My wife has a Maltese that doesn't listen very well and is pretty much spoiled. Shes does things like puts her nose in the garbage when we turn our backs and ("makes" uses the bathroom ) in the house from time to time and my wife lets her get away with it. We are now getting a Boxer puppy and the dog will be pretty much be mine to trane like the Maltese is hers. I would like to trane him stricter than the Maltese is traned but I am afraid the Maltese's bad habits will rub off on him.. What should I do? and will her behavior affect the Boxer's???
2006-10-28 14:57:54 · 6 answers · asked by Benjo 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The other dog's behavior won't necessary affect the training of your Boxer; however, if your wife will not conform to your "strict" training of the Boxer, the dog will be getting different messages from her than it gets from you, and may just end up confused by the "different rules" from the "trainers" in the household.
We suggest that you start training BOTH dogs together, and make sure that both of you (you and your wife) agree on what is and is not to be allowed in the household from now on. If you're going to be good doggie parents, you have to present a united front to the dogs. Both the Boxer and the Maltese will benefit from your consistent co-parenting.
2006-10-28 15:04:08 · answer #1 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs definitely learn from each other, and even if you get your boxer through his basic obedience commands, he's going to follow the Maltese to the trash can and pee wherever he smells that she's gone already. You need to figure out a way to get your wife's dog under control if you want your new pup to learn his manners properly.
A good start would be suggesting you two take your dogs to training classes together- that makes it more of a family time and less of a 'you need to fix your dog' accusation, but it accomplishes the goal of getting the maltese trained. Simple commands like 'leave it' can keep her away from the trash can. Maltese's are notoriously hard to potty-train, so you might just have to invest in some high-end enzyme cleaners to get the smell out and work extra hard to make sure your boxer knows to go outside.
2006-10-28 15:27:14 · answer #2 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be more worried about the dog getting away with stuff in your wife's presence, and there for not receiving the consistency it will need. And house breaking will surely be harder, since the smell is already there... but that doesn't make it impossible.
Be consist ant... have your wife be consist ant. You can actually have 2 dogs in the same house that are trained differently.. I do. Who knows, this may actually be a positive experience, and get the Maltese a bit more discipline
2006-10-28 15:26:08 · answer #3 · answered by think_about_this_gr8_1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can affect the training, however, if you are using a formal training program away from the house, it is possible to get around that. I have a formally trained German Shepherd and two puppies who are "hellions". My GSD listens and does as he is told according to his training even if the others are acting out. You will have to be vigilant and consistent with the Boxer and your wife is going to have to respect your authority in this by reinforcing the training when she is home alone with the Boxer. Otherwise, the Boxer may cause problems with your wife.
2006-10-28 15:06:55 · answer #4 · answered by TheresaE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i would tell your wife to be a little more strict with her dog and then you train your dog your way and keep your dog away from your wifes dog for the first few days and see what happens
2006-10-28 15:03:16 · answer #5 · answered by kristikay1965 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it actually does believe it or not. I have a dog and it seems like whenever he sees another dog he acts bad but when its just him he's a perfect angel.
2006-10-28 15:01:09 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋