New bigger puppy terrorizes small older dogs

Posted by joan-mardeusz
Nov 4, 2013
I have 2 Yorkies one is 8yrs and one is 5 yrs. they are both 5 lbs. my son and daughter in law moved back home with their young Keeshond, he is now 1 yr old and is very hyper. Duke ( the Keeshond) always wants to play with the other 2 but he doesn't know how to be gentle enough. He uses his body to crush them against walls and furniture and just runs them down. Chewy (8yr old), is always fearful to be anywhere near Duke because at one time Duke ran him over and bruised his ribs ( this was when Duke was smaller). Now Duke is 45lbs and still acts like a wild little puppy, nipping at them and just constantly crushing them. The little ones yip and nip and go crazy which just makes Duke more hyper and want to play more. Rudy stands still when Duke comes near him, which works sometimes, but then he just steps over him and slowly tries to smash him into playing. Any idea of how to get the dogs to be able to live together peacefully?
I need some peace!
Joan
Posted by Preethi KOP
Nov 7, 2013
Hi Joan,

Thank you for writing in, it seems like Duke needs to learn some doggie manners.

I am afraid the only way to sort out your problem is to get Duke obedience trained. This way, when he is being naughty you can ask him to stop and sit down. Have you tried 'time-outs'? They might help. You could also try having a spray gun at hand and giving him a squirt when you see him misbehave. All of these negative reinforcements must be immediate to have a positive effect. Giving him lots of exercise before an encounter with Chewy and Rudy will also help, even if it is just throwing a ball around for him in the yard. Feed the older two before him and set the pack hierarchy. He will hopefully settle down a bit as he gets older.

To train him, please have a read through the Secrets to dog training ebook and also the alpha training ebook.

All the best!

Kind regards,
Preethi