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New puppy with other dogs

mediamst Dec 23, 2004 09:42 AM

I have a 9 week year old GSD puppy. He is great with people but we have two other adult dogs, a dalmation and a beagle. The puppy lunges and barks uncontrollably when the other dogs are introduced into the same room one at a time. The other dogs are defensive and are growling and my puppy is lunging and barking. Any tips on how to handle this situation?

Replies (5)

KDiamondDavis Dec 23, 2004 09:59 PM

>>I have a 9 week year old GSD puppy. He is great with people but we have two other adult dogs, a dalmation and a beagle. The puppy lunges and barks uncontrollably when the other dogs are introduced into the same room one at a time. The other dogs are defensive and are growling and my puppy is lunging and barking. Any tips on how to handle this situation?

>>>>>>>>>

It doesn't sound good. You'd be best off to get the help of an expert in person to evaluate that puppy's temperament and advise you on how to handle him.
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

keenbrunette Dec 24, 2004 11:47 AM

Most definitely have to agree with Kathy on this one!!!!!
Have a professional evaluate this pup!
Did you just get this pup? He was with his mom and the rest of the litter until he was 9 weeks old?
At that age, your pup should be inquisitive and nosey, but shouldn't be showing signs of aggressive behavior.
Good luck

JakodaCDOA Dec 25, 2004 03:55 PM

I agree with the others as well,,find someone to come in and evaluate the situation..Is he being "aggressive" or is he in "defensive agressive" mode? Maybe he's afraid and he's acting to defend himself?

If he is fine with people, that's great, but at this age, if he isn't being rather inquisitive about other others, he's either afraid and acting defensively, or which is totaly out of the norm for a 9 wk old, downright dog aggressive..

Good luck
Diane

aramosf68 Dec 25, 2004 11:12 PM

It sounds to me like this pup may have been pulled from his litter to soon and is ill socialized. If this is so the mother never got a chance to discipline the pup. While i agree with the others about help i do think you could try correcting this yourself. It's your Job to discipline this dog. I would start by the most basic trainings of sit,stay,lay and such. Show him who's boss and that he's at the bottom of the heiarchy. Feed the other dogs first and him last. when they are all together pay attention to the others. Remeber to praise him when he does right.

I think he's just a little confused but with a little correction he should be fine.

Good luck with this pup

fullottermoon Dec 26, 2004 04:24 AM

Are you sure that the pup is actng aggressively? Are his hackles up when he is barking? Is he just possibly being defensive of his area? Dogs should be introduced on neutral territory so that none of them need feel defensive. You might try taking them all out somewhere to someone else's yard or area where there aren't other dogs and try gradually introducing them to each other in that way. Maybe someone else should hold the pup on lead while you hold the other 2 just in case he is defending you- although that would probably be unlikely with a pup that age. Call the breeder and ask some questions about the pup's beginnings. When was he taken from the litter (or vice versa). When was he taken from the mother? Is there any history of this kind of behavior in their breeding lines? The breeder should be willing to answer questions and give some advice. Try to get some more info about this pup's breeding and upbringing and try the dogs on neutral ground. Then go on to try and correct the situation for all involved.
And please keep us posted!
Nancy

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