Expert: Josh Abrams, Member IACP - 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
Both of these behaviors you are describing I would attribute to his age. He'll have a lot of energy to burn off and has really no concept of right and wrong as you see it. 10 weeks old is barely old enough to start puppy kindergarten, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't sign him up for a class. It will help teach him the benefits of following your lead.

I would let your dogs work it out themselves. Usually the older dog will let the puppy know when enough is enough. Just keep watch but don't interfere.

Get him a good chew toy to let him work on those chewing desires, as that also is a product of his age and needing of an outlet.

Good luck,

Josh Abrams
Founder, Dogasaur.com