Adult chihuahua and lab puppy teething problems

[drummerja]

Hi

Not sure where to post this being new to the forum.

We have an adult male (neutred) Chihuahua who is 5, and a new bitch lab puppy who is 15 weeks old.

Our Chi isnt too happy with the new guest in the house. He stays on the couch on our lap and grawls/bares teeth when the puppy puts her head on the couch or tries to get up (she is not allowed up). he has the run of the house, and chooses to stay upstairs when there is only myself or my wife in the house. if we are together he comes downstairs and will stay on our lap. However, he does choose to go on the floor when shes out and about only to steal her food (he likes her food more than his). Obviously the puppy is very interested but weighing over 13kg and him weighing under 3kg there is a massive size issue.

if he chooses to go on the floor when she is awake and out of her cage we try to let him go where he wants put we keep the puppy to one side best we can. we let them sniff but given free reign she would just bash him with her paw trying to get him to play and he wants none of it.

My question really is how best are we go about them becoming friends?

We try to make all interactions good ones but somtimes if our Chi jumps down for no reason she might get closer than he wants.

The Chi has tried to snap at her but never bit her yet but she seems oblivious and just wants to play,

We are hoping that when she learns how to behave around smaller dogs she will learn to play nice, and he will learn that she wont squish him all the time.

Just wanting some general advice really and pointing us in the right direction

Thanks

 

[gypsysmum]

It is a difficult one! Your lab puppy needs to learn to have manners around other dogs and your chi needs to learn to trust the Labrador. Could you put a long line on your pup for him to drag around so that you can step on it and grab him when he gets too boisterous.

You could try only having them loose together when the puppy is busy with an interesting toy such as a stuffed Kong.

As with all dog behaviour you need to reward the good behaviour so get the treats out and try to distract the puppy from bothering the your chi. Every time the Lab comes away from the Chi then give a high value reward. Put a word to the behaviour of coming away (like leave or off) and then use it when your Lab is getting too boisterous.

Puppy Classes are an excellent way of teaching a dog manners around other dogs. I would search out an APDT trainer who runs classes and get enrolled as soon as you can.

 

[Shewbert]

Poor little feller, had him for 5 years, he has been faithful loving to you, he has had the full run of the house etc,,,,

then you bring home this monster of a giant that does not behave himself into the family.

Labs stay puppy like for a long time, they are boistrous dogs and do take a bit of calming.

Your Chihuahua is patient by giving the Lab warnings that he does not like the rough play, he has growled he has bared his teeth, the next step will be a nip which we do not want to happen.

The puppy must learn the NO BAD DOG command, in otherwards NO treat, no fuss, if you have to make the no bad dog command, the command is followed by you turning your back on the pup, or completely walking away from him, do not speak or make eye contact for at least a few minutes,

After a few minutes call him over get him to SIT then treat him and fuss him.

He will soon figure out that No Bad Dog gets him nothing, plus you dont want him whilst he is bad.

A bit of training to socialise the puppy is all thats needed, the Chihuahua being a small breed can get annoyed very quickly, you dont want him turning into a snapper.

Train them both at the same time, don't leave one out, if you throw a ball, give the small dog a chance to get it, make play fun for both of them.

Give the small dog a command first,,,Sit,,,, praise him,, treat him,,, then do the same to the lab.

The lab will see the small dog do it,, he will want a treat as well, so the command will be a lot easier for the lab to understand,,,,. fun for both dogs together,

If the Chihuahua does start to bite or cause harm, you will need extra help from a credited behaviorist

Keep us all updated, they will get better as the lab calms.

Shewy