How to stop my energetic puppy from bothering my old dogs?

Puppies at this age can be very determined! I would encourage you to have some time when the older dog is separated from the puppy to give her a rest. I would also encourage you to keep the puppy on a leash (supervised) when around the other dog so you can recall and redirect his attention when needed. Also having a squirt bottle available to squirt his face when annoying the other dog Can be helpful. The More consistent you are on correction the more quickly he will learn not to annoy her. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Ypur puppy is probably very lively and wants to play with your old dog. Your old dog probably does not feel like playing and does not want to bother with the youngster, so the only way to deal with a wild youngster (for him) is to tell the little on in no uncertain terms, that he wants to be left alone. So I would keep the puppy very busy, give it lots of play and exercise, so it is tired afterwards and does not need or want to entice the old dog to play. Make sure that you do not leave the puppy alone with the older dog, as there is a serious possibility of the old dog getting fed up and biting the little one. Best keep them separated. Your old dog will probably calm down and ignore the young one as soon as the young one stops pestering it for play and attention.

Puppies can be very rambunctious, and may not yet understand "dog language" so it could be that your older dogs are attempting to teach her appropriate boundaries. Appropriate body language behaviors saying things are "too much" can include showing teeth, low growling or snapping at the air around your puppy. If Elly backs off at this point, she is actually learning to read those signals and not escalate the behavior. However, if it is escalating to full bites, or your puppy continues to pester the dogs even if they've told her off, it is time to step in and give everyone a time out. Removing Elly from the situation completely in either a crate for some time out with a toy, or in a different room can help. Puppies are VERY full of energy, so extra walks or a puppy kindergarten class where she can interact with other dogs her age and size can help her learn to interact safely while burning excess energy. Once she is vaccinated, the dog park can be a place to go, but it is best that she knows how to properly interact with and respond to "dog language" prior to going so a fight doesn't start. If you are concerned that things are getting bad between all the dogs, it is best to keep them separated at all times unless under close supervision, and to contact a local trainer or behaviorist in your area that can help you in person.

Hello and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear your two dogs are having trouble. Biting behaviour in puppies is very common, but should always be discouraged. At this point it sounds like you'll have to separate the two dogs, at least when unsupervised, for the safety and sanity of your older dog You can gradually start to re-introduce them with close supervision, and only reward the puppy with treats and praise when she is calm and quiet around your older dog. You could even take a step back and have them sniff each other through a baby gate, while giving the dogs treats and praising them when they are calm together. Everyone in the household will have to be on board with discouraging Clara to bite. This means that if she is nippy around other humans, you should give a firm "no" or "ouch!" and walk away or ignore her. If she consistently does not receive the attention she craves when she bites, she will eventually learn that biting does not get her what she wants. I hope this helps, and that your two pups are getting along soon! Good luck!

This is solely a behavioral problem and the solution is to try and correct this behavior. Whenever your puppy does this I would recommend shaking a can with coins in it near him and say "off!" and physically remove him from your other dog. This may take some time to correct this behavior but with time and patience, the behavior will be corrected.

If you increase Dexter’s exercise that should help. Teaching him to retrieve a ball will allow you to wear him out in the house so he will leave the other dog alone. Please monitor them so the older dog doesn’t injure him. As Dexter grows up and calms down this issue should resolve. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Dexter.

Your worry is very valid! It is best to make sure the two are only playing together when you can directly supervise them and that puppy and your older dog are separated when you are away so that an accident can't happen - even the most well intentioned of a dog can cause an injury! If the puppy starts playing too rough, a "time out" of a few minutes for everyone to calm down can also help and teaches your puppy that too rough of play is frowned upon. Diverting with treats and toys is also a great way, so keep that up.