Puppy not doing well with senior

[MN GSD Fan]

So we are having some major problems with our boy Bentley. He is about 4 months old and we have him living with our 9 year old female GSD. They have had their puppy/adult run in's and we thought that would teach him. However he will not learn to leave her along...constantly nipping at her, walking into her, jumping on her, barking at her. He does it in a playful manner, but she has corrected him numerous times some times causing small injuries even. Well this morning he jumped on her again while going out the door and got bit on the snout requiring a few stitches. We exercise them multiple times per day, we have leashed him to pull him away anytime he isn't respecting her, but nothing works. Even after he got bit this morning he was going right back after her. We are at a loss, but we don't want our puppy to keep getting hurt nor do we want our adult to have to keep defending herself like this. Any ideas or are we at the point where we may need to find the puppy a new home?

[Jax08]

I would keep them separated unless he is leashed and you are training him to not do those things. Do you have a trainer?

[MN GSD Fan]

We had a trainer just for general puppy training, but it appears we have to get some more one on one. A lot of people tell us the adult will correct this behavior and put the puppy in his place, but it isn't happening.

[Jax08]

Most of the time that happens just like that but apparently he's a tough cookie. I would look for a trainer experienced with German Shepherds. I have had the best luck with my trainer who understands the breed and all their quirks. Looks for a Schutzhund club and a trainer with positive based methods.

Since your senior correcting him is not working, what are you doing to stop him? Are you redirecting him with a toy? Are you removing him from her so he can't irritate her?

[MN GSD Fan]

I know he cries for about 5 seconds...forgets about it...and goes back at it. We try to separate him with toys, kennel, one outside and one inside. I've had him on a leash to pull him away when he goes to do something to her, but it just doesn't end. You're all dog people to so you know how frustrating it can be to watch your adult dog get picked on and your puppy get hurt. Sucky day today.

[Jax08]

yeah I have an adult dog who would attack the Jax. He's just a puppy though. With training, he'll get it. Just be consistent with him. And get a good trainer.

[Wustenbergerland]

It will be better to keep both separated and after few days when the puppy will grown up, you may keep both.

[MN GSD Fan]

Any of you have luck with scars from stitches healing up good and going away? He had another on his snout from her that didn't require stitches and healed up so you can't see it, but this one needed stitches so probably will be worse. Ahh why can't my buddy just learn!

[blehmannwa]

Havs got a small bite from Felony--no scar. Temps had cysts removed from her head at 5 months--multiple stitches right down the center of her face--no scars. There is only a slight puckering under her eye. Based on my anecdotal evidence, I think pups recover form stitches very well.

[MN GSD Fan]

Originally Posted by blehmannwa

Havs got a small bite from Felony--no scar. Temps had cysts removed from her head at 5 months--multiple stitches right down the center of her face--no scars. There is only a slight puckering under her eye. Based on my anecdotal evidence, I think pups recover form stitches very well.

Good to hear. We just made sure we took really good care of his last incident on the snout and it went away, but we are more worried about this one due to the stitches. We'll just have to make sure we take really good care of it for him.