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About Kim Peoples
Expertise
I can help primarily with dog potty training, and also with some basic training and behavior issues. I offer practical solutions to common problems. When I come across a dog related topic I am not personally familiar with, I diligently research it so that I am continually learning more about our furry friends.

Experience
I am a dog enthusiast doing ongoing research on many dog training basics and some behavior issues. I actively work with my dogs and others to test various solutions, so I have hands-on experience in basic dog training. I developed a dog/puppy training bell and I receive feedback from customers.

Organizations
Avid supporter of the ASPCA and any animal-friendly organization. Also a member of Girl Scouts of America.

Education/Credentials
My dog-related education is not formal, but self taught by way of reading, networking and testing techniques on various dogs. I also have a related blog at http://blog.gizmo2wizmo.com/

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Dogs > Dog Training > 10 weel old Wheaten Play or dominance

Dog Training - 10 weel old Wheaten Play or dominance

Expert: Kim Peoples - 11/5/2009

Question
I have a 10 week old Wheaten puppy that we just got. I am about 99% happy with the amount he is learning and his progress, however I have two questions.
I have noticed when he is outside playing and having fun he gets to a point that he is just 100% wide open 100 mph. I guess this is the “puppy Crazies” that they all get, but he does two things I’m not sure of.
1. I have a small tree planted in the side of my yard. I keep telling him not to mess with it and for the most part he doesn’t however when he gets in this “crazy” mood swing he looks right at me and takes off for the tree. I tell him NO and I pick him up and take him to a different spot. He then looks right at me again and goes for the tree again. This happens over and over while he is in this “crazy” mood. So my question is “is this a dominance issue or just a puppy playing?” Can I correct this or should I just put a small fence around the tree?

2. Also, when he is in his “crazy” mood he plays very hard maybe even a little aggressive with my 100 LBS Labrador retriever. This causes my Lab to put him down to the ground harder than normal. I don’t think the Lab would bite the puppy but the puppy doesn’t seem to care that the Lab is getting aggravated. When the puppy is in this mood he just keeps on going for the Lab and even us sometimes. Biting our pants legs and tugging and I guess even growling. I do feel like he knows I’m the leader of the pack along with the lab (not sure about my wife yet).

Once again he only does this once he reaches that point of no return and running around like crazy wild man. For the most part he never acts this way. What should be done about this or will he just grow out of this?

Answer
Hi, Chris!

Often just removing temptation is the best thing with puppies, so I would advise putting the small fence around the tree to easily resolve that issue. With regard to the aggressive play, I would advise stopping the play session as soon as puppy behaves inappropriately (biting pants, etc.). Also, when puppy has a good play session and behaves the entire time give him a treat at the end. In other words, reward the good behavior. Do not punish for bad behavior, simply remove the possibility of it getting out of hand by ending the play. Eventually, puppy should understand and stop the undesirable behavior.

Feel free to check out my blog for other puppy tips.
http://blog.gizmo2wizmo.com/

Good luck!

Kim

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