I have 2 shelties, one is 13 years old and one is 4 months old. Naturally, the puppy wants to play-fight, and I think the older dog likes to also (she wags her tail, and if the puppy backs away, she will go after the puppy). But sometimes, it seems like they are REALLY fighting hard. Do I try to train them not to play so hard, or is this just natural and its not causing any harm?
2007-08-27 13:46:02 · 7 answers · asked by cacilluf 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
That is a really large age difference. I would make sure that the older dog has a quiet bed to sleep in away from the pup who needs a crate when you can't watch him .
A wagging tail doesn't always mean happiness. It can also mean ambivalence. Adult dogs don't always see the 'cuteness' in puppies that we see and she could be concerned that this little mite isn't going away.
She is an adult so she may snarl, nip and bowl the puppy over. This is normal behavior adults use to correct rambunctious puppies who need to be taught how to behave. It can cause the puppy to squeal loudly out of surprise even when he isn't hurt.
I would actually be more concerned about the older dog especially as your puppy becomes an adult. You need to make sure that the puppy doesn't knock the adult over, pull her tail or steal her food and treats. Hopefully they will get along well but you do have to keep an eye out for problems.
You also want to make sure to not forget your senior just because the puppy is taking up so much of your time and energy. Puppies can liven up a senior but they can also make them feel old and neglected.
2007-08-27 14:16:46 · answer #1 · answered by WooHoo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The older the dog the less chance he has of finding a forever home. Even a dog in old age (over 9 in average breeds) still has many years left to give you. The main advantage of an older dog is "what you see is what you get" there will be no suprise temperment issues, size issues etc. Contrary to popular belife you CAN teach an old dog new tricks I've in the past had two senior rescues, one was 13 (!!!) and lived for 3 more years until he died (run over :( ) and he had little in the way of any obedience training but was fine with a little work. The other was @9 (he was a stray so we didnt know for sure) He had to learn a new name and also basic obedience. I would always advocate adopting a senior if it suits your lifestyle. Of course nothing wrong with adopting a puppy at a later date as well!
2016-05-19 21:28:48 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Puppies and senior dogs can get along very well. Puppies seem to liven up the senior dog somewhat. With my dogs, if the play gets too rough, I caution the older or bigger dog to be "easy" with the younger or smaller dog. I think a mild caution to your senior dog is certainly appropriate. Also, if the puppy is hurting the senior dog with its sharp teeth, pick it up and give it a time out in your lap until it calms down. Good luck!
2007-08-27 13:53:04 · answer #3 · answered by rockymtn357 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
DOgs fequently play rough - if no body needs stitches it isn't a matter of major concern. Now if they are threatning to knock the house down, you do have a right to step in & say knock it off, just let them play vigerously sometimes.
Most 13 yr old shelties that I have met still have enough vim to play....
2007-08-27 14:27:37 · answer #4 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Teach'em the word "enough" or "cut it out" so when you thinks its too much just tell'em to cut it out. Or use the word stop or whatever.
2007-08-27 13:53:51 · answer #5 · answered by Boxer Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no,no,no, every things fine there is NOTHING 2 worry about both dogs seem playful sooooooo i think they will be fine
2007-08-27 13:52:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
as long as they are not hurting one another where one is crying and stuff. then just let them they are having fun
2007-08-27 13:51:28 · answer #7 · answered by cheer4u209@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋