I have a 4 year old American Staffordshire Terrier. She is having problems with my brother's new pup. Where do you think they should start?

Hi Cindy,

I hope you can help me with an issue. I have a 4 year old American Staffordshire Terrier who has her TDI and CGC. She is a rescue that I got at 10 months old and when I got her I was advised the rescue group used to let her play with the young dogs and puppies, because she was soft with them.

My brother and his girlfriend brought home a male pup from the HSUS about 8 months ago. The pup (Harvey) was about 4 weeks old and already neutered when they brought him home, so he definitely did not get enough time with his mother. He is a pit bull and (If his paws are any indication) mastiff mix (possibly Cano Corso). At 9 months of age Harvey is a good natured hyper pup that weighs in at 70 pounds.

My Am Staff, Diva, loves him and enjoys his company, except for one issue. Diva had surgery for a torn CCL in July of last year and Harvery goes for that leg, bites and holds on. He is almost impossible to pry loose once he gets a grip, true to his breed. (I advised Anna, my brothers girl friend to use the wheel barrow technique you suggested for breaking up dog fights which works relatively well with him).

He seems to have a problem with all bite inhibition, something which I understand is not uncommon with pups who aren't with the mother for the appropriate amount of time. When they have been separated for any amount of time he will charge Diva, jump on her, then grab her between the shoulder blades or any other convenient body part and sink his teeth in. He will draw blood at times, or at the very least (Diva is mostly white) leave nasty claw and bite marks on her. He also will mouth or bite us when we grab his collar to correct him or lead him.

Obviously he is going to be way too large a dog to be so out of control.

He is going to puppy classes and is going to start agility soon, (He just passed his CGC tonight.), so hopefully that will help to drain some of his energy, but as first time dog owners, my brother and his girl friend are at their wits end.

Diva has no problem making it very clear to Harvey that his attention is usually unwanted, and she will lay him down and make him stay- but sometimes his puppy energy is more than she can take so she retreats to her crate. He is also absolutely crazed when there is food around. They will both get the same treat and Harvey will lay his aside and immediately try to steal Divas. If she she wont give it to him, he will bark and sneak around behind her, then grab her back leg so that she lets go of her bully stick, then he runs away with it. (There are times she will not let him in the same room, because she wants to chew her treat in peace.)

Where do you think they should start? Would you suggest any specific videos or training equipment?

Thanks!
Dawn