2 Puppies =)

[shonna76]

I have a 16 wk. and 11 wk EM. Each of them are doing great with their training. They love to play together, but sometimes too hard. They go for the ears or the feet, and usually one of em end up crying. I know they are puppies and want to play, but how far do I let them? They have tons of toys, some big enough for them to play with together. I try to divert thier attention to play with thier toys instead. My Bella(16 wk) also sniped at me today, and she has NEVER done that, ever!! I was wondering if playing with Lacey like that is leading to aggressive behavior. How can I stop them from playing like that if so?

Also, what form of discipline is best? Bella, for the most part, is potty trained. I've had her since she was 8 wks, and used a kennel to train her. On the occasion, she has an accident...I tell her no with a stern voice, but there is no consequence. She is usually good with 'no' , but not consistantly. I dont want her to go to 'night night' when she is 'bad', I would never hit her, so really, whats the best practice you have? Thanks!!!!!

 

[seeknoxrun]

You're a brave one to take on two Mastiff babies at once! I waited until my boy was 6 months before bringing home another, and I'm still wondering what the heck I was thinking!

Puppies will be puppies, and to a certain extent rough play is just part of the game. I'm a huge believer in NILIF training (if you've never heard of it, you can find information about it by googling), and puppy playtime falls into the category of privileges that my two have to "earn." And I don't mean they have to perform tricks or train for an hour before I let them go at it, I just monitor and maintain control of the playtime - and they have to play by my rules. For us, wrestling around with a toy, playfully nipping at each other, and chasing each other around the yard are fair game. When the playful nipping turns into growling, hackles come up, and they chew on each other until they cry I recognize that, though they may still be playing, its become too rough and I step in. (We've been working on the "enough" command. The idea is that when I say "enough," they disengage and come to me for a treat. And they're not allowed to resume play - though they try their hardest to - until I allow it.). If they just won't give it up, they are either separated (by means of a baby gate), or the instigator is leashed and has to stay by my side until they are calm. I've also crate them, not to punish - because I don't think they really understand that type of punishment anyway - but to decompress and have time to come out of crazy puppy mode.

By exercising control (and enforcing that control!) you're communicating to your puppies that you are in charge, they're only allowed to play because you're a gracious and fair leader )), and that you always have the final say. Also, by controlling playtime with each other, your puppies should start to see you as someone NOT to be nipped at/jumped on/ ignored. If my puppies nip at me (as an invitation to play), I say "no," turn away, and ignore them until they are calm. Once they are calm, I pick a toy and invite them to play. If/when their teeth make contact with my skin (even if by accident) I say "no," turn away, and ignore them until they're calm. Then repeat, repeat, repeat. Theyll get the idea eventually that they can't play with you the same way they play with each other.

Whew, hope at least some of that made sense! Good luck, and let us now how things progress!

 

[angelbears]

I agree, nice post.

 

[JennQ]

Good post... I agree!! I have a mastiff mix cc/neo and a staffy/box X and they are both under 2yrs!! It is a daily routine of going from dog mom/pac leader to full out UFC ref!!!!