Hello everyone. I'm hoping that I can get some feedback about my new pup and his bonding w/my 2 yr.old bitch.

The pup was home raised by his breeder w/ 6 adults and 2 siblings(plus 1 cat).I took him home at 9 weeks old.(he's now 12 weeks)

I am concerned that he is bonding more with Bella than with me! If I take him out to relieve himself and then let Bella out after, he seems fixed on her. He doesn't want to look at me or really even acknowledge that he hears me! talk about tuning out!

When they eat he always eats out her dish with her and then his dish.He takes her toys from her too!! I'm always surprised that she allows this!

When we walk down to get the paper(long driveway!)I make Bella heel because he follows her and doesn't even know I'm there if the 2 of them are out together.I figure that this way maybe he'll make the association to stay close to me too.

When Bella isn't around then he looks for me.

He is learning his commands pretty well,usually always comes when called.If he's tired though , then he'll ignore me or on occasion he has run to my outside dog's kennel in back of my house when he didn't want to come in,(but he got in trouble for that from me so he hasn't done it since!)

How do I assure myself that he sees me as alpha and what do I need to do to get him to pay attention to me if I have the both dogs together?

I think you answered your own question! You need to limit the time the two dogs spend together.. when ever I bring in a new dog or pup.. I am the only one he plays with... I make myself very important to the pup.. I might let him out with other dogs..but it will be after he is all worn out..by me. This isn't forever.. but until the pup sees YOU as the more interesting being. Some take longer than others.. my last young dog didn't meet the rest of the crew for close to 6 months.

Jody

I think it would help to have the pup watch as you put your bitch through her paces with OBD as well, if she is focused on you and ignoring him, he will learn through her that you are the boss.

This is on top of the previous post here by Jody.

Jody is correct. Also, don't feed them at the same time. Let them out seperately. Spend lots of time alone with the new pup. Like Jody said, they can eventually play together, but only after you are certain that they will BOTH respond to you before each other.

Thanks everyone! I have started to follow your advice.

I appreciate this message board soooo much!!!I want to learn the correct way to handle my dogs and even though I've almost always had a dog growing up, The wealth of quality information on dog issues here is astounding!!!!There is always something to learn and always someone who can teach me a thing or two!!

Thanks Again,Jeannette

i am having the same problem with my two female gsds. i am trying to limit the time together. but it is very hard when the older one gets jealous. but my pup would rather lay by my older dogs side than mine. (so know i am the jealous one) and she certainly loves to play with her. and pretty much finds her to be the fun guys. and when i take them both for a walk, cause it is easier and timely to walk them together, the pup just watches and tries to play with the older one. i feel she is certainly bonding with her more than with me. i just hope it is not too late to switch this.

The simple answer is to keep them apart. This is not always a possibility. So then you must first obedience train the dog alone. Then introduce the other dog as distraction training. Teaching a dog to listen while a car is passing or another dog is present is exactly the same.

When adding another dog be it pup or adult..you need to devote an incredible amount of extra time to the new individual..just you and the pup/dog.. one on one..no other animals around or involved. It's fine to socialize the newcomer with the established animals of the household and it's also a great edge on potty training (monkey see monkey do etc.) but you will achieve greater success including establishing your bond by devoting sole, individual time. Leave the established dog in the house and take the pup down the driveway..just you and the pup. Go outside, play with the pup and incorporate your training into the play sessions..but leave the established dog in the house or kenneled out of sight and sound.

As to the feeding time...not a good idea to allow the pup to eat from the established dog's bowl. You're asking a lot from the adult dog to share their food and it's not really fair to that dog.
I would crate the pup and feed separately. Don't create a potentially serious situation/problem.

When I added my now 5 month old GSD as a 7wk old pup to my household of established dogs; I began a routine of feeding her in the crate; taking her outside as soon as she was finished..just the two of us and spent time just with her..talking to her, playing with her and teaching her the basics of come, sit etc. She was only allowed limited play with the others. Today; I can call out to her when she is in the middle of play with the others and will always respond/come to me. When she sees me come out of the house..she will stop playing with whomever and seek me out.

Don't forget to pay that extra bit of attention to the established dog..again..one on one. After all..that dog was there first and also deserves a part of you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I wouldn't be concerned , it's only natural that the pup is going to be more attracted to other dogs than to people. I think the trick is, when the pup is old enough to handle corrections, it must learn that you are the one it must take direction from. Spend time ( one on one) with the pup to develop a good relationship and when the time comes, teach the pup that you are the boss. I've allowed my pups to spend a lot of time with my older dogs and had no problem gaining control of the pup later on. As long as your bonding with the pup is good, the attraction to other dogs can be controlled later on. Although the idea of limiting the time the dogs spend together is good, for me personally it's not worth the aggravation in light of the fact control and bonding can still occur.



John

Vince hit the nail on the head. Topic closed.