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dominant border collie

jackson3 Apr 29, 2010 11:24 PM

Need some direction! I have a 8 month old male border collie (Jackson). Jackson is very well trained and we have developed a very close relationship. But 4 days ago, i brought home two 8 week old border collies. The first couple of days were tough because Jackson was attacking the new pups. He no longer attacks the pups with me around but I know that he will if i am not. He is at his worse when the puppies begin to play with one another. The quick movements and playful growls they make toward one another grabs Jackson's attention. I only have one fenced in backyard and have to go back to work in a couple of days. At that point in time, I will have to give the puppies away if I cannot trust Jackson around them alone. Any advice would be appreciated!

Replies (2)

KDiamondDavis Apr 30, 2010 07:21 AM

Never leave any puppy under 4 months of age alone with an adult dog. Always supervise them when they are together. Puppies don't yet have enough development of dog social skills to properly respond to an adult dog. They can deliver a huge insult, not respond properly when the adult takes offense, and it is entirely possible for that pup to wind up hurt or dead.

Your pups need time apart from each other, too. It is important for their proper development and bonding with humans, and also so that whenever they are separated in the future, they will be able to handle that without pining and maybe starving or getting sick.

You didn't say whether the Border Collie injured either of the puppies. Sometimes what looks like a fight is not a fight. But to start with, I would have him with just one puppy at a time and under your close, close, close supervision.

Puppies need a lot of rest anyway, and they need to get used to get spending reasonable periods of time in a crate. This is the time in their lives when it will be easiest for them to develop this ability that at some point might be a life saver for them. Separate crates--do not put two dogs in the same crate.

I have written some articles at the link with my signature that will help you. One in particular for you to read is "Two Puppies or One?" The titles are in alphabetical order, so just scroll down to it.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Chelle May 03, 2010 12:16 PM

Definately do as Kathy suggested. Also realize an 8 month old dog is not emotionally an adult either. Dogs at that age are emotionally teenagers and if not altered, there are some very strong emotional urges going on.

Seperation is good management for all these dogs on so many levels. Puppies need to learn to be individual beings away from other dogs. Complete isolation isn't necessary, but some time apart is good for them.

3 dogs in one household under a year old is a lot to manage- especially in Border collies which tend to have strong drives that aren't always easy to manage. Start your obedience skills early and do not let up. A DVD by Susan Garret called "crate games" can help out out as well with managing the impulses of these 3. Also a book called "Feeling Outnumbered" may help as well.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

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