Naughty? Sheltie Pup

[Jejuna]

Sorry this is so long, but it is for a few questions, & I know this has been covered before, and I have searched and read some of the questions & answers.

My male sheltie is 4 1/2 months, and I do have him in puppy obedience classes.

Last night my 10 yr daughter was on the floor playing with him and he started to get nippy with her. She tried pushing him away, and I told her to do the 'ah ah', but he didn't stop. I told her to turn her back on him to ignore him thinking/hoping he would settle down, but he continued to try and nip her back and arms. He actually did grab her arm and pinched the skin (she had a long sleeve top on), and this morning she has a bruise the size of a 10c piece. I got his lead and put him on it, then I sat while ignoring him for 10 mins. Although he couldn't go anywhere or play with our other dog, he never really sat or laid down, just wandered around my feet. Was I correct in doing and telling my daughter what to do? What else should I have done?

He is also the same with our other dog, she is a pom x chi, 7 yrs & desexed. He is always 'hassling' her, for want of a better word. He dashes past her a full speed, diving in to take a nip at her, I'm pretty sure he wants her to chase him. I do realise he is a sheepdog If he's not doing this he'll grab her tail and pull her backwards. She's a little bit round (yes, overweight ) so she can't turn around properly to grab him and tell him off. If I step towards them he just dashes off. Is this just a matter of emphasising the training that he has had so far, (more than I do already approx. 2 x per day for 10 mins)?

Also when I am leaving to go out, from about halfway to the back gate he is always criss crossing his path in front of me and jumping as if he trying to stop me leaving. You know, 'take me mum, take me'. How can I stop this? Just turn around and ignore? or is there more to it?

Any help would be appreciated muchly.

[Tonymc]

Jejuna, to cut along story short you need to establish in the Pups head who is Boss or Leader.I would suggest you read "Cesar"s Way" or 'The Dog Listener" Both good books that will provide you with appliable information for your Pup. Tonymc

[Dogsfevr]

The pup is being a pup but its up to you to set the boundries.

I dare say in your daughters case it was a game at first but as your daughter was on the ground it was in the dogs domain,the play was ruff & tumble that s what you got.Putting on the lead would have achieved nothing.

She should have stood up straight away & if the dog is learning sit said sit straight away or wlaked away with no fuss ending the game.Instead the discilpline meant nothing so the dog didnt respect what was being asked.

The antics sound very typical of a sheltie,wanting to please all the time,active,wanting a job to do etc etc.

Increase your training 20 mins a week isnt that much but also ensure your daughter has some part of training.

I would also ask your obedience trainer for advice as they see the dog & they way it interacts with you.

[Jejuna]

Thanks for the replies.

would suggest you read "Cesar"s Way" or 'The Dog Listener" Both good books

I have just bought "the Dog Listener" and have started reading it already ;) & my local bookshop has a few copies of Cesar's Way if I think I need that one as well.

Increase your training 20 mins a week isnt that much but

I do the extra training at home approx. 2 x everyday for 10 mins. each time. This is not always the case depending on work and other commitments, but I try to fit it in as much as possible. I do include my daughter if she wants to, when she is around at the time of training. I think I'll have to make sure she wants to.

On another note, when feeding the two dogs, I have to put Captain in his crate to feed or he'll try to eat Tessie's food. So basically he's being fed first. Tessie is a fairly submissive girl. Should I first put him in his crate, then feed her, and then give him his food after I've given hers. Or doesn't that really matter? Does that make sense?

[Dogsfevr]

Feeding wise we dont worry ,everyone goes to there place & waits.

As to your daughter i would simply tell her its time to train ,dogs are the families responsability & its obvious the dog has no respect for her at this time & it wont change until she takes a more active part in training.

Remember things dont always get better,your daughter must be able to control the dog latter on & this age is crucial for trust,respect & involvement

I can roll around the floor with my dogs but the minute i say the "word" they all back off & the game is ended & all go off happily ever after