My new puppy's a bully! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

dawnholland · 03-31-2006, 10:55 AM

I have a 1 1/2 year old, Cooper, who is mild mannered, sweet and easy going. He was a breeze to potty train, runs free in the yard and comes back when called and travels well. His parents were having their last litter and we decided to buy his sister from them hoping to get another with similar qualities. She is 4 months old now and I'm sure you know where I'm going with this. If Cooper picks up a toy, Haley takes it. If he's enjoying a raw hide she terrorizes him until he gives it up even if she has one of her own. She pushes past him to greet us when we get home, forces herself between Cooper and me on my lap and chases and snips at him, growling all the while! She is definitely an alpha female. What really worries me is that Cooper seems sad and despondent at times. We have had her for 2 months and it's better but she is still in charge. They do cuddle some and he bathes her but other than that he avoids her. I had hoped they'd be good company for one another, but now I'm not so sure. Any advice?

Lexi Rae · 03-31-2006, 11:01 AM

sorry cant help you, only have 1 , but welcome

txshopper73 · 03-31-2006, 11:12 AM

I do think that he will eventually have enough and put her in her place. Also, you need to reestablish order in your house. If she comes when you're petting Cooper, set her down and pay more attention to Coop. He needs and misses (I'm sure) being the only baby of the house.

lilannie · 03-31-2006, 12:31 PM

Wow, that sounds exactly like what happened when we brought Bailey home. We have a Beagle almost 3, and Bailey is exactly the same. We have had him for 6 weeks and just recently decided that we would let them establish pecking order, and allow Copper to deter Bailey's behavior in dog ways, instead of treating Bailey like a new baby. It seems to be getting better, so that Bailey no longer takes treats from Copper and they both seem to be getting along better, without Copper feeling so helpless to protect what is his. So I guess the only advice I can give you is to allow them to work it out (kinda like kids) but supervise closely to ensure no one gets hurt. We also make sure that Copper gets some alone time daily to let him know that we all still love him too. Good luck.. to you and if you find something that works wonders I would love to hear it too.......I would love to see pics of your babes, do u have some on here?..

sylvan · 03-31-2006, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txshopper73

I do think that he will eventually have enough and put her in her place. Also, you need to reestablish order in your house. If she comes when you're petting Cooper, set her down and pay more attention to Coop. He needs and misses (I'm sure) being the only baby of the house.

Actually Kimberley this could create a lot more problems and is the complete opposite of what I would recommend...dogs don't think like people and don't understand the concepts of 'fair' or 'equal'. If she starts putting him first before her alpha girl, he will get his butt kicked worse later when Mom isn't around. She will be probably ease off him faster if Mom makes an effort to put her first in all things, greetings, treats, lap-time... She won't feel the need to re-establish dominance if her 'place' is acknowledged by everyone in the 'pack'.

If she wants some extra one on one cuddle time with him...she could first send Miss Big Britches for a walk-treat around the block with someone else if possible OR just get his pats in while he's next to her keeping the Diva on her lap.

Tashasmom · 03-31-2006, 01:59 PM

I wouldn't allow her to dominate him at all. YOu are the pack leader not them (yes i watch ceaser lol) If she is allowed to bully as a pup imagine how bad she will be as an adult. She needs to be corrected and both need attention only when they are behaving. There is no need for either to be put before the other. If she takes his toys correct her. When she finally leaves his alone reward her with her own treat. If she is being mean to him same thing correct her..don't run and cuddle her that just reinforces bad behavior. Good luck..

Yorkiedog · 03-31-2006, 02:02 PM

I totally agree with you Stacy.The dogs will decide who will be top dog and it sounds to me it has already been decided

As long as Cooper is happy with her being boss and doesn't have a go at her I think you should treat Haley as top dog.
I was in the exact situation when I got Melody,it upset me at first but it doesn't bother Charley.Male dogs usually arn't bothered they will normally step aside (like men do

) The girl dog normally ends up top dog from what I have heard.
Treating Cooper as top dog could make things alot worse.
Just make sure you still spend time with him such as maybe walking them seperate sometimes,or go into another room in your house and spend some playtime with Cooper.
Also I wouldn't leave them alone with toys or chews,make sure you are always there to supervise them

Sharon,Charley & Melody xxx

chachi · 03-31-2006, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvan

Actually Kimberley this could create a lot more problems and is the complete opposite of what I would recommend...dogs don't think like people and don't understand the concepts of 'fair' or 'equal'. If she starts putting him first before her alpha girl, he will get his butt kicked worse later when Mom isn't around. She will be probably ease off him faster if Mom makes an effort to put her first in all things, greetings, treats, lap-time... She won't feel the need to re-establish dominance if her 'place' is acknowledged by everyone in the 'pack'.

If she wants some extra one on one cuddle time with him...she could first send Miss Big Britches for a walk-treat around the block with someone else if possible OR just get his pats in while he's next to her keeping the Diva on her lap.

This is what we did with Chachi and he no longer trys to dominate our time. He still sometimes takes toys from Jewels but does it less often than he did when we werent treating him as if he was the top dog.

Yorkiedog · 03-31-2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tashasmom

I wouldn't allow her to dominate him at all. YOu are the pack leader not them (yes i watch ceaser lol) If she is allowed to bully as a pup imagine how bad she will be as an adult. She needs to be corrected and both need attention only when they are behaving. There is no need for either to be put before the other. If she takes his toys correct her. When she finally leaves his alone reward her with her own treat. If she is being mean to him same thing correct her..don't run and cuddle her that just reinforces bad behavior. Good luck..

I agree you are the pack leader so you are ultimatly in charge BUT dogs do follow a pecking order.That was how they were in the wild.
Some dogs get along equally and there doesn't seem to be an order but others don't.
In her eyes she is not doing anything wrong.They don't see that toy as Coopers favourite it is just a toy.
I find I can't leave toys around,they all get put away after playtime which is good as it again shows that you are the pack leader.
Be careful when taking toys away from her as if Cooper is near she may growl and go for you by mistake,always offer something in place of the toy that you are taking away.

Sharon,Charley & Melody xxx

dawnholland · 03-31-2006, 03:35 PM

WOW! Thanks so much for all the response. I really appreciate it. I've heard something before about appeasing the alpha female first, like giving her the first treat, etc. but I'm worried that she'll become power hungry. Of course, she'll probably be that way anyway and if she's happy she won't torture Cooper. I'm making her sound worse than she is, I think. She can be very sweet, who can resist that precious Yorkie puppy face? I love her very much and her spunky little attitude makes her even more lovable (if it's not directed at Cooper, that is) I want to solve this issue soon because we have surgery coming up in about 6 weeks for Haley. She is stage 3 Luxating Patellas, her little knee caps sit on the outside of her knee joints instead of in the groves. I understand that she will have to be confined for several weeks while recovering and I'm afraid she'll freak out! So I don't want to crush her spunk because she'll need all she's got to get through the surgery. I'm putting pictures on this weekend of my babies. Thanks again, all your babies are so cute.

Tashasmom · 03-31-2006, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiedog

I agree you are the pack leader so you are ultimatly in charge BUT dogs do follow a pecking order.That was how they were in the wild.
Some dogs get along equally and there doesn't seem to be an order but others don't.
In her eyes she is not doing anything wrong.They don't see that toy as Coopers favourite it is just a toy.
I find I can't leave toys around,they all get put away after playtime which is good as it again shows that you are the pack leader.
Be careful when taking toys away from her as if Cooper is near she may growl and go for you by mistake,always offer something in place of the toy that you are taking away.

Sharon,Charley & Melody xxx

Your right.. I didn't even think about that.

03-31-2006, 10:55 AM	#1
dawnholland YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 7	My new puppy's a bully! I have a 1 1/2 year old, Cooper, who is mild mannered, sweet and easy going. He was a breeze to potty train, runs free in the yard and comes back when called and travels well. His parents were having their last litter and we decided to buy his sister from them hoping to get another with similar qualities. She is 4 months old now and I'm sure you know where I'm going with this. If Cooper picks up a toy, Haley takes it. If he's enjoying a raw hide she terrorizes him until he gives it up even if she has one of her own. She pushes past him to greet us when we get home, forces herself between Cooper and me on my lap and chases and snips at him, growling all the while! She is definitely an alpha female. What really worries me is that Cooper seems sad and despondent at times. We have had her for 2 months and it's better but she is still in charge. They do cuddle some and he bathes her but other than that he avoids her. I had hoped they'd be good company for one another, but now I'm not so sure. Any advice?

03-31-2006, 11:01 AM	#2
Lexi Rae Gina, (Lexi's Mommy) Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: LONG ISLAND,NY Posts: 10,455	sorry cant help you, only have 1 , but welcome __________________ Gina & Lexi CLICK HERE for our Photo Album ...

03-31-2006, 11:12 AM	#3
txshopper73 Donating YT 14K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 14,226 Blog Entries: 1	I do think that he will eventually have enough and put her in her place. Also, you need to reestablish order in your house. If she comes when you're petting Cooper, set her down and pay more attention to Coop. He needs and misses (I'm sure) being the only baby of the house. __________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley

03-31-2006, 12:31 PM	#4
lilannie Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 338	Wow, that sounds exactly like what happened when we brought Bailey home. We have a Beagle almost 3, and Bailey is exactly the same. We have had him for 6 weeks and just recently decided that we would let them establish pecking order, and allow Copper to deter Bailey's behavior in dog ways, instead of treating Bailey like a new baby. It seems to be getting better, so that Bailey no longer takes treats from Copper and they both seem to be getting along better, without Copper feeling so helpless to protect what is his. So I guess the only advice I can give you is to allow them to work it out (kinda like kids) but supervise closely to ensure no one gets hurt. We also make sure that Copper gets some alone time daily to let him know that we all still love him too. Good luck.. to you and if you find something that works wonders I would love to hear it too.......I would love to see pics of your babes, do u have some on here?.. __________________ "To err is human, to forgive, Canine." Proud Mom of Bailey and Copper

03-31-2006, 01:59 PM	#6
Tashasmom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 950	I wouldn't allow her to dominate him at all. YOu are the pack leader not them (yes i watch ceaser lol) If she is allowed to bully as a pup imagine how bad she will be as an adult. She needs to be corrected and both need attention only when they are behaving. There is no need for either to be put before the other. If she takes his toys correct her. When she finally leaves his alone reward her with her own treat. If she is being mean to him same thing correct her..don't run and cuddle her that just reinforces bad behavior. Good luck.. __________________ LOVE MEANS MORE THAN JUST HUGS & KISSES!!

03-31-2006, 02:02 PM	#7
Yorkiedog Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Scotland UK Posts: 190	I totally agree with you Stacy.The dogs will decide who will be top dog and it sounds to me it has already been decided As long as Cooper is happy with her being boss and doesn't have a go at her I think you should treat Haley as top dog. I was in the exact situation when I got Melody,it upset me at first but it doesn't bother Charley.Male dogs usually arn't bothered they will normally step aside (like men do ) The girl dog normally ends up top dog from what I have heard. Treating Cooper as top dog could make things alot worse. Just make sure you still spend time with him such as maybe walking them seperate sometimes,or go into another room in your house and spend some playtime with Cooper. Also I wouldn't leave them alone with toys or chews,make sure you are always there to supervise them Sharon,Charley & Melody xxx

03-31-2006, 03:35 PM	#10
dawnholland YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 7	WOW! Thanks so much for all the response. I really appreciate it. I've heard something before about appeasing the alpha female first, like giving her the first treat, etc. but I'm worried that she'll become power hungry. Of course, she'll probably be that way anyway and if she's happy she won't torture Cooper. I'm making her sound worse than she is, I think. She can be very sweet, who can resist that precious Yorkie puppy face? I love her very much and her spunky little attitude makes her even more lovable (if it's not directed at Cooper, that is) I want to solve this issue soon because we have surgery coming up in about 6 weeks for Haley. She is stage 3 Luxating Patellas, her little knee caps sit on the outside of her knee joints instead of in the groves. I understand that she will have to be confined for several weeks while recovering and I'm afraid she'll freak out! So I don't want to crush her spunk because she'll need all she's got to get through the surgery. I'm putting pictures on this weekend of my babies. Thanks again, all your babies are so cute.