Puppy Annoying Old Dog with Play Behavior

Dear Cesar,

I have a thirteen-year-old male Boston Terrier and a four-month-old female Boston Terrier. The older dog, Higgins, seems to accept the puppy, Tessa, most of the time, except for when she wants to play with him. He does not like for her to run at him or jump on him.

Higgins has arthritis and is very, very calm until she begins her playfulness. He will bark at her (and sometime snap at her) to warn her to back off and let her know that he is boss. However, she doesn’t seem to learn that she should leave him alone and will come back in a couple of minutes. A lot of times she is just standing too close to him, and he doesn’t like that either.

My questions are: Which one do I correct? Do I correct the puppy for being playful and inquisitive? Do I correct Higgins for being so crabby? How do I make the corrections? My fear is that he will become aggressive, and much worse, that he will teach her to become aggressive.

Love your show, and I look forward to attending your seminar.

Thank you for your help,

Madeline Warren

Dear Madeline,

This is a different situation than most of the cases on my show, because your dogs don’t have issues. It is simply a difference in age…and therefore, in energy levels. What you need to do is drain the puppy’s energy through exercise before it joins the older dog.

Until she passes this stage, don’t allow the puppy to be around the older dog until later in the day, maybe 1 or 2 o’clock, after you’ve drained some of her energy. I would suggest bringing the puppy to a place where she can meet with other puppies or adolescent dogs. They will be “vibrating on her frequency” and better understand and match her behavior. Once the puppy is tired out by her new mates, it’s time to put her with the older dog. Be sure to monitor her. If her intensity escalates, take her out of the situation and wait until her energy is drained again before reintroducing her to the older dog.

Do not correct the puppy for being playful and inquisitive. This will create instability and make a dog feel lost or unsure. She’s doing what she’s supposed to: being a balanced, playful puppy. You can’t correct something that is natural; she just wants direction. In a pack of dogs, the senior dogs don’t raise puppies; the adolescent and the adults do. The seniors stay away from them. Learn from the masters – the dogs themselves!

If you exercise the puppy and allow the puppy to interact with dogs that match her state of mind before bringing her around the older dog, you’re not going to have a problem. He’s not being aggressive; he’s just asking for his space. You are right. If you don’t provide right solution, he can teach her to be aggressive with others dogs as a way to solve problems. That’s a good observation, and I hope you continue to follow your obvious common sense!

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan

Bookmark/Search this post with:

Average:

Your rating: None Average: 4.8 (4 votes)

Thu, 08/19/2010 - 1:27pm — isma12

un nuevo cachorro

Holaaa!! Ante Todo un cordial saludo.

Mi preocupacion es que tengo dos perros en mi casa una Poodle de 12 años que esta esterilizada desde hace 5 años, y un Schnauzer blanco de un año y medio, el problema esta en que hace una semana llego a mi casa una Schnauzer de seis meses que me regalaron y la poodle parecia rechazarla, pues no le permitia acercarse y le mostraba los dientes y la cachorra se alejaba ladrandole. Ahora sucede lo contrario, la poodle cediò y la cachorra al parecer es muy dominante y le ladra con cierta imponencia mas no agresion montandose tambien encima de la perra adulta. No quisiera que esto pudiera causar un problema cuando la Schnauzer pase a ser adulta y quiera reclamar mas territorio o dominio, he tratado de corregirla diciendo NO y ella se aleja, y cuando no hace caso la aparto y la pongo fuera, dnde no puede estar ni con los perros ni con la familia, la verdad no se que hacer y como corregirla, y que actividad pudiera realizar con ellas para que se relacionen y se acepten.

Fri, 07/30/2010 - 5:28am — Nettie

Creating a "Safe" Space for 11 Week Morkie - Miracle Flip Flop

My eleven-week Morkie, Parsley, had to be have time-outs for her sanity and mine, because my one-year Pom, Ginger was relentless in pulling her ears and trying to engage her in play. There was never agression, just unceasing pushing her down until Parley was on her back submitting to Ginger's leadership. I remember watching Cesar with a tennis racket creating a safe space for himself. Yesterday, I used my flip flop similarly to create a safe space for Parsley, the pup. I take Parsley on her leash for business, to keep her focused on where I want her to go. I use the flip flop by extending it in a non-threatening manner at an angle, moving it slowly showing Ginger her limit. The older dog Ginger responds miraculously by giving Parsley her space. She even goes about her "business" outside. Of course, I do not threaten Ginger with the flip flop. Later last night and this morning, the two are finally laying together!!! The ear-pulling behaviour against Parsley aimed to get her to come and play wildly outside, appears to have diminished by the older Ginger. Amazingly, the two are "acting" like they've known each other for a long time. Thank goodness for flip-flops and Cesar!

Mon, 06/14/2010 - 8:31am — mgorajewski

Similar situation, but draining energy doesn't help

I have a lab/german short hair mix that is almost 11 and a 5 1/2 month old rottie. The rot, Bear, cannot get anywhere near Lucky. Lucky doesn't want to share the couch, bed, or the house for all that matters. It does not matter how calm Bear is, Lucky doesn't want him anywhere close.
Lucky's best friend Smokey (a beagle) died Feb 2009 and I am wondering if Lucky is mad that we have another dog, but it is not Smokey. I would just like for Lucky to let Bear get near him, or lay next to him for all that matters without copping an attitude.

Wed, 05/19/2010 - 7:14pm — mondosboys

similar situation but where are the responses....?

I have a 16 week old and an almost 1 year old dachshund pup(s) in the house. The new addition is the youngest and he is very excited to be in our new home. The one year old Giorgino, is good with him and listens to all my commands. The one year old is very distracted naturally. When the play energy gets high, i am afraid that is when he will begin to develop aggressive issues. Is it possible to learn to be aggressive from another dog who is never aggressive?

Sun, 05/23/2010 - 6:18am — miley2671

Hello

Hi, I dont know where responses are either? I have a similar issue. I have a 3 year old NON aggressive beagle (Miley) and a new beagle puppy. The puppy always wants to play but my 3 year old beagle gets very irritated and I have the same fear. I intervene when they get out of hand but I don't know when I am supposed to and when I am not. Miley seems to growl alot louder when she has had enough but the puppy doesnt seem to take the hint, ever! Unless I intervene. I hope your having better luck.

Thu, 04/08/2010 - 1:57pm — BINGO88

my male dog

HOW'S IT GOING CESAR, I HAVE A POTENTIAL PROBLEM.... MY MALE DOG FOR SOME REASON DOESN'T LIKE LITTLE PUPS. HE IS GOOD WITH SMALL DOGS WHO ALREADY OLD ENOUGH TO GIVE OFF THE VIBE OF WHO IS BOSS. ITS ONLY WITH PUPPIES FOR SOME REASON HE CANT KEEP THEM OUT OF HIS MOUTH. IT CONCERNS ME BECAUSE HE IS A A BIG DOG COMPARED TO A PUP. AND MY FEMALE IS ABOUT TO HAVE PUPS IN A FEW MONTHS AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO SEE HIM PLAY WITH THEM. IN THE PAST HE HAS HARMED A NEW BORN. HOW SO I GET HIM TO BE SUBMISSIVE WHEN IT COMES TO PUPPIES. HE IS OF (APBT) DECENT. STILL FAIRLY A PUP HIMSELF 8 MONTHS. HOW CAN I GET HIM TO BE CALM AROUND PUPPIES.

Sun, 05/23/2010 - 2:37pm — drmoore

9 year old dog and new puppy

I have a similar situation to yours. My 9 year old dog is showing signs of aggression towards the puppy. The puppy wants to play with the older dog, but instead gets pinned down. The other day the 9 year started chasing the puppy and pinned her down. When I intervened (it sounded horrible) I picked the older dog up and she had the puppy in her mouth. The puppy was dropped and I examined her and with relief found no marks or bites. During this incident the puppy was playing with me and was not even close to the older dog. There was no provocation that I could see. They are kept separate at all times. From the first day of bringing the puppy home we have fed them separately, they sleep in separate areas, so we tried to avoid the usual problem areas. I don’t want to give up and feel there is a solution, just not sure what it is.

Fri, 04/02/2010 - 7:25pm — ebonysgirl

Same Problem

Dear Cesar,
I have the same problem except I have a 3 month old Dachshund and a 5 year old Poodle, the Dachshund just bothers the Poodle all day and the poodle slept with me before we got the Dachshund but now the Dachshund sleeps with me and kicked the other out! I know it's bad when they sleep with humans, but I just can't help it. What should I do to make them friends?

Sun, 03/21/2010 - 11:35am — MS

Do we allow this structure altering behavior?

Cesar, I looked at this thread to see if I could sort out what to do when this puppy/older dog harassing behavior happens. I understand tiring the puppy out, BUT, WHEN IT OCCURS--and WHAT ABOUT THE STRUCTURE IF IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A METHOD TO THE MADNESS?

I have a seven year old GS male, who has been a velcro dog to me his entire life. He even comes to work with me. But I received a new 12 week old American bulldog/Bullmastiff female. She has started managing the GS by leaping at him with her mouth wide open. He does defend himself, pins her down, and can knock her around when he chooses to---but what concerns me is that he is relinquishing his obedience to me and his position with me in the face of her onslaught. He has already relinquished his bed in one area of the house, because she goes over and plops in it. He is moving out five feet from my heel position to allow her to move in next to me (I keep putting her on the right, and she moves over to his side to push him out of the way)... and if he comes to me for affection, she leaps all over him until he gives up. He is giving way to her on nearly everything. Given her breeding, should I be allowing this in the manner in which she is doing it? She is very obedient to me even at this age. But I am wondering if I should be allowing her to take over his position next to me. My sense is that if he allows it, I should as well, but given her breed, I question whetehr I should allow her to benefit from such an aggressive manner of taking control.

Am I reading too much into this? Can you give me some feedback here?

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 7:45pm — HeidiJo

Intensive Puppy Play

Ceasar

I have a new chocolate lab he is 8weeks old, Max. My mother also got one, they are from the same liter, Bronco. When I bring Max over to my moms Bronco and Max attack each other. They roll, bit, jump, growI, bark, yelping and whimper. I know that it is them playing and they love it but it worry's me because I don't want to bring either one of them to the hospital. Should we continue to let them play to learn for them selfs the limits? Or should we break them apart? How do we act when they are engaged in their throat biting, ear ripping and leg dragging? When they start fighting/playing they will not stop and it gets more intensive by the seconds.

Thank you.

Heidi Jo Pelletier

Thu, 01/28/2010 - 2:56pm — dbca112

puppy and old dog

good advice. i have the same problem and i know the puppy is aware of the older dog's prolbems. she does appreciate having another dog in the house but they can not be left together alone. i am amazed at how restrained the older is when it comes to not ripping the young dog's mouth apart because the puppy can't completely close her mouth yet. when she chatters her teeth at the old lady, she just turns her head away.

Tue, 12/29/2009 - 12:50pm — alexa142

Big, Hyper Puppy

Hello Cesar!

My dad has a 1 year old German Shepherd, Dexter. We used to breed and show this breed so we are used to the size and temperment, but Dexter is very large for his age and doesn't know it at all. My step mother has a 14 year old cocker spaniel, Chewie, and Dexter scares the living daylights out of her! He just so desperately wants to play with her but during his efforts, he ends up almost attacking her. He chases her around, and jumps on her to the point where she is hiding in terror. Chewie has epilepsey and we are scared that one day he might scare so bad that it almost kills her!

I also have two step sisters, 5 and 8, and they can not handle him and his hyperness, considering he is bigger than them! Do you have any tips for tiny people and handling a larger dog? And also, how do we solve the problem with our older dog?

Thu, 01/07/2010 - 7:48pm — LonestarTex

Almost same problem

Hi Cesar,

I also have a GS puppy 9 weeks old and a min pin the exact same age. The GS pup keeps pouncing on the little one and growling at her.(both females) I have been putting a muzzle on the GS pup and letting them play like that.(due to the min pin fragile limbs and neck) They will start growling and fighting and ill correct them both. I have had them for 2 and a half weeks and have been feeding them next to each other and walking them together. They go at each other during walks and I check them. Am I concerned to early, or should I give them time and keep up the consistency? How should I introduce them to each other the right way with one of them not getting hurt? I NEED HELP!! Any advice Cesar would be nice, before they get older and its to late.

-J.P. in Texas

Mon, 02/15/2010 - 1:40pm — no1uknow

Same Problem here 1 year old GS with wife's 2 cocker spaniels

I have the same problem here.

Wearing out the dog only wears out me, LOL.

Are you saying wearing out the dog and letting him enter the pack tired will eventually bore him with the pack when he's full of energy.

Or that he will eventually grow out of this and this is a temporary solution to family sanity.

My problem is a little harder in that my GS is training for SAR (Search & Rescue) his long walks would wear out your roller blade wheels... 10-15 miles and he's still ready to play... And I don't roller blade...

I do know this will eventually go away when his puppy behavior ages. My technique is lots of toys, even though his overbite still bites the other dogs... He just wants to play, but I also think there are other techniques that I'm researching out from other trainers that might work.

Would like to know your more advanced technique than just the wear out technique, I'll keep watching this post.

Sun, 08/15/2010 - 12:02pm — ems203@hotmail.com

New dog vs. Old Pack

I just brought in a new Boxer Rescue girl, about 10 mo's old. My 15yo Lab had passed a few months ago and My oldest living dog is an 11yo Boxer...I also have Haze, the 3y/o GSD, with alot of emotional needs. The need to fetch a ball, the need to be petted and scratched, the need to do *something/anything* Pleasssse....So we got Nyah, the Rat tailed Boxer, Queen. She's a bundle of energy that Haze just left behind when he crossed over to adulthood...he does help expend a bit of it...they have a LOVE/HATE relationship, but between the walks and the dog park and going out to chase balls, Nyah is fairly quiet in the house. Tonite she will wind up again and will have to follow rules, Ssssssssht, Settle means Mom is done with this activity. If no one does then we walk between the to or call one over to us and ask them to Lay down and settle...that lasts a few minutes and then they're back to it. That gets Nyah in her crate...with the door open, the door is not locked unless we are gone. She is slowly getting the jist of the rules here....it's a process....a learning game per se...a way of life!
Good luck, I'll let you all know when the whole thing *Settles* :)
Pam Wolford, The Wolfords Den....Living in Peace with your Dog.

Fri, 02/12/2010 - 5:55pm — yamaira39@live.com

puppy and chihuahua

hello i have a 2 months pitbull and a 8 months chihuahua,, the first time i brought my pitbull home my other dog did not like him ,, now after a while she got used to my pitbull,, now they play they eat from the same plate and finally they can sleep together in the same bed with out any problem now my girl weights 5 pounds and she is not geeting bigger thatn that,, now my pitbull is going to grown bigger , but they get alone verry good, it is amazing how they get along fine

Wed, 03/10/2010 - 11:30am — Jimanda

same problem

Same... I have a one year old Husky who is dog obsessed on the leash and won't stop lunging to want to play when he sees other dogs... what can I do?

Amanda