The neighbor's puppy- Bernie- is a very nice dog but he follows me around and sits at my feet and cries for attention constantly. He's a really nice dog and everything, but Bear- that's mine- will start snarling and biting his little friend- and they are friends. I try to split the love between both of them but whenever I do Bernie needs more and Bear get's angry. (Note: Bear is about three times Bernie's size and this could get ugly.) Suggestions?
2006-07-08 05:00:12 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
The neighbors dog is lonely. But keep in mind, dogs do not think like people do. They have a pack mentality. In other words - lead dog goes first. Lead dog gets first treats, first petting, first through the door, etc. Your dog is your lead dog and he feels he is being shoved aside by the friend's dog. It is a balance that you have to reach. You have to have 2 treats with your dog getting the first. You have to pet your dog just before you pet the other. You will see thing right themselves. Just remember, think like a dog and not a person and you can figure out what is going on.
2006-07-08 05:08:51 · answer #1 · answered by K G 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Your dog feels like he owns you, you are his and should not be paying attention to another dog. He is being dominant over you. You have to teach him that is NOT ok. When you are giving Bernie attention and Bear starts acting up, do NOT give Bear attention. Giving Bear attention when he is being mean to Bernie is like rewarding his bad behaviour. Bear is looking to get your attention, you are giving him exactly what he is looking for.
What you need to do is put Bear a few feet away and start giving Bernie attention. If you need to, have someone hold Bear, but NEVER say anything to him, just prevent him from getting at Bernie. Completely ignore Bear while you are petting Bernie. You may have to do this over and over but pretty soon Bear will realize that he is no longer being rewarded for snarling and biting Bernie.
Now onto Bernie! Even though he is not your dog, you need to stop giving HIM affection when he is whining. When he starts whining, point at him and make a sharp quick noise. No need to yell or touch him, just let him know you are serious. With Bernie, you are rewarding HIS bad behaviour by petting him while he is whining. (although, since you are only dog sitting him, it might be best just to worry about your own dog's issue here )
When you are giving affection at a time when a dog is doing something wrong, you are rewarding them while their brain is in a state that is not how you want them to be. They start to think that they need to act that way in order to get that reward of affection.
The main thing is that you must be patient, this will not happen right away. Bear needs to learn the new way.
Good luck!
2006-07-08 05:13:56 · answer #2 · answered by Sadie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could consider separate activities to spend one-on-one time with Bear. (take them for walks separately, take Bear for a ride with you. Let Bear sleep with you on the bed.)
Make sure you show Bear affection FIRST, then Bernie. Dogs are extremely conscious of "pack order" and sounds like he's not sure Bernie isn't trying to take his place.....
2006-07-08 05:07:17 · answer #3 · answered by Patricia D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start seeing Bernie behind Bear's back. If Bear suspects anything, tell him you've been staying at work late.
2006-07-08 05:06:22 · answer #4 · answered by Ethan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have no right to stop love. Many dogs have more love capacity than we do. If a male dog bitles a female dog, that shows love. Same thing goes with snarling... but thats showing tough love. And if that doesnt work. Kick the neighbor's dog in the face (without him/her knowing) And that dog will stop folowing u
2006-07-08 05:10:00 · answer #5 · answered by -*B*-Radicalll 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignore this and follow K G's advice.
2006-07-08 05:10:11 · answer #6 · answered by cowgirl91 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋