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Canine Behavior/Pit Bull Puppy Training

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Expert: - 1/29/2012


Question
Hi Dr. Connor,

I have a little pug/jackrussell mix naemd Josie and just got a pit bull puppy from the shelter (Spanky).  They love to play, but they play rough--rolling around, biting each other. I know that's normal, but I'm worried that when the pit becomes bigger than Josie, he'll hurt her.

Is this an issue? Or will he know it's her sister and all play?

Answer
Play behavior is rarely just a way to entertain or have "fun" between dogs; this is usually a test of strength and stamina to determine social hierarchy.  So far, so good; no harm is being done.  The Pit Bull from the shelter is of questionable breeding: we know where most of these dogs come from (bred for guarding/fighting or accidental breeding, all by idiots).  These two dogs may develop quite a satisfactory relationship that will never develop into a problem but the mix of your smaller dog (pug/JRT) is a problem simply because both breeds can be tenacious and the JRT in particular can be quite a dominant little dog.  Because the Pit is male and the JRT mix is female, we can anticipate the male will eventually defer to her (as happens among dogs in the same household).  But we can't just trust this will happen.

The Pit puppy requires very heavy socialization outdoors, without the JRT, every single day to every single stimulus possible: children, elderly, cars, other dogs on leash, etc. and should be enrolled in a puppy kindergarten (in a training facility where ONLY positive reinforcement is used) as explained here by Dr. Ian Dunbar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIdz0T1ljyo&feature=more_related

After puppy class, he should be enrolled in novice obedience training where he will learn "manners" among other dogs working for reward.

Dr. Dunbar has a free You Tube video program (Sirius puppy training) found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_wBHZtwY7A&feature=related

The full course on DVD is here:
http://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Puppy-Training-Dr-Dunbar/dp/B000NQRWMK/ref=pd_ys_ir

Serious, daily socialization of this puppy is not an option, it's an absolute necessity; and ongoing positive reinforcement training is, also.  If any problems arise, please use followup feature so I can see original question/answer.

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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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