New and Advise Needed (puppy playing too rough with Maltese)

[BariAnna]

Since 9/11 I have wanted to get involved in SAR GSD, knowing it would take time and effort, but I knew I wasnt ready because of time restraints. 5 years ago met a gentlemen through the boy scouts who did it as well. We talked about it but still knew I wasn't ready. In about 9 months I will retire and I think the timing is right. We purchased a GSD, this was mom's 2nd litter (3), her first she had 10. Mom was not producing milk enough so we wound up getting her at 4.5 weeks old. We took care of her as we should, took her to Florida for Christmas and she traveled well. She is in the teething stage and she seems to be biting alot. We have 2 Maltese dogs which are indoor dogs and she has been aggressive with them in her playing. We think its a lack of "growing up" with her siblings. Today I scolded her the most I have ever scolded her. With this she became angry and growling at me. I felt bad as if she is really mad at me and I do not want her to become agrressive towards me as I am her alpha or going to be. I seperated her this morning from the other dogs and put her on the porch (lovingly of course) with a couple of biscuits/treats. She seems to be ok with me so far, I layed down and played with her as well. So what did I do wrong and right here....any advise would greatly be appreciated.

Gary

[MaggieRoseLee]

Welcome to the forum!

Can you do us a favor? Go up to the narrow black strip on the top and hit 'User CP' then add your GENERAL location alot of time that helps in future posts. It will show up to the left of your post, like where my Poconos stuff shows up.

How old is your puppy now?

ALL our GSD pups can play really hard and painfully with us. So it's common sense your Maltese will also be feeling the pain from NORMAL but rough GSD play. Biggest thing is for us to be the leader and step in if it gets too rough. PLUS it's not our OTHER dogs jobs to 'play' and entertain any puppy we add to the house.

It's my job to raise, train, socialize, exercise and play with my puppy. And though the older dogs may be a help, it's MY job So I need to get into those puppy classes. Need to pack the pup in the car for the long walks and socialization. Visit all my friends/family and strangers. Basically wear my puppy out so she won't be so bouncing off the walls in the house!

Good luck with the SAR training. Since many clubs start training their puppies very early, hopefully you've already joined or are in contact with one so you will do thing properly and not miss some training.

Meantime, vital for you to start all the 'engagement' stuff so make sure you are doing ----> Engagement - Key to Training

[BariAnna]

Originally Posted by MaggieRoseLee

Welcome to the forum!

Can you do us a favor? Go up to the narrow black strip on the top and hit 'User CP' then add your GENERAL location alot of time that helps in future posts. It will show up to the left of your post, like where my Poconos stuff shows up.

How old is your puppy now?

ALL our GSD pups can play really hard and painfully with us. So it's common sense your Maltese will also be feeling the pain from NORMAL but rough GSD play. Biggest thing is for us to be the leader and step in if it gets too rough. PLUS it's not our OTHER dogs jobs to 'play' and entertain any puppy we add to the house.

It's my job to raise, train, socialize, exercise and play with my puppy. And though the older dogs may be a help, it's MY job So I need to get into those puppy classes. Need to pack the pup in the car for the long walks and socialization. Visit all my friends/family and strangers. Basically wear my puppy out so she won't be so bouncing off the walls in the house!

Good luck with the SAR training. Since many clubs start training their puppies very early, hopefully you've already joined or are in contact with one so you will do thing properly and not miss some training.

Meantime, vital for you to start all the 'engagement' stuff so make sure you are doing ----> Engagement - Key to Training

So far we have been to South Florida where she has met several people, Hilton Head as well. At the Rest Stops people have come up to her and we introduced her and she has done well. We introduced her to the neighbor children too. We get down on the floor and play, we try to act like the other litter mates would have. We've done the walks but she is against the leash so far. She does some walking and coaxing with the treats. I have contacted and filled out the application for SAR training thus far but have not heard a reply as of yet. We have treated her like a new baby since we got her so young, she is now 7 weeks old. We get up at 2 am take her out play in the yard etc....