally to dogs because the concept of sharing isn't in their instinct. It's a human trait. Even small children who have no siblings have to learn how to share. In the wild there is no sharing of food. The leader eats first, then the rest of the pack according to the pecking order. If there isn't much food some go without but the head of the pack eats his fill to stay strong to hunt again.

Sooooo... is it okay? I don't want either of them to be dominant over the other one. I want to be in charge. Right? I am so confused.

Dogsareme · 03-06-2007, 07:18 PM

Exactly what do the dogs do when they are both trying to get the toy?

It may just be a game. My dogs play games with their toys. One dog will have the toy and run like crazy as the other dogs case them. Then they wrestle and then play tug war with the toy and then who knows what happens after wards, more chasing, playing, or even sleeping.

If you can specifically describe what happens between them while playing with the toy that would help. But if all that is happening is that your other dog is just running to you with the toy, it may just be his way of asking you to join in the play??

NefAndWord · 03-06-2007, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogsareme

Exactly what do the dogs do when they are both trying to get the toy?

It may just be a game. My dogs play games with their toys. One dog will have the toy and run like crazy as the other dogs case them. Then they wrestle and then play tug war with the toy and then who knows what happens after wards, more chasing, playing, or even sleeping.

If you can specifically describe what happens between them while playing with the toy that would help. But if all that is happening is that your other dog is just running to you with the toy, it may just be his way of asking you to join in the play??

No, because that is what I figured at first. We play fetch, and she will often bring me a toy to throw for her. But when she brings me the toy, if I try to play with her, by waving it around for her, or throwing it, she just goes back to the puppy. Usually, the puppy has found a new toy, which the older one proceeds to take off of her... and so on. The young pup is very small, she doesn't really run much. She sort of waddles around for the most part. She just seems to be saying "that's mine, don't touch it."
She doesn't growl or get mean at all.. but they make a royal barking fuss, and it drives me nuts. Yet, I constantly intervene, and my dog is suddenly ignoring every command I offer her. I'm at my wits end already.

ilovephil · 03-06-2007, 08:10 PM

Get them both a toy so they dont have to share or say No when the other one seems agressive towards pup.

OC_Spirit · 03-06-2007, 09:33 PM

My guys steal stuff off eachother all the time and I just let them be to figure things out for themselves. They dont get overly worked up about it. Maybe a small lip curl at most but nothing more and even that is very rare. If the other dog ignores the lip curl they let the possession get taken without any fuss anyways.

Like someone else said, sharing isnt part of a dogs instinct. In fact, when it comes to possession of food, it is one of the few times a subordinate dog may get defensive with an alpha dog. Food means life and if the dog is hungry enough he will do everything in his power to keep his meat. My guys have learned to accept eachother taking stuff from under their noses only because they know I dont tolerate possessiveness. Its one thing to warn with lip curls and growls, but if any dog under my care gets nippy over food, I''ll step in.

skelaki · 03-07-2007, 03:30 AM

They are dogs, not humans in fur coats! One will be dominant over the other one because dogs do not live in a democracy and if you try to make them do so you are very likely to cause major problems in the future. You need to work at being the Alpha over both dogs. Even the younger puppy can start on a simple NILIF program if you help him obey a simple command before he gets any attention. The older pup can be put on a basic NILIF and daily basic obedience training program. Any training for the younger one at this point should be kept very informal (I use games).

NefAndWord · 03-07-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skelaki

They are dogs, not humans in fur coats! One will be dominant over the other one because dogs do not live in a democracy and if you try to make them do so you are very likely to cause major problems in the future. You need to work at being the Alpha over both dogs. Even the younger puppy can start on a simple NILIF program if you help him obey a simple command before he gets any attention. The older pup can be put on a basic NILIF and daily basic obedience training program. Any training for the younger one at this point should be kept very informal (I use games).

Thank you, this much I know. I practiced NILIF before I had ever even heard of it. The puppy learned to sit very quickly, in a matter of minutes, and I have been using that to give her food, or treats, or play (i haven't used it for the going outside, yet) and I don't let her demand my attention. Same with the older pup... including not permitting her to go out, or play, etc... but it just seems to keep unraveling. The older pup is ignoring everything I ask her to do. I WANT to be the alpha over both of them, but I am not sure if their behaviour together is permitting that. THAT is my issue. I know they won't WANT to share.. but I need to know what I can and can't let them do together that will compromise my status as the alpha.

mom to lil buddy · 03-08-2007, 09:08 PM

It could be that your older pup, is simply having too much fun to be bothered responding to you, after all he is still a puppy and all the lessons still probably aren't totally ingrained. How does he behave if you separate the pups? Virginia