Aggression & Dominance

[BarbV]

1) Potty training: are you crating him? If not, do consider it.

2) As Justice Mom re- confirmed, "Settle" is NOT an alpha roll. They taught this to me at puppy school as well, and it's a great way to get control when things go a little nuts

3) Sometimes its hard to tell what's play and what's fighting. When two Shelties play, it can get pretty wild, but if one pup has had enough, they seem to get the message across. Sometimes I step in anyway, one "Ah,ah!" and the boys will take a breather. I imagine a Sheltie playing with a cat in the same way would not work as they don't speak the same "language", so even if he's not being aggressive, you might need to stop it before it really gets going.

The pictures that JusticeMom sent look just like my guys playing too.

 

[JessicaR]

If you all dont mind me asking, what do you consider an alpha roll then?? I was always told it was holding a dog down until it quits struggleing

My parents was told to do that with their great dane puppy (hold her down calmly until she gives up) they now have a 180 pound dog that will snap at you if you if you even act like you are going to hold her down! So thats why I dont like to hold down a puppy, I am afraid it will cause the same fear aggression that my parents have with their dog.

I still stand by keep the puppy tied to you at all times, not only does it help with bonding it also keeps them out of trouble. And lots of exercise does wonders!

 

[BarbV]

The alpha roll is forcibly putting the dog on its back, in its most vulnerable and submissive position. It's intent is to teach that YOU are boss.

The "settle" is not about dominance and submissiveness. It a gentler approach and includes hugs and strokes (and treats as soon as they settle). They get rewarded when they settle and are then quickly set free again.

I use "settle" on my boys all the time when their rough-housing looks like its getting borderline and one of them might hurt the other (yes, both of them fell off the bed in a tumble yesterday. Instant, "settle".

It really means, just take a deep breath then you can go back and play again.

 

[Caro]

I wouldn't be too quick to step in...let the cat swat him..he will learn faster what the cats limit is...I agree you should limit your young children ..I would never let young children be left alone with a puppy..for both their safety...

lol - I would let the cat get in a few swipes too. My previous sheltie used to get swatted by the cat all the time as a pup. Only when he grew up he thought swatting was a game and used to swat the cat for fun!

Might have to put up a little barrier to stop him getting to the cat bedding, and definately limit his space. Until he learns some control he will have to be kept away - which is going to be difficult with other dogs. You may need to restrain both pups until the naughty one calms a bit.

At one time I put a young Tully in the garage on her own when I was out and also for time outs. A vet behaviourist told me to do it - it felt so mean, and in the end Deska kept breaking her out of the garage (lol) but it didnt take long doing this to teach her manners. Now if I accidently lock her outside or in a room (if she is following me around - she is so little) she doesnt make a sound but just sits and waits until I work out I'm missing a dog - its a bit pitiful.

 

[JessicaR]

The alpha roll is forcibly putting the dog on its back, in its most vulnerable and submissive position. It's intent is to teach that YOU are boss.

The "settle" is not about dominance and submissiveness. It a gentler approach and includes hugs and strokes (and treats as soon as they settle). They get rewarded when they settle and are then quickly set free again.

I use "settle" on my boys all the time when their rough-housing looks like its getting borderline and one of them might hurt the other (yes, both of them fell off the bed in a tumble yesterday. Instant, "settle".

It really means, just take a deep breath then you can go back and play again.

ok, thanks for the explanation