Spirit may have lost his puppy license tonight

[Jo Ellen]

He's been taking things away from Daisy, my 12-year old golden retriever, for some time now -- toys, food, anything he can. She's been so patient and tolerant. This evening, Spirit tried to take the bone she was chewing on and she gave him a bloody nose. He cried Afterwards, he stayed behind the coffee table and just watched her.

I think tonight may have been a turning point for the two of them. This is the first time Daisy has ever corrected him like this. She's been the best mentor for him, I couldn't have asked for better.

Spirit's being very quiet this evening now. I think he's reflecting on the meaning of it all. Growing up, serious business

[msvette2u]

Just...as an fyi...I'd never give a high value item like that when both dogs were together.

If I did that here, we'd never get them apart...! You may need to crate when high value treats are given and keep things picked up from now on.

[shepherdmom]

Originally Posted by Jo Ellen

He's been taking things away from Daisy, my 12-year old golden retriever, for some time now -- toys, food, anything he can. She's been so patient and tolerant. This evening, Spirit tried to take the bone she was chewing on and she gave him a bloody nose. He cried Afterwards, he stayed behind the coffee table and just watched her.

I think tonight may have been a turning point for the two of them. This is the first time Daisy has ever corrected him like this. She's been the best mentor for him, I couldn't have asked for better.

Spirit's being very quiet this evening now. I think he's reflecting on the meaning of it all. Growing up, serious business

Rules are hard. Not all the toys are mine; is an especially tough lesson for a pup. First time Buddy told Ivan he sulked for 2 days but now he has learned that not all things are shared equally.

[Nigel]

Daisy must have finally had enough. We have been introducing our two to my mother in laws 3 month old pup. Tuke will correct Ranger, sometimes very firmly, Zoey will to some degree, but she'll usually look to us, like do something with it please.

[PatchonGSD]

Daisy sounds like a great teacher.

[Zeeva]

I agree Daisy sounds like a great mentor/teacher. I've read that there comes a time when puppydom antics are no longer accepted by an adult dog. Probably just reaching that stage. They grow up so fast. :::tear:::

Sweet story c:

[Jo Ellen]

Originally Posted by msvette2u

Just...as an fyi...I'd never give a high value item like that when both dogs were together.

If I did that here, we'd never get them apart...! You may need to crate when high value treats are given and keep things picked up from now on.

I'm very careful about things like this. This wasn't a fresh bone, it had been in the toy basket for a week, they've both been chewing on it on and off but it's lost most of it's "high" value now. I do separate them when I give fresh bones.

I think this was an important lesson for Spirit. Daisy didn't over-correct him, it wasn't a dog fight by any means. I haven't seen anything from these two that would give me concern that they'd get into a real fight. Spirit is much too accommodating for that, and Daisy -- well, Daisy might be too old now to fight. Not sure about that, but maybe. I'll keep a close eye on them, always do. We're a peaceful family here, we all get along. I won't let that change.

[Zeeva]

I saw Daisy in another thread (I think the what other breed you have thread?). Beautiful. I'm partial to long haired dogs but I can barely maintain my long haired cat so I wouldn't get one. How old is Spirit?

[Jo Ellen]

Spirit is 7 months. Definitely no shortage of dog hair in my life -- she's blowing her coat right now.

Thank you, Zeeva

[Zeeva]

Originally Posted by Jo Ellen

Spirit is 7 months. Definitely no shortage of dog hair in my life -- she's blowing her coat right now.

Thank you, Zeeva

Oh boy I've a husky who just finished blowing his coat...I'm lucky I can get away with not brushing him (he doesn't mat because his hair is short) but the amount of hair when I do brush him or clean the house can build another husky puppy into our life

and yup. Spirit is almost reaching the adulthood stage