Dog Community

Young dog hassles other dogs

Posted : 10/5/2006 1:43:03 PM

Hi everyone, I'm new!

I have a 6 month old shepherd mix. We got her 2 months ago from a shelter and she is wonderful!

Our problem is that she gets worked up when other dogs don't pay attention to her. For example, we took her to our friend's house and they have an older lab who doesn't care for playing. She stood and barked endlessly at him. She always barks at dogs if they dont' play with her. It's not harming anything, but it does not make it easy to take her to family gatherings or anywhere that older, non-playful dogs might be. If I put her on a leash instead, she strains endlessly at the leash and barks.

Any suggestions?? Will she grow out of this naturally as she gets older?

mudpuppy

Posted : 10/5/2006 2:11:10 PM

get some ear plugs and take your dog to meet as many older dogs as you can.

Ruth

Posted : 10/5/2006 2:38:40 PM

My dog is kind of like that too. He's 2 and very energetic and playful. If another dog is with him in the yard and and the other dog doesn't want to play with him, Ace often will just keep running around the other dog in circles play bowing, sometimes barking or nipping, to try and initiate play. Older dogs will just stand there and watch him as he runs around like a crazy dog trying to initiate a play session. He is very good-natured about it and will respect the other dog's limits, but he also is very enthusiastic and persistent. He tries to get moose to play with him, too.

If the other dog gets irritated I usually just separate them and crate Ace if necessary. I too am hoping he'll grow out of it someday.

snownose

Posted : 10/5/2006 9:25:14 PM

My newest rescue is a 7 month old Husky mix, I got him when he was 12 weeks old. I exercise the heck out my dogs, also work them.........this does take care of the problem. After all the romping around, running and playing they are just too pooped.

Most dogs don't get enough exercise, a 20 minute walk here and there is not enough.

probe1957

Posted : 10/6/2006 9:38:35 AM

Welcome to the forum.

In my experience, most dogs are very tolerant of the antics of a puppy. I think your best bet is to socialize him by exposing him to dogs as often as you can. Other dogs will teach him how to behave.

Scout in Canada

Posted : 10/6/2006 12:44:12 PM

Thanks everyone. I was thinking more socialization might help. I suspect that in her younger days she was not well socialized (she was found as a stray) so her dog-dog communication skills probably need more practise.