"Getting along" problem

Purley · 10-08-2009, 08:43 AM

I think I had some answers to this question somewhere, but I can't find them.

Cooper the goldendoodle, is now 4 1/2 months old. My shih-tzus are 9, 7, and 5. Cooper is WAY too rough with them. I did ask dogshrink this question in a pm but I'd like to see if anyone else can help as well.

When Cooper is here he has to be on his leash the whole time. If I let him off -- all h*** breaks loose. He jumps on my dogs. At first when he was smaller than them, they would nip him and he would yelp. Now, he is bigger, stronger and faster than they are. The other day, the four of them got into what seemed almost to be getting to a serious fight.

How can I teach Cooper than if he is gentle with the little dogs, they will play with him. If he is rough he has to be on the leash the whole time he is here - or in his crate - and the dogs will growl and snap at him!

Cracker · 10-08-2009, 08:50 AM

You are part way there with having him leashed. It is important for the older dogs not to be harassed, especially by such a large puppy.
I would work on "leave it" using other objects, rewarding HANDSOMELY for leaving the object and coming to you. Then, when he goes to the shihs and is a pain, say "leave it", grab his leash and lead him to you. Then reward him. Repeat.

If you cannot be watching them, use baby gates or a crate to let the shihs have their space and have Cooper confined. The shihs will start to learn that YOU will protect them from the pain in the butt puppy (because yes he can hurt them and yes they can hurt him) and Cooper learns to respect the other dog's space.

ONce you get your classes started Cooper will have some appropriate playmates to work with and get his ya yas out. If you can find a good match in the class you may even be able to organize "playdates" with the other owner to give him an appropriate outlet.

Purley · 10-08-2009, 09:21 AM

Thanks. Is the reward food?

Umm - as to the baby gates -- my son shut Cooper in his hallway with a baby gate! Cooper climbed over it!

My dogs can't hurt him. He is stronger, bigger and faster than they are. Even Sam, who loves everyone and everything - has started growling at Cooper.

I guess I will start working on it.

Thracian · 10-08-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Umm - as to the baby gates -- my son shut Cooper in his hallway with a baby gate! Cooper climbed over it!

I had that problem until I stacked two gates on top of each other. Problem solved.

Bones333 · 10-08-2009, 12:06 PM

I am having a similar problem. My puppy, Boone, is the "bully" of his puppy class. He is a boxer mix in with a shepherd mix, chocolate lab and aussie pups in the class. He is so excited to play that he gets over excited. He tends to dominate the other three and the owners get a bit nervous about this and pick their puppies up or want me to get Boone away from them. The four pups are all about the same size, so I thought they would all play safely. Am I wrong or are the other pet owners right in being nervous? What can I do to make the situation better?

Purley · 10-08-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thracian

I had that problem until I stacked two gates on top of each other. Problem solved.

I hope so. The dog is smart, knowing him he would figure out how to dismantle the gates!!

Cracker · 10-08-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones333

I am having a similar problem. My puppy, Boone, is the "bully" of his puppy class. He is a boxer mix in with a shepherd mix, chocolate lab and aussie pups in the class. He is so excited to play that he gets over excited. He tends to dominate the other three and the owners get a bit nervous about this and pick their puppies up or want me to get Boone away from them. The four pups are all about the same size, so I thought they would all play safely. Am I wrong or are the other pet owners right in being nervous? What can I do to make the situation better?

What you need to do is talk to the trainer of the class. She/he needs to work out better "playmates" for Boone. A puppy class' playtime should be divided up by size AND playstyle and the trainer should be stepping in if there are issues between the pups. The other owners should not be removing their dogs from play, but You can put your boy back on leash and have a short time out.

Our puppy classes are set up so the play doesn't start til week two, so we have time to assess the pups and figure out good playmates for each one, then they are separated, usually into three groups (one trainer or asst. trainer with each group) and each one is monitored and adjusted as needed.

Good luck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purley

Thanks. Is the reward food?

Yes. Food, small tiny tiny tiny bits of REALLY yummy.