[Brody's Mom]

I'm not sure if this is a dominance issue or not, but either way, we need some advice on how to make it stop. Brody (5 1/2 months) will not leave my 12 year old son alone. :doh: He nudges him, body slams him, tries to get between his legs while walking, and lately lunges at his crotch and tries to nip. Brody doesn't do this with my daughter, myself or my husband. It is increasingly getting worse. What can I have my son do to stop this behavior? The methods we use, which don't work when my son uses them, are (1) cutting off attention by turning our back on Brody or removing ourselves from the room, and (2) putting him in a time-out if he persists.

Any advice would be appreciated!
Michele

 

[BJSalz]

Our 5 month old pup tries to test my 12 year old daughter. She is the one who will give him a high pitched baby voice when greeting him. I tell my daughter not to talk to him like that and take control by being the dog owner not owned by the dog.

 

[K9-Design]

Michele,
So how much time does your son spend playing and wrestling with the puppy?
Your puppy is treating him EXACTLY how he would treat another puppy, wanting to play.
It's not dominance, it's littermate status. You're going to have to get your son to get up off the floor, no wrestling with puppy, and if you really want to fix things, sign the dog up for obedience class and have your son handle him.
Another idea is "tethering" -- tie the puppy to your waistband with a 4 foot least. You have ultimate control over him in the house.

 

[goldhaven]

I really don't like the word dominance because it is so overused and can be taken out of context. IMO, the dog is seeing your son as an equal/litter mate. Does your son play with the dog (like most boys do) roughly. Have him start making the pup "work" for play time. Have him go through a series of sit, down, stay, and then go ahead and play. During play watch for the so called dominant behaviors and have your son correct him. If he walks well on a leash, (next to or behind) have your son walk him. Under no circumstances should the pup be able to initiate these play sessions by nudging, jumping, or being pushy. You will just be rewarding the behavior. Just make sure that your son knows, training first, play second. It might help to enroll him in a training class with the pup. I think it would be a great experience for both of them.

 

[goldhaven]

Michele,
So how much time does your son spend playing and wrestling with the puppy?
Your puppy is treating him EXACTLY how he would treat another puppy, wanting to play.
It's not dominance, it's littermate status. You're going to have to get your son to get up off the floor, no wrestling with puppy, and if you really want to fix things, sign the dog up for obedience class and have your son handle him.
Another idea is "tethering" -- tie the puppy to your waistband with a 4 foot least. You have ultimate control over him in the house.

I guess we were both answering at the same time.