Dog Community

Zack is harrassing Zoe

Posted : 4/4/2008 8:42:31 PM

So right now I am upstairs on the computer and Zack is here with me. He hasn't figured out how to go down the stairs, and Zoe knows it, so right now she is hanging out downstairs by herself to get away from him. She would never be in a room other than the one I am in and hates to be alone so she must really want to be away from him. They like to play together but Zack, being a puppy, wants to play all day long and Zoe only wants to play when she is in the mood and reaches a point where she has had it with him. She does this high pitched bark sound and snaps at the air in his direction but he doesn't stop and is all over her all the time. I feel bad for her. Should I be intervening? Please excuse my ignorance, I've never had 2 dogs before!

nymaureen

Posted : 4/4/2008 9:04:05 PM

My personally feeling is yes, you should intervene. I'd let them work things out for themselves to a point, but not when it means that Zoe is trying and Zack isn't respecting of it. I know that my dogs have looked to me, to help them out, when I've had a pesky young dog brought into the house. I would also put Zack in a crate for regular time outs, in order that Zoe can have some undisturbed relaxing times with you.

huskymom

Posted : 4/4/2008 9:14:14 PM

I wouldn't intervene as far as her disciplining him. If she snaps at him and you scold her for it, it will confuse things between them. But if he isn't paying attention to her 'advice' then yes, time outs to give her a break are a good idea....

You do realize this is in Nutrition right? ETA: Never mind, it got moved.

DumDog

Posted : 4/5/2008 9:30:20 AM

i agree with Candace. i wouldnt let it escalate too far with her biting him or a fight happening but this is dog language that he obviously missed at some point, or forgot..

i think i would just redirect him to play with something else or with me. he sounds like he has a ton of energy because he's young.. and its compounded by the fact that he is a terrier.. i wont say he doesnt need a time out but he probably does need to play and run around a lot more than normal.

just a guess though. it worked for my terrier.

erica1989

Posted : 4/5/2008 10:42:46 PM

I would let her do what she needs to do. And - I would also give her a place of her own, where Zack isn't allowed, a crate, bed or something. Make sure to take Zoe on walks all by herself, to let her know she's still YOUR dog. Make sure the pup is really getting worn out with training, and play with you. He is a pup, and he will annoy Zoe. They will work it out on their own.

Dog_ma

Posted : 4/6/2008 1:01:25 AM

I am somewhere in the middle. I'd take my cues from Zoe, and encourage him to listen and respect what she's communicating. That way the pup is hearing from both you AND Zoe that obnoxious behavior is not wanted.

jenns

Posted : 4/6/2008 7:24:59 AM

thanks guys. The reason I don't like putting Zack in his crate is that they are in their crates/ex pens during the day as it is while I'm at work, and then at night again, so I have to maximize non-crate time. Right now, if they are upstairs, Zoe can get away from him by going downstairs, since he hasn't learned how to go downstairs yet. But right now they are snuggling together in their doggy bed upstairs.