Puppy / Dog Interactions: Is it playing or fighting?

I just bought a Yorkie / Poodle mix. He's two months old and adorable. The puppy has gotten in the habit of biting nearly everything which is understandable because they are teething. However, despite this, his interactions with our other dog - a 2 year old Miniature Schnauzer - aren't necessarily what I would consider nice. He is barking excessively and really biting him - on the ear, tummy... anywhere he can grab him. I can't tell whether or not he is being playful or if he is trying to hurt the Schnauzer. I do know that puppies bite, but his teeth are quite piercing and I fear that my other dog to be hurt by this rambunctious puppy (though it is to be noted that the Schnauzer doesn't fight back at all). Yet, I'm afraid that one day he'll get fed up and since he's stronger and larger, he'd accidentally hurt the pup.





Unfortunately, if this behavior persists, I fear that the puppy will not remain in my family.





Can anybody interpret this situation? I've never owned a puppy.

Puppy / Dog Interactions: Is it playing or fighting?
Its just playing... unless the puppy is seriously injuring the older dog, theres no need for worry.


That is how puppies learn.


Though, it does sound like the pup needs more exercise. Try taking him on longer walks. A well exercised pup is a well behaved pup.
Reply:Though rough this does sound like normal puppy behavior. I am surprised your older dog doesn't snap at the pup or try to put him in his place.





You might have to take pup out of the situation if he is being too rough and the other dog isn't defending himself.





Your pup will grow out of this. Help him along with a variety of chews and bones to help relieve some of the teething pain.
Reply:The puppy is playing. If your other dog isn't game for this you need to redirect the puppy to another activity when he does this. Saying you'll have to get rid of the puppy for this behavior is like saying you'll have to get rid of a toddler for being whiny and getting into the cabinets. You have to TEACH the puppy what is acceptable, not just let him run roughshod over the other dog and say "oh well, he's a bad dog."





If it was actual fighting you'd know! Dog fights are UGLY.
Reply:Its normal my mini schnazer female is 1 year old and I got a 8 wk old puppy . Its like humans we get tired of kids pulling on us and biting so its like the oldest one is telling them to leave me a lone and I will play when i get ready and I am boss. if you don't see blood they aren't fighting because mini's have a strong bite! Don't worry I panic when i got my two large dogs they was adopted and the male was 115 pounds and the female was 90 and every once in a while the female still puts him in check. As she should.
Reply:Sounds like your puppy is just playing, but yes, he can hurt your other dog. Usually when an older dog has enough, they will growl %26amp; snap at the puppy to stop them, but if yours isn't, then you should teach the puppy to stop.





When he gets too rough, say 'NO' firmly %26amp; pick him up immediately. Hold him a minute, then put him back down. Do this a few times to let him know he shouldn't do it. If he continues, then say 'NO' pick him up %26amp; put him in his crate or another room, alone. When he learns he will be separated from you %26amp; the other dog when he is too aggressive, he should stop.





You certainly need to curb this while he is young. If you allow it, you are telling your puppy it is OK. Then if isn't fair to the puppy to get rid of him when your allowed the behavior. It is our responsibility to teach our dogs what we expect from them %26amp; what we do not. He won't know, if you don't teach him.


Good luck!
Reply:you are in charge, according to the dogs, so if you deem a game is too rambunctious you should end it by separating the dogs and using a firm voice.


the command that i use for my young shepherd who sometimes gets too rough with my old retriever is "PEACE" in a mom voice. after a few corrections he understands that when mom or dad says that word he is to stop what he is doing and pick a new game.


give the pup a safe alternative like a chew toy when you correct it for being too rough and show it a game that is acceptable.
Reply:Some older dogs understand that they are dealing with a puppy and will react accordingly... If they are not drawing blood I would not worry about it too much... It is likely that your larger dog will get fed up with it and scald the pup and may even put him/her on in their place but it is unlikely that any real harm will take place...





I had a full grown 75 lbs full blooded German Shepherd (on the vicious breeds list, lol) and I got a full blooded 5 lbs puppy Spitz... That Spitz bugged the crap out of the other dog... The Shepherd would occasionally get fed up and just drop her front leg on the little dog and pin her to the ground...





It was hilarious because the little dog would get so mad and be barking and biting and screaming but she was never actually hurt by it... She would tire out and the big dog would let her go... She grew into a happy, healthy 15 lbs dog and never did stop getting pinned...





Unless your larger dog shows some serious signs of aggression, I would not really worry to much...
Reply:Don't worry neither dog will be hurt especially if the "newcomer" is the aggressor. They are just establishing dominance. But if you are still worried, give your vet a call.
Reply:Dogs are very smart creatures. The puppy is just playing and your older dog knows this. If your other dog didn't want to be messed with, trust me, you would know. When I brought my pup home while visiting my parents a couple years ago, my parent's dogs (they're worse than old women) did NOT like my pup sniffing and playfully barking at them, and they let him know it. He soon got the hint not to mess with them and did his own thing. Try walking the puppy more and giving both dogs more attention, the pup will soon grow out of it.
Reply:I am very curious about one thing. You say the schnauzer doesn't fight back....? What does he do then? Just lay there or stand there and "say" nothing?



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