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Canine Behavior/introducing a 6 month old puppy to our 1yr old cattle dog
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Question
we got a 1 yr old beautiful male cattle/bordie collie dog a month and a half ago and 2 days ago we got a 6 month old female cattle dog - all white with very few black spots. she loves the older dog but he plays rough with her (she holds her own pretty well - but we worry he might get to rough) he now atleast lays down to play more gentle with her. he won't leave her alone when she wants to rest. he also wants to hump her and we just got her spaded. keep stiches dry and safe for 10 days dr. said. i hope he simmers down to play gentle with her. he deffinitely doesn't want to share his dog bone. he will share his food but not the bone outside in the yard. we have to get her one and i can't help for feeling like he is going to think he owns all of those. they are both loving smart good dogs but he has to learn to play more gentle with her and not touch his bone - is that possible...???.... thxs
The breed and mix you have chosen are smart, tough, independent dogs. It sounds to me as though you are not in charge of this 'pack'. Both these dogs need a job; they need positive reinforcement training ASAP. You might go to Karen Pryor's web site and learn about clicker training. There is also a fairly good book written by Paul Owens called "The Dog Whisperer" (NOT Cesar Milan!!) I suggest you purchase it. You need to learn about dog psychology and managing your two dogs before they manage you. The Border Collie and the Cattle Dog are breeds that get into a great deal of trouble because their humans do not engage them intellectually and do not maintain psychological rank.
The best move you can make for both these dogs is to educate yourself. There is no QUICK FIX. It will take time and patience, commitment and knowledge, but you will have two fine companions when it's over.
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Answers by Expert:
Jill Connor, Ph.D.
Expertise
I have spent my entire professional life rehabilitating the behavior of the domestic dog and I can answer any question regarding any behavior problem in any breed dog. If you are a caring, committed owner and need advice, I'm here for you. THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES for serious behavioral issues; not only is it unprofessional to offer same, it is also unethical. IF I ASK YOU SUBSEQUENT QUESTIONS, I NEED YOU TO INTERACT WITH ME. More information equals more credible answers and a more successful outcome. If you want ANSWERS THAT WORK, participate in any way I request. I'm quite committed to working on this site for YOUR benefit and the benefit of YOUR DOG. Help me in any way you can.
Experience
30 years of solving serious behavior problems in domestic dogs; expert in dog to human aggression; Internet columnist for ThePetChannel.com for 5 years; former radio talk show host, WHPC.FM, Garden City, NY "Bite Back" (1995 through 2000). List owner, international animal behavior experts, K9Shrinks@egroups.com. Seminar leader: "Operant Conditioning and Learning"; "Aggression in The Domestic Dog"; "Solving Problem Behaviors" -- conducted for various training facilities on Long Island from 1993 through 2000. Former clinical director of "Behavioral Abnormalities" in conjunction with Mark Beckerman, DVM, Hempstead, New York.
Organizations
Member, APDT (UK); Psychologists in Ethical Treatment with Animals
Publications
Harcourt Brace Learning Direct: "The Business of Dog Training"
"The Fail Safe Dog: Brain Training, not Pain Training"
Education/Credentials
Ph.D., UC Berkeley
Past/Present Clients
Board of Directors: Northeast Dog Rescue Connection; The Dog Project; Sav-A-Dog Foundation; etc.
Pro Bono counselor: Little Shelter Humane Society
My practice is presently limited to forensics. I diagnose cause of dog bite, based upon testimony before the Court, for attorneys and insurance companies litigating dog bites, including fatal injuries. I also do pro bono work for bona fide rescue organizations, humane societies, et al, regarding such analysis in an effort to obtain release for dogs being held for death in municipal shelters in the US.
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