My husband is too strict with dogs. How can we balance play and rules?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! They are so cute! I think basic training for both dogs is VERY important. If Bolt doesn't listen to you that is a problem and can become worse over time. I would always have him on a leash when they are playing so you can pull him off the new dog when he becomes too much. I really like the gentle leader harnesses that go on the muzzle because it give you great control of the head and eliminates pulling. In some ways the new dog will hopefully teach him when enough is enough but I would try to avoid that as he may react incorrectly and start a fight. He needs to learn proper play and pick up on the ques other dogs give that he needs to stop. I hope this helps! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9052

Hi and thank you for using PetCoach. I can be difficult when different family members have different ideas about acceptable behaviors. But puppies are just like any baby and need consistency to understand what is expected of them. One way to make sure everyone is on the same page would be to read the same book or articles. The Perfect Puppy https://drsophiayin.com/product/perfect-puppy-in-7-days-how-to-start-your-puppy-off-right/ is a great resource on puppy behavior that you will probably find interesting and helpful and even more helpful if you can show your family. Even if they don't read the entire book, it can be helpful to say "this is what the experts recommend so this is how we should try to interact with Basil." Sometimes families don't want to listen to each other, but may respond better to an outside source. My owner family sometimes won't even take my veterinary advice unless I show them that other vets recommend it. LOL. I feel your frustration. But it is in Basil's best interest for everyone to be on the same page, so maybe this will help. This site may have articles to share too http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would play with each dog individually, but not where the other dogs can see. Put the other dogs inside in separate rooms where they can't see you from the windows. Play fetch, take them for a run (if you run), walk on a leash in a park, bring pull toys outside. Play with each dog 30-45 mins per day individually. There is no easy answer due to your circumstances. I hope this helps in some way and I wish you all the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Usually these behaviors can be corrected but this usually requires in person training by a qualified dog trainer. I recommend you consider hiring a qualified dog trainer to work with you in person. I think with the appropriate training they may learn to get along great so that you do not have to fear this any longer. Otherwise, they may be fine but it is a bit of an uncertainty if it will happen again. Good luck and have a good day!

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From your description, I suspect this is more likely play-related, although it's impossible to say for sure without observing the behaviors in person. Huskies are very high energy dogs, and it's common for them to get extra excited & wound-up when they get to play outside. Sometimes their playfulness can get carried away, especially with smaller children who don't have the same degree of authority or confidence around the dog. I would be very careful with your 2-year-old around her, as she could work herself up and hurt your daughter, even if she doesn't mean to. Of course, if you're concerned that these might be moments of aggression rather than rough play, it's absolutely worth getting input from a reputable trainer or behaviorist. Your vet should be able to recommend someone in your area. Alternatively, if you are planning to see your primary vet soon, you can try to catch any of Luna's moments of excitement on video, and show those short videos to your vet next time you're in to get their input on her behavior. I hope this helps!

I'm sorry to hear of your concerns with Beckett. It is frustrating when our pets don't always get along. From your description it does sound like he is too rough with the other dogs. It may be possible to correct this behavior, but I think it would be best to get a certified animal behaviorist involved. They will be able to observe how the dogs interact and be able to develop an in-depth plan for how to correct the behavior. It may be a matter of just recognizing when things are getting out of hand and separating the dogs or more significant behavior modification may be required. It is impossible to know without observing the dogs in action. And good behaviorist will be able to do this for you.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and for being brave enough to ask this question. The great news is that Callie is young! The best things I can recommend for bonding are training and play. Training doesn’t have to be rigid or be done for hours a day. Work on fun tricks together and if you feel that you (or Callie) is getting frustrated, stop for a break or try the next day. Training is so positive because it gives Callie clear expectations with predictable consequences and increases her trust in you as she learns to understand that you will react the same each time. Play is also important but obvious avoid any actions that she might be wary of. Eg, be sure to throw things away from her to fetch rather than toward her as she might confuse this with you throwing something AT her. In general, sqautting down to be at her level and keeping your hands mostly palm-up are helpful in avoiding scenarios that might make her anxious. Exercise in any form is good for her mental health and will decrease anxiety in general. I hope this helps and I wish you and Callie all the best in a brand new, wonderful relationship.