My husband and I have a 6 month old Beagle. I am the one who spends the most time with him, and therefore am the one who has taught him all of the commands he knows. Anyway, what's going on is that when my husband or roommate (husband's cousin) play with Harley they encourage snapping by dangling his toys just out of reach, etc. I discourage this behaviour on all occasions as many of our friends and family have small children and I desperately want a calm, friendly pet. However I can't get either of them (husband or his cousin) to understand that their behaviour is detrimental to our dog. Harley is even beginning to snap during regular play. How do I get my husband & his cousin to understand what they're doing is a huge problem, and how do I get Harley to stop snapping?
2006-09-20 16:07:14 · 12 answers · asked by bluearia 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
This is a great article on using play time, and even tug or war, to teach good behavior to puppies...Read this page, and when you are ready to eat dinner..delay dinner a minute while you talk..and discuss this with your guys..It might surprise you that they are willing to play correctly..to teach these safety traits....
Just begin cheerfully, such as, "You know, I was just thinking, after reading an article on healthy play for pups..if you guys have the time to play with Harley, you could easily teach him these things, while having fun! He won't play with me, as he does with you..so I thought you might be willing to help..." then tell them what you learned...here> http://home.att.net/~vlea/PLAYING_WITH_YOUR_PUPPY_OR_ADULT_DOG.htm
2006-09-20 19:55:57 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have suffered through similar situations with people encouraging my dogs to do things I was teaching them not to do. Two things have helped a lot. One was to begin regular training sessions at 2:00 a.m. in the middle of the street (we lived on a very quiet street with hardly any traffic). This was a special time for me and my dog when nobody else would be around and there were no distractions so the dog would learn very well. This also helped to create a very strong bond between me and the dog because a good bit of the time would be spent praising the dog (they learn so much easier without distractions). The dog began to look forward to learning new things. The second thing I have done is to simply take charge, get up in the dog's face and let it know the behavior is unacceptable no matter who is there encouraging the bad behavior. You will probably have to get "rude" about it but stare your husband down if you must. Don't accept any excuses and get between them and the dog. If you have to, drag the dog to another room and shut the door. If you politely ask them to honor your training you will be ignored. It's just how it is. Let them see your good results and you will gain credibility with them and they'll be more likely to respect your instructions regarding the dog.
2006-09-20 16:28:23 · answer #2 · answered by twistedmouse 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Explain to them that they are giving the dog permission to use its mouth against them. The dog may decide he has had enough and really go for them or someone weaker with its mouth. When the dog snaps at you say NO very sharply. To back up your command get an empty soda can, put about six pennies or pebbles into it, seal it with tape, and, when you say NO, give the can a single vigorous shake. It is surprisingly loud especially to a dog's ears. I have had dogs stop whatever they were doing abruptly and only need to be reminded once or twice. Much better than a smack which encourages the behavior.
2006-09-20 16:32:00 · answer #3 · answered by Caffeinated 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is one problem with raising a dog, the dog doesn't know its wrong yet. I wish i could be more help, but I still can't get my hubby to use the commands for our 4 year old retreiver - and when he does, he uses them back to back and out of context only confusing her.
You could try telling your hubby that he is teaching your dog to bite and if he bites someone's child, you could get sued. You may also have to get tougher when you are alone with him - if you keep drilling the pup, eventually he might refrain from snapping during any play.
Also, reward proper behavior with tidbits - you could also mimic the way your hubby and his cousin play with him and only reward him when he plays properly - this way he will revert to proper play even when stimulated by improper playmates. If you can get the dog to quit snaping while playing the way they do, they may lose interest when the dog is not being as agressive as they like.
You could also "punish" puppy when your hubby comes home, place him in another room for one reason or another to limit improper playtimes or methods.
I hate to say it, but if this doesn't stop, it may take puppy actually taking a bite out of hubby or cousin to make them listen. Watch carefully and don't let hubby or cousin punish the pup if this happens - they will need to know that even though they were warned, they encouraged the dog to bite, and he did.
I'm sorry, but there is no garantee that any of this will work, I'm just sounding ideas out to you, its the best I can do considering I have yet to solve my own similar issue.
2006-09-20 16:25:15 · answer #4 · answered by Timberwolf 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You tell them that it's not going to be so funny when the dog has to be put down and you've got a huge lawsuit on your hands after the dog bites someone he should'nt.
No one will care the dog is just playing after they take their kid to the emergency room for stitches.And if they don't knock it off then you'll find another home for the animal cos you don't want the liability for THEIR STUPIDITY.
2006-09-21 01:26:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would talk to them just the way you did here. Tell them the problems it is causing and why it is a problem. With some men you have to turn it into a money thing. Let them know that if Harley snaps and bites someone that they can sue you for your dogs behavior, and any damages that it causes. It would be even worse if it happened to a child. I wish you the best with this problem.
2006-09-20 16:15:10 · answer #6 · answered by Summer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your husband and his cousin are being very immature and rediculous. If you have already talked to them about it, maybe a slap upside the head each time they do it will knock some sense into them. Honestly, I don't know how to get them onboard, but if you don't, the dog could bite someone. Perhaps you could insist on getting rid of the dog if it continues to snap. That may help them put things into perspective.
2006-09-20 16:19:05 · answer #7 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
OK i have the same problem with my dog my dog is 9 months old and is in her last dominate stage now is the time to control your dog or you might end up with a law suit tell them aggression is not ok but simple play is i tell my family i will get rid of mine if she gets any more aggressive you might try the same. use its toys as a treat for play make it work for play ( sit,leave it,stay,etc....) it works and leave it can help with biting. maybe try when it goes to bite try something like ( at leave-it ) in a firm voice
2006-09-21 02:11:28 · answer #8 · answered by sandy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here is a popular guide that will solve this issue and more.
http://skycforme.sitstay.hop.clickbank.net/?type=beagle
When you apply these techniques consistantly fellow family members will see the importance of curtailing aggression. This can become a bigger problem if not dealt with now.
2006-09-20 16:38:57 · answer #9 · answered by Meatloaf 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is not a dog problem, that is a people problem. Surely you can convince them to play in a way that does not encourage undesirable behavior.
2006-09-20 16:41:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋