[Woodsy36]

I adopted a golden retriever and she is now 14 weeks old. Unfortunately, I live with a roommate and her dog has no training. I’ve done my best to keep my puppy apart from her dog, to the point where I’m rarely in the shared spaces (yes, this sucks but I’m terrified of her turning out like my roommates dog, she is getting enough socialization elsewhere). When I do allow my puppy to play with her dog, she starts to wrinkle her nose and get slightly ‘aggressive’, as in growling and lunging. I’ve had puppies before and this is not normal behavior. It only occurs after she’s been playing for a few minutes. I don’t know if it’s because this dog plays so rough that it’s unintentionally hurting her or that it’s a dominance thing. I would just like some advice on how to handle this situation.

I am working to avoid all other bad behaviors that might be instilled in my puppy, but I’m not sure how to handle this one. She doesn’t do this with other dogs, just my roommates.

Is the only solution to not let her play with my roommate’s dog?

 

[3GSD4IPO]

Dogs play and they often growl and carry on with each other in this manner. I have heard litter mates sound like they are killing each other at 7 weeks old.

It would be helpful to share a video of what is going on.

Socialization is NOT letting your dog play with other dogs or letting every person out there play with your puppy or pet your puppy. Socialization is taking your dog out in various environments and teaching your dog to focus on YOU and that YOU are a safe place to be and that you have your dog's back. IF you want to allow someone to pet your puppy they must crouch down and then it is up to the puppy to approach them. If they want to lean over your puppy and come to him, the answer to "can I pet your puppy?" is No. Around other dogs you do not know, you stay between your puppy and the other dog. NO interaction is fine and lets your puppy know you advocate for her. Your puppy is a baby.

As to your room mates dog, they may be just playing. It is OK for your puppy to have a known friend to play with but attaching a video or what is going on would be helpful.