New puppy frustration...

[SheltieLuver]

The guarding behavior does need to be corrected, but the growling because of space is fine... older dogs are helpful in teaching puppies manners

 

[Sharon7]

OK, so when we had our first Sheltie puppy, Skye, we ran her around the backyard at night after last potty. I'm sure the neighbors thought we were crazy. We'd play chase around the hot tub, etc, just to wear her out. Then she went down for the night with a chew toy, and that was it till morning. They just need a lot of exercise to burn off that energy. Their first year is the equivalent of the first 18 years of a human child, I'm told!

Puppies are TONS of work as well as fun. People always forget just how demanding it can be. But worth it. The work you put in now is the foundation for the rest of his life.

Now, what's his name, and WHERE ARE THE PICTURES?

 

[mbfrench]

Thanks all for your suggestions! I was starting to wonder if I’d made a mistake getting such a high-energy pup when I have to be away during the day, but I’m convinced I can make this work!! I’m excited to take him on a long, brisk walk after work tonight and see what kind of difference that makes. I'm also going to try to make sure we stick to a pretty good schedule in the evenings for walk/dinner/playtime/etc. so he gets the hang of things. I got a kong and another food dispensing today at lunch today to see about keeping his little mind busy when we aren’t playing with him. Hopefully he’ll have fun with that – he’s a smart one! (He’s already learned to open his crate by himself! )

About the foot fetish... sounds like it may be a sheltie thing! Lol. It's driving my husband nutty though, so we're going to have to work on it. Like I said, if hubby ignores him, he gets more excited and starts barking and leaping. Last night when this happened, the existing dog felt the need to "protect" dad from the leaping puppy, and started growling, and ended up trying to nip at the puppy. (Then of course the puppy started barking...) They're getting along fine most of the rest of the time, just ignoring each other mostly. A little growling from the existing dog if the puppy gets in his space, but they've been ok and are slowly getting used to each other. I'm afraid though the "guarding" behavior from the other dog could turn into a bad thing. I'm guessing I should correct the older dog for this? This is the first time I've had two dogs at once, so it's a very new experience, trying to make sure they're both happy.

I may have missed it,but how old is the alpha dog?

The alpha dog is going to react just as he/she is doing.It's used to having all the attention,plus the playfulness of a young pup is something that everyone in the home must get used to...even the four legged ones.

We went from a one dog home,to a 3 dog home in less than a year.Then Mia joined the pack,so now 4 all together.

Each new pup posed differant challenges,but they were worked out.When they are so young,the behavior's you do not want to be reinforced should be dealt with head on,and with correction or redirection.

I feel that each dog will settle in,it is just going to take time,patience. But I do feel that the growling from the elder is normal really. After all there is this new,silly rambunctious bundle that is in his/her space.

Yes...where are the pictures!

 

[mcemily]

I have not had two dogs at once... but we do have a cat, and it took awhile for the new puppy and the cat to get used to each other. They're still working on it, in fact, and they've been together for over 3 months now!

Regarding the nibbling... our puppy was really troublesome this way. Not so much with feet (he just sits on those), but with our hands. Anytime we put a hand near him, he'd bite at it. It was impossible to pet him. He has since grown out of that for the most part, which is good. When he was at his worst, we would not only tell him "no bite!" in a firm tone, but would also shove a toy at him and praise him for biting the toy instead.

Another thing you could try is spraying a bitter spray on your husband's feet, which might discourage the puppy from mouthing them.

Good luck!

 

[Paeoniaa]

I’m excited to take him on a long, brisk walk after work tonight and see what kind of difference that makes.

How was last night?

About the foot fetish... sounds like it may be a sheltie thing! Lol. It's driving my husband nutty though, so we're going to have to work on it.

I've found that Marlowe only really likes bare feet. If my husband is wearing socks (Marlowe only licks his feet...I almost feel left out! ), Marlowe is much less interested. Perhaps your husband can try the same.