| animalloverfam |
| Posted 2/24/2008 11:49:56 PM |
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Active: 02-24-2008
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My family recently adopted two male Puppies from the same litter. We are worried about them play fighting and if we should stop it all together or does it help them to learn bite inhibition? We are also wondering if puppy potty pads are ok we have heard conflicting views. They have been sleeping seperately in their crates they wake up very early, we take them to the bathroom (on potty pads) and then we put them back in their crates and they whine. We usually give in their whining and let them lay in bed with us, does anyone have any thoughts on this? We also have three cats and they haven't gotten used to eachother, we would love to hear adivce about how to create a bond between them so we don't have to worry about anyone getting hurt. We would love to hear from anyone who has adivice on any of these concerns. Thanks! |
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 2/25/2008 9:03:28 AM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
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i think play fighting (to a certain extent) is ok.as long as it doesn't get too rough and they don't injure each other or you.i believe when they are in with their litter mates they also do this.they should be supervised when they do this so they don't get out of hand.as far as crate training yes ,especially when they might be left alone.Puppies can get into trouble and maybe hurt if left alone to wander.if they whine when you put them back into the crate maybe they want to play or are not done going potty.but do it gradually to get them used to it that way they won't feel as if they are getting punished.Puppies need as much play and companionship as you can give them.good luck hope all goes well |
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| jenniferb78 |
| Posted 3/11/2008 6:45:44 PM |
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Active: 03-11-2008
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Play fighting is absolutely normal. The Puppies will need to determine which of them is higher in the pack. You, however have to decide when it has gone too far. The biggest problem with your crate training is giving in to the whining. They have learned that if they just persist with the whining, they will get their way. Have them use the puppy pad and put them in their kennel. |
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| maoseger1010 |
| Posted 3/12/2008 7:36:46 AM |
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Forum Moderator
    
Active: 02-20-2005
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Quote animalloverfam: My family recently adopted two male Puppies from the same litter. We are worried about them play fighting and if we should stop it all together or does it help them to learn bite inhibition? We are also... |
I personally feel that although pack fighting is normal you should not encourage it. The problem that many people face when they adopt Puppies from the same litter is that the pack order is not ever really established and it is a life long struggle. As Puppies its not a big problem but as the dogs mature it can be.
I also do not think you should give in and let these dogs sleep with you. You are telling them they can control you instead of you controlling them. One day they will be telling you that you can't sleep in their bed.
Potty pads are fine if you wish to use them, however you simply must keep them clean. I've seen people who say "Well they only used it once so I didn't want to waste it." That may be ok once the dogs are fully pad trained but not while you are training.
The fact that you have two males who are litter mates, makes me wonder if you will have leg lifting problems. Although many people will tell you that once they are neutered they will no longer lift their leg, the fact is they might. I have worked with many male dogs that lift long after and sometimes for the first time, after they are neutered. I have also spoken to many people on the different Dog boards I follow that have this problem. Neuter early and give the dogs different spots to potty. Watch for early signs of marking and redirect. |
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| lakid1 |
| Posted 3/12/2008 3:01:04 PM |
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Active: 02-29-2008
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| Quote maoseger1010: I personally feel that although pack fighting is normal you should not encourage it. The problem that many people face when they adopt Puppies from the same litter is that the pack order is not ever really... |
I disagree with that. Play fighting willl encourage a dog's self - defense instincts. So he should encourage it. |
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| 2pupmom |
| Posted 3/13/2008 7:12:14 PM |
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Active: 08-06-2006
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My girls play fight all the time. They are 2 years now, and I know when it gets a little too heated...I swear if they could talk they would be saying "well, she started it" Sometimes they will just nip at eachother, and i tell them to knock it off...and they will sneak in another nip. Silly girls.
But seriously, you should just lay down the law when it comes to fighting. Supervise them and when it seems to be enough, tell them it is enough. They will learn.
Get them NEUTERED!!! It is a must!
And, I agree with the others about letting them sleep with you. The whining needs to stop. It will drive you crazy. My girls sleep in there "bed" which is a huge crate and they sleep together, in the mornings I let them out and when they come back in I usually (if i get to sleep in) let them sleep with me in the bed. But not because they are demanding it. Teach them it is okay to get up on your bed when you say it is okay. Otherwise, they will think its okay anytime...which it shouldnt be.
Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/13/2008 7:21:19 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
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| Quote lakid1: I disagree with that. Play fighting willl encourage a dog's self - defense instincts. So he should encourage it. |
You really need to quit giving out advise. You have no idea what you are talking about! |
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 3/14/2008 12:23:10 PM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
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