Bob's A Bit Aggressive

[Dixieland Dancer]

I would rule out any medical problems since you mentioned it happens when he is picked up sometimes too. Has he been checked for worms or any other medical problems?

Ruling out medical issues, take a lesson from Ginger.... when Bob gets too rough she lets him know it. This is only a 10 week pup we are talking about so it shouldn't be that hard to nip this in the bud now (no pun intended).

BTW... Bob is really a cutie!

[BOBS DAD]

Yes, Dixieland... Bob has been to the vet twice now and got his final shots last week. Everything checks out well and Bob is fit as fiddle. You guys have already been helpful as we have started with your advice - just a little tap (enough to convey displeasure) on the snoot and if he snaps back - just a little harder. It has been working like a charm and we are seeing improvement in just days. I didn't know if this was acceptable as sometimes folks say "never" be physical. But it sure seems to be the cure. Thanks again.

Dan

[Dixieland Dancer]

Yes, Dixieland... Bob has been to the vet twice now and got his final shots last week. Everything checks out well and Bob is fit as fiddle. You guys have already been helpful as we have started with your advice - just a little tap (enough to convey displeasure) on the snoot and if he snaps back - just a little harder. It has been working like a charm and we are seeing improvement in just days. I didn't know if this was acceptable as sometimes folks say "never" be physical. But it sure seems to be the cure. Thanks again.

Dan

I'm glad it's nothing medical. I just want you to realize, I never said I agreed with the tap on the nose. I don't think Ginger taps Bob on the nose when he is bad. If she is typical, she shows disapproval through a yelp and then ignoring him so play stops. This is in human terms a way of saying NO in a stern voice with perhaps at most a finger waved in his face and then stopping play. Bob being a little pup still, he wants to play. When he realizes this kind of behavior stops the play then he will realize he can't nip.

Unfortunately, with another dog in the house who can provide play anytime he wants it, your daughter is probably not going to be looked at as a playmate to Bob. You do need to work with her though in showing her how to communicate with Bob so he will recognize her as a higher ranking pack member. Perhaps getting her involved when you take Bob to puppy kindergarten classes (highly recommended) and having her feed Bob will help. Also letting her control the leash when you take Bob for walks.

NOTE: I don't recommend puppy kindergarten classes for getting the dog to learn how to sit and down and all that stuff but more for learning proper socialization skills. Advancing to a basic obedience class is then recommended so Bob can learn proper manners at home and in public.

[BOBS DAD]

I usually feed Bob, or my wife occasionally. Good idea to let Lizzie do it!


Bob Getting Shower


... and Shakin' it Later

[tikeyas_mom]

okay Bob is sooo cute!!!
Do you have any idea what breeds are in him?
EEp hes a doll, and Ginger is a beautiful girl too.

I had this EXACT problem with my mom Shih Tzu, Oscar. We got him at 7 weeks too!!..
When Oscar would play too rough with my siberian husky, or get outa line, she would nip at him then walk away.

So When he would bite our hands or growl at us, we would get up and stop paying attention to him. He hated that sooo much, he would follow us around the house whining and wanting attention..
So the next time he wanted to play and he acted naughty, we would ignore him for a few min, then come back give him a simple command (like sit) and then reward him like crazy..


Let your 11 year old daughter feed Bob for a little while. When it is Bobs feeding time, (try to make it the same time everyday), make sure he is watching while she poors food into a dish, (its important that you dont let him eat till he does a command).
Show your daughter that pushing lightly on Bobs bottom will make him sit, then once he does it for a second let him eat. This way Your daughter has control over the food proccess and Bob doesn't get to eat till he listens to her.. get it . This will help him learn that she is alpha over him.

[BOBS DAD]

GREAT ADVICE... WE HAVE STARTED WITH LIZZIE FEEDING (MORNINGS - 6:30 ISH WHEN EVERYONE'S GETTING UP FOR SCHOOL) BOB. AND WE HAVE LIMITED THE ROUGH HOUSING WITH THE TWO DOGS. THIS KEEPS BOB FROM GETTING TOO HYPER. AND WE HAVE IGNORED HIM WITH HIS AGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR BUT WE HAVE COUPLED IT WITH A LOUD "BOB". WE ADDED THIS CAUSE GINGER DOES A REAL, REALLY LOUD YELP AT BOB, BEFORE SHE TURNS AWAY. SOMETIMES IF HE IS PARTICULARLY AGGRESSIVE, WE GIVE A SHORT TIME OUT IN HIS CRATE (LONG ENOUGH FOR HIM TO QUIET DOWN). IT ALL SEEMS TO BE HELPING AND BOB IS GETTING THE MESSAGE.

BOB IS A RESCUE DOG. WE DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT HE IS. HE WAS ADVERTISED AS A COCKER MIX, BUT I DON'T SEE IT. SINCE WE GOT HIM WE HAVE BEEN TOLD HE IS EVERYTHING FROM A WIREDHAIRED TERRIER, JRT TO A PBGV. ALL I KNOW IS HE IS A CROWD STOPPER AND HE DRAWS ATTENTION WHEREVER WE GO!

[ktreva52]

Boy, he's one you just want to hug the stuffin's out of, 'cause he's just too adorable! Have you growled at him when he's too "rambunctious"? A very growly "noooooooo," will often help stop some of that stuff, but, like Ginger, you want to ignore him when he's out of line. As many have already advised you.

Taking your cues from Ginger is a good way to deal with Bob in "his language," and I, too, advocate lots of socialization in classes and at the office, especially if there's lots of folks he gets to meet there.

When I used to teach puppy classes, I would do some odd things. lol Like bouncing a basketball around the puppies and then let them check it out. Had a 6' long kids tunnel that we'd work with them on, from each end, since the view is "different" from either end. These are things you can do with Lizzie's help (in fact, everyone in the family can participate) and will teach Bob (and Ginger if she wants to 'play') trust and where he belongs in the family.

Teaching tricks, such as shake and high five can also help establish Bob's place, since everyone in the two-legged aspect of the pack can work with him on learning these things. Sets some of the "rules" of the pack--I give you a command, you obey, you get a treat and praise. Even simple things like sit and down can be taught at this age and help him understand that he is not the top dog.

BUT, we have to remember that he's still a baby and will "forget" from time to time. So long as you are consistent, he'll learn it all and be a great dog. Sounds like y'all are doing a great job with him so far!

Chris

[Dixieland Dancer]

SOMETIMES IF HE IS PARTICULARLY AGGRESSIVE, WE GIVE A SHORT TIME OUT IN HIS CRATE (LONG ENOUGH FOR HIM TO QUIET DOWN).

Be really careful in using his crate as a place of punishment. If it's not done correctly, it could backfire on you later if you need him crated later on in life for any reason. You want Bob to understand his crate is a great place and his santuary and good things happen in the crate.

Keep up the good work! Remember to enroll him a puppy kindergarten class. He is the perfect age right now!

[lizbud]

If you can rule out a hearing or other health problem, you can
start right away to show Bob that being cute will only take him so
far.LOL He must have an assertive & dominant nature.