Dog Community

how would you deal with this? puppy scuffles.

Posted : 1/15/2010 5:18:50 PM

had a new experience with Zoey today. took her to my BF's work, she's been there before,but there were not other dogs there. But today the receptionist had her boston terrier there. When they first met Zoe & Carly were fine. we sat down to eat ( Zoey doesn't know what people food is yet, so i dont think it's food aggression). but twice they kinda 'got into it', nothing huge, and it was easily broken up when I'd 'lead' Zoe out of it ( first time she was loose, then 2nd time she was on her leash). They didn't seem to want to keep going after both times of being broken up ( for example my other dogs if they get into a scuffle - they'll continue to fixate on each other until they've had a chance to chill out)

so did i do the right thing? first time I just got ahold of Zoey ( didn't say anything to her, just moved her out of the situation - didn't pick her up though), and the second time i just 'pulled' her out of it( again didn't say anything to her). I also rewarded Zoey when she chose to lay down next to me and ignore the other dog.

btw this is the first time I met this particular dog. I would say she almost has a nervous 'dominant' energy. the only reason I say 'dominant' is because she immediately tried to mount Zoey after meeting her.I know this dog is older - over 5 or 6.

any recommendations? I want her to be socialized, but I dont want to put her into a position where she might have issues later in life due to an 'incident'.

thanks!

JackieG

Posted : 1/15/2010 6:48:50 PM

akyramoto82
any recommendations? I want her to be socialized, but I dont want to put her into a position where she might have issues later in life due to an 'incident'.

A puppy class would be my recommendation. I think you handled it fine.

akyramoto82

Posted : 1/15/2010 7:11:35 PM

JackieG
akyramoto82
any recommendations? I want her to be socialized, but I dont want to put her into a position where she might have issues later in life due to an 'incident'.

A puppy class would be my recommendation. I think you handled it fine.

I'm planning on taking her to one, but she's only had her first shot.

the class @ the vets requires two, and eveywhere else requires all of them, plus rabies.

her next appt is in Feb.

tiffy

Posted : 1/17/2010 4:39:06 PM

Zoe, more than likely didn't like being mounted. Especially by a stranger.

spiritdogs

Posted : 1/19/2010 6:34:58 AM

akyramoto82
JackieG
akyramoto82
any recommendations? I want her to be socialized, but I dont want to put her into a position where she might have issues later in life due to an 'incident'.

A puppy class would be my recommendation. I think you handled it fine.

I'm planning on taking her to one, but she's only had her first shot.
the class @ the vets requires two, and eveywhere else requires all of them, plus rabies.
her next appt is in Feb.

Gawd, your vet and trainers are in the dark ages - have them read this, or drive a way to find a good positive trainer who gets it: http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/puppy%20socialization.pdf

Granted, there is risk, but the risk of having an unsocialized dog that becomes aggressive is higher than the risk of disease and both can kill a dog, too. Puppy class is most effective when the dogs are between 10-16 weeks of age!!! And, the optimal socialization period for puppies is 8-12 weeks. We bleach our floors before puppy class, so the pups are relatively safe from anything that gets tracked in by older dogs.

Older dogs are not that tolerant sometimes, especially if they themselves were not at puppy class young, which appears to be the case in your neighborhood. When puppies scuffle, they usually learn to break it off themselves. Well socialized adult dogs tolerate young puppies until roughly when their secondary teeth come in, then may discipline them appropriately for being obnoxious.

akyramoto82

Posted : 1/22/2010 7:17:40 PM

spiritdogs
akyramoto82
JackieG
akyramoto82
any recommendations? I want her to be socialized, but I dont want to put her into a position where she might have issues later in life due to an 'incident'.

A puppy class would be my recommendation. I think you handled it fine.

I'm planning on taking her to one, but she's only had her first shot.
the class @ the vets requires two, and eveywhere else requires all of them, plus rabies.
her next appt is in Feb.

Gawd, your vet and trainers are in the dark ages - have them read this, or drive a way to find a good positive trainer who gets it: http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/puppy%20socialization.pdf
Granted, there is risk, but the risk of having an unsocialized dog that becomes aggressive is higher than the risk of disease and both can kill a dog, too. Puppy class is most effective when the dogs are between 10-16 weeks of age!!! And, the optimal socialization period for puppies is 8-12 weeks. We bleach our floors before puppy class, so the pups are relatively safe from anything that gets tracked in by older dogs.
Older dogs are not that tolerant sometimes, especially if they themselves were not at puppy class young, which appears to be the case in your neighborhood. When puppies scuffle, they usually learn to break it off themselves. Well socialized adult dogs tolerate young puppies until roughly when their secondary teeth come in, then may discipline them appropriately for being obnoxious.

I honestly would take the chance if I could get her in a class now. I know she needs the socialization.

I dont think its fair that she didn't get the 'right' start for her to have to be behind now that she has a home that wants her to be socialized

Update: just called the vet to see if i could get her into that class ASAP without all her shots. they said they don't have another class until next month and that she might be 'too old' and I'd be put on a waiting list, and they *might* call me if they have room in the class...

feeling kinda frustrated.

griffinej5

Posted : 1/22/2010 9:16:22 PM

did you check out apdt.com to see if there is anyone else in your area who offers a puppy class?

Maura

Posted : 1/22/2010 9:48:06 PM

When dogs aren't socialized they have problems interacting with other dogs. It seems that the Boston was not well socialized, so she is not a good candidate for being around a puppy. If you know anyone else with a dog friendly dog or puppy, get your puppy together with them. Ask if the dogs are vaccinated. There aren't any puppy classes in my region, but I got my puppy out to meet neighbor dogs almost every day. There was a Sussex spaniel tied up in the backyard adjacent to a field we walked in (poor thing, but very sweet to my puppy) and a golden retriever that was loose part of the day. I was lucky.

Chuffy

Posted : 1/23/2010 3:19:30 PM

I second the doggy play date idea if possible. In some ways, it might be better than a puppy class.... Not all puppy classes are well run, and IMO no class is better than a bad class. With play dates, YOU get to "vet" the other dog that your pup will be interacting with, and you can make sure it's always another dog/owner that you trust.

I also think you handled it fine. Don't sweat about it, this is one minor incident - hopefully among dozens of positive ones! You'll both do fine.

akyramoto82

Posted : 1/29/2010 5:46:11 PM

I finally talked to the lady running hte class the other day when I was picking up amber from getting stitches. I had called earlier & couldn't really get any answers. I pretty much voiced my opinion of 'she needs socialization, shots or not'. at one point they were saying she couldn't attend because she would be too old!!

anyways, I talked to the lady actually doing the class, she said Zoey could be in it. so yay! I also contacted a trainer off of that website. NOTHING! no email, no call back nothing!

JackieG

Posted : 1/29/2010 6:09:43 PM

I'm glad she's getting into a class. :) We will be waiting for updates......

cakana

Posted : 2/1/2010 5:07:09 PM

akyramoto82

I finally talked to the lady running hte class the other day when I was picking up amber from getting stitches. I had called earlier & couldn't really get any answers. I pretty much voiced my opinion of 'she needs socialization, shots or not'. at one point they were saying she couldn't attend because she would be too old!!

anyways, I talked to the lady actually doing the class, she said Zoey could be in it. so yay! I also contacted a trainer off of that website. NOTHING! no email, no call back nothing!

In case you're still looking for a puppy training class, I thought I'd share this site with you:

http://www.therightsteps.com/puppyprimer.htm

I went to one of the trainers when we started having the fighting problems with our two and I really liked her a lot.