New owner of a WGS

[bearcatbetch]

Hi! So my fiance and I just brought home our new 9 week old White German Shepherd. We named him Koba! We have a 6 month old Husky/Lab female named Skylar.

I don't really know how to let them go at it. I scared that Koba is going to get hurt because they seem to play very rough. Skylar doesn't seem aggressive at all but the hair on the back of her neck and back start to stand up. We are going to do training classes but i was hoping for someone who has had a similar situation? HELPPPPPP

its so stressful =/

[MaggieRoseLee]

You'll have your hands full with 2 puppies in the house. Hopefully you didn't get the 'new' puppy for the old puppy and realize that the humans in the house just got twice the work now!

There's a great site with info on things to be aware of when you get 2 puppies so close in age (or littermates). Good thing to read up on it so you are prepared and proactive to keep things smooth. Click this --> Should I get TWO puppies/dogs at once?

Huge help is exercise OUTSIDE the home in new places. And if you can find some puppy classes it would be great. Fact there is just enough age difference to have them in different classes is actually a help.

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

[chelle]

I can't give you any real guidance, as I've never had two dogs (long term) so close in age. Your 6 month old is a pup, too, really.

Any way you can take a vid of them playing?

I'm sure others will chime in here and be more informative. Sounds like you'll have your hands full for a good while. Hang on!

[bearcatbetch]

Originally Posted by chelle

I can't give you any real guidance, as I've never had two dogs (long term) so close in age. Your 6 month old is a pup, too, really.

Any way you can take a vid of them playing?

I'm sure others will chime in here and be more informative. Sounds like you'll have your hands full for a good while. Hang on!

great idea! ill do that! thanks!

[bearcatbetch]

Skylar and koba playing - YouTube -- the video!

[BR870]

I have a one year old and a 16 week old... For the most part we keep them separate. The only interaction is on leash or through ex-pen. Until Ez is bigger, I'm not gonna let Abbie have the chance to hurt him accidentally.

As Ez gets older we will allow more free play, but for now while there is still a significant size and maturity disparity its not gonna happen...

Plus since I am raising Ez for SchH/IPO it helps in making sure he is more bonded with me. Since for the most part their lives are separate, I don't have any problems with him wanting to play with her more than he wants to play with me.

[chelle]

Originally Posted by bearcatbetch

Skylar and koba playing - YouTube -- the video!

Ok, first, your dogs are super cute! I'm always a total fool for white pups!

I don't know that I'd call that vid "play." Looked like pup tried to play at first, but then it was more about the older dog saying hey you newcomer, I'm gonna grab your head and by the way, did you know I was here first, but I'm a puppy too, so I'm not aggressive so much, I'm just gonna kind of let you know a few things. Dude. I did hear a squeak in there from the pup. Also saw the pup being very submissive to the 6 month old.

I've dealt with the head in the mouth thing and I didn't like it, so I did correct for that. Sorry, no, you're not going to put the other dog's head in your mouth. Also grabbing the collar. Another unacceptable behavior.

I just don't know what to suggest other than to not let this six month old rule the roost. I just can't see a six month old having any privileges over a puppy, because she's a pup herself. And your young pup shouldn't have to deal with that, really.

I'd keep them separate. Tether them to you indoors. Maybe tether one to you one night, then switch out with your hubby the next night so each dog gets to be with each of you?

[mssandslinger]

They are adorable!! And it just looks like your older pup is excited to had its own toy that actually moves, the older one is still a puppy and without having a much older dog to put them in line about how to play you will have to do it. Just make sure you correct with a loud "uh uh" when you don't like the pup taking over and pull them apart. It can be very repetitive but they get the hang of it eventually. As long as both dogs know you are in control lol