another puppy behavior question

17 years ago

First we got Bear who is about 4 months old. Then we got Jake who is almost 5 months old. They both are going to be large dogs with Great Pyrenees in both. Bear is somewhat smaller than Jake. Bear is quieter and more subdued. Jake is like a happy labrador.

The problem is that Jake takes Bear's toys. Both dogs can be chewing on their bones or their toys and Jake will walk over and take Bear's stuff until Jake has a pile of stuff and Bear has nothing. Bear is starting to show some growling when Jake tries to take a food treat.

I watch the dog whisperer as much as possible and so I have been rushing over to Jake when he does this and I take the stolen item, flip Jake onto his back to make him submissive, and give Bear his toy back. I also say "NO!" very loudly. I get the feeling that Jake is laughing at me.

As a rule these dogs are best buddies. They love each other and play together. Theres the ocassional humping thing that I know I am supposed to see as "natural" and not freak out about (but I do).

I just don't like it that Jake is bullying Bear in regards to the toys. What would you do to stop this or is it something I need to adjust to?

Thanks in advance

Karen

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Comments (5)

Gina_W
17 years ago
Dogs are not humans - so try not to apply human rules to them. Let them be dogs. Leave them alone to deal with each other.

You sound like you haven't had dogs before? If not, please do some reading about dog behaviors and training, and also -- definitely get these big rambunctious pups and yourself into an obedience class as soon as possible.

Let us know if you have any other questions!
freezetag
17 years ago
My dog and her "best friend" Violet are like your two. If there is a new toy, another dog to play with, a fly to catch, etc, Violet pretty much always wants first dibs. My dog, being a puppy, will sometimes try to take things first, anyway, but Violet generally growls at her, and my dogs rolls over or backs off. Sometimes later, Violet will "share", but not always. Despite a considerable difference in size and speed, they know each others' names, are excited to visit each other, play well together, and never fight.

I think dogs get along better when one is the clear leader.
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freezetag
17 years ago
I agree with Gina. I would be unhappy for one of my kids to have a bossy friend, and would encourage my child to be more assertive. Not my dog, though.
User
17 years ago
Cesar prones a dog for agressive behavior when it applies. Proning a dog in your situation is counterproductive because you are not teaching Jake his behavior is unacceptable. The 'punishment' is way out of context to the 'crime'.

You must be the pack leader to start. Pack leaders do not adminster capital punishment for misdemeanor offenses. That becomes a problem for people who want a dog as a buddy---they cannot be buddy and pack leader. You can play with/love a dog and still be the pack leader. But, you need to learn how. Read several books on dog behavior and training. You need to learn how to punish in relationship to the misbehavior. And to treat dogs like other dogs treat each other. That is all dogs understand.

First, select toys for Jake, and toys for Bear. Jake cannot have/play with any of Bear's toys. And vice versa.

Second---and trainers/behaviorists preach this ad nauseum---Exercise, exercise, exercise!!!!!! When a dog is bored or has unexpended energy, they get into trouble. The humping is part of that trouble. A bit may be natural, but wild dogs seldom exhibit that behavior.

A better correction is to simply say "NO!" and make Jake drop the toy. Do not give the toy back to Bear, just make Jake drop it.

What is happening is the natural pack pecking order is being established. That has to happen for the dogs to be normal.

Separate toy/treat activity. Food is serious business for dogs---toys are fluff. Do not make a dog 'Beg' for food---that can cause the unwanted behavior like lunging/snapping/growling.
mazer415
17 years ago
Stop the humping, it is dominant behavior. When you give your dogs treats, tie down the lab or put him in another room or even sit between them until they finish. Your lab is trying to take over control of things...my suggestion - more training, more leash walking, more over all wearing that lab out more...try fly ball, or agility or something, sounds like tha lab has too much energy and is taking advantage of the GP's good nature..nip this in the bud now. Good luck