Help with this puppy behavior

[PEA]

Hi All,

I have a question concerning the behavior of my 4.5 month old Rottie at Puppy Kindergarten. First a little history, we got her when she was 9 weeks old from the breeder; she was from a litter of seven. We also have a ten month old Shiba Inu and an 8 year old Husky.

My question is at the end of class all the puppies are let of leads to play, my Rottie will not play with the other pups, why? When she’s at home she’ll play long and hard with our other two dogs but not with any of the pups at puppy school. She tends to stay at my feet or slinks along the wall while the rest are out playing and chasing each other. If any of the puppies come near hear she air snaps at them. What can I do to get her to play with them? She is not the smallest, nor the largest, most of the dogs in the class are about her same size. Another thing she has one pup that she allows to get near her when they are both leashed, they sit and lick each other all over but if this puppy approaches her during playtime she snaps at her.:(

The other problem I’m having at puppy class is when we pass the pups; she just doesn’t want to go. She doesn’t bark or growl she just sits down and won’t move. Yet when we take her shopping with us or on walks, she’ll go up to everyone and tries to kiss them:) .

I’m sorry this is so long but if any of you could suggest anything I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[alexav]

You need to get out there, away from the wall, and show her that you would like to play with the other pups too. Don't just stand in one place. Move around a bit. Once she's away from a "safe spot" you'll be surprised how fast she'll be tumbling around with the rest of the pups.

[The Barleys]

We have a 15 y/o husky, an 11 1/2 y/o rott, a 5 m/o rott and a 4 m/o rott.

My 5 m/o just graduated from his first training session Thursday night. My 4 m/o's second class was Thursday night, which class let out just as the class for my 5 m/o started.

I took my 5 m/o and my husband is taking the 4 m/o.

On my way in, my husband told me that we had a problem with the little guy. Apparently he tried to bite one of the other dogs and is acting very strange in class.

I'm in the same situation as you....my little guy gets along great with our dogs. He hasn't had a problem encountering other dogs when I take him the vet, etc.

My trainer said that he is not confident and is being aggressive towards other dogs because of that. He suggested that we socialize him separately from the 5 m/o. He believes that our little guy is co-dependent. He also suggested that we take him to groceries stores, stand outside and ask people to pet him. I'm also going to bring him around by himself to socialize with other dogs.

Hope that helps and good luck! :)

[TrishB]

Parker wasn't interested in the other pups in class either. Even to this day, he'll only play with dogs that initiate play with him first. He's much happier getting snuggles from people. ;)

The key is to not pat him or talk to him when he is acting shy. Any action by you will encourage him to do so more. Ignore the behaviour, walk away.

Reassurance is something that dogs don't understand. Reassurance to us is encouragement to them. So if you don't want them doing the behaviour (unless it requires a correction), ignore it.

He'll come around once he realises that all of the fun is happening on the other side of the room (and you're over there too). ;)