Lately it seems like Riley has been getting more and more fed up with Winston, pretty much solely when Winston tries to take stuff from Riley. For a long time, Riley would let Winston take toys out of his mouth, steal bones from him, etc. Today we were trying to burn off some indoor energy and I was tossing around various balls and stuffed animals for them. I didn't have enough so I opened a new stuffed animal (one that squeaks, which Ry loves) and Riley was running around with it and went to lay down and chew on it and Winston tried to run up and take it out of his mouth. Riley growled, showed his teeth, and lunged and then quickly pulled back and left with his toy. He didn't put a tooth on Winston, but he did make quite a noise. A few minutes later, he came back and dropped the toy for Winston to play with. Later, the same thing happened again. This has happened maybe one or two other times with a bone.

At what point do you become concerned about this? If it was a snarl and warning but no teeth, is that good because Winston needs to learn to be polite? Or is it a warning sign of things to come and I should be strict about managing and trying to change it? Should I let it work itself out or intervene? Is it something that will go away as Winston learns not to take his stuff, or is it something that may get worse?

Thoughts!

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-Valerie

Riley is being completely appropriate teaching Winston boundaries. I would not interfere at all. Riley is setting the rules really well and being fair. Let them work it out.

I think the puppy license may be close to expiring, you may hear some serious squealing from Winston when Riley makes his point and means it at some point in the near future. Don't panic when that happens, it's just a learning lesson for the puppy that it's time to mind his manners. It's always good for the kid to learn some respect.

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I will be bookmarking this page to check back and see what all the replies are. I'm guessing they will mostly be like MyLissyK's but I know I would be worried about this too...

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Ellie and Mack
http://www.k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=536873

I NEED someone to teach Bear how to play nicely. When a dog is done playing, Bear doesn't know when to stop. Can we borrow Riley?


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Riley is being a Great Big Brother by teaching Winston boundaries within their little pack.

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I do what I like and like what I do. Yorkies- Cozy (4/1/06), Roxy & Zoey (2/11/08), Lucy (4/6/09); Golden- Buddy (4/13/09- Rescued 12/11) Maine Coon cats- Mika (1998) and Tallulah (2000)

Is Winston learning from the corrections? I wouldn't be that concerned, but I would make an attempt to manage the situation better so it doesn't have to occur in the first place. I find young Goldens learn boundaries slowly and that can result in injury and defensiveness.

Perhaps work with Winston to teach him to leave Riley alone when he has something. Strong recall and Leave It so you can call away before he's in Riley's face I think are as important as having a dog who can gentle let your dog know what's appropriate. That way Riley also won't need to feel defensive.

JMO

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Jacqueline

"I have just met you and I love you" - Dug (Up!)

Poppy did the same thing when Jasper was a puppy, he needed to learn the boundaries and the rules of doggy behavior. Poppy told him of when necessary but never hurt him its not about that its just teaching him about the appropriate behavior, now they respect when one is playing with a toy and happily let each other use that toy when they are no longer playing with it and often swap toys and treats like rawhides around all the time.

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I only have Pixie, so not sure about the best way to go with it!

But I just want to say that I find cute that Riley afterward will share his toys Great big brother, teaching the boundries and how to share

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