HeidiCaccamise

Thanks Jennifer... I appreciate your feedback. She had 8 siblings and now has two so she is around other dogs. She is around a few different people but not many but I can probably increase that. It's really an oxy moron when we know socializing early is so important but also know that exposure before all shots is also risky.

Hello...so Baylee is 10 weeks old and I just read your info about socializing and am a little confused. It says not to take puppy to places where unknown dogs have been but then talks about playgrounds, schools, parks etc or even taking her for a walk. All of these places will have had unknown dogs. What is the best way to socialize her and get her out and about without subjecting her to potential health issues. She just had round 2 of 3 of her shots. This is very important to me as I believe Frisbee missed out on this and probably, based on what I heard, had no human interaction for the first 4 months of his life. Thanks, Heidi

Hi Adrienne...Another question I have about Baylee is she doesn't seem to know her name. It's been almost two weeks and she doesn't respond to her name at all, almost to the point I was wondering if she has a hearing problem. We say her name a lot, mostly when telling her no (Baylee no) as she is a feisty little girl. I think I heard once you shouldn't say their name when reprimanding but not sure. Even if we are just calling her to come or to play she just ignores us...doesn't make any effort to acknowledge her name being called. My husband is getting concerned and I actually brought it up days ago as I felt she should be responding to her name, out tone of voice, something. Any suggestions and thanks? Heidi Caccamise

Hi...I wanted to give an update of the puppy introduction. Not surprising, the puppy, Baylee, and Biscuit, the golden did great. It took a couple days but they love each other and love playing and Baylee even sleeps next to or on top of Biscuit when napping. Another story with Frisbee, also as expected. It's been almost two weeks and he's not totally accepted her yet. He's curious. He hangs around, partially I think out of jealousy but not engaging yet. Two days ago he did slap his front paws down and lower his body to initiate play with Baylee but unfortunately Biscuit body slammed him thinking he wanted to play with her. That is his only attempt to engage so far other then just staying nearby. Yesterday, she was off leash for a moment and walked by him and put her paws on his side and he was fine and just walked away. A few minutes later she was anchored and he walked close by and out of nowhere gave a pretty good growl at her. So, I am a little confused about his reaction to her as far as being curious, watching, staying close, etc but not engaging in play. My big concern is she is a major biter and if he plays with her I am afraid if she bites him with her sharp teeth he is not going to take that well. So, with this update, do you have any suggestions for me as far as Frisbee and Baylee. We are keeping her on a leash almost all the time as she has no boundaries and I don't want her to approach Frisbee (want him to approach her). I know my anxiety probably is felt by Frisbee whereas my husband is more relaxed (but also can be too relaxed and I do not want to set Frisbee up to fail and/or get Baylee hurt). I knew going into this it would take time but just want to make sure I am doing everything possible to create a harmonious life for all. (also, I am trying to give dogs individual attention as well as giving Frisbee and Biscuit alone play time and Biscuit and Baylee alone play time as well as all three outside with Baylee anchored or the two older dogs in a fenced pool area with Baylee on the outside of the fence. I appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you again for this great response. This has been a real struggle for us and I would never want to discipline my sweet golden. While she is a therapy dog, I feel her personality is also very fragile. I appreciate the advice about the bark collar and am glad I never got one. I would never want to suppress her excitement over playing and getting outside. I will try the things you suggested and see if that helps. Thank you again.

Thank you so much for all your advice. I will take all of it in and do everything I can to follow it all. I did send a blanket to the breeder but was mostly so the new puppy would have those scents to help her adjust but I can see where that blanket could have other uses. My older dog is people fear aggressive and has always done fine with my parents small dogs (just ignores them) and did great when introduced to Biscuit when she was 3 months old. I did exactly what you said to do with Biscuit as far as keeping her connected to me and her movement restricted so as not to pester Frisbee since puppies have no boundaries. It only took a couple weeks of closely monitored interaction for them to become very bonded and now they are best buds. Everything you mentioned also about Frisbee perhaps getting jealous of the two younger dogs playing and Biscuit wanting to play all the time are all things that I've been a little concerned with so I am thankful you addressed them as well. And thanks for the reminder about not going necessarily to a neutral spot since the puppy will not have had all her shots. I will have to think that through before she comes next week. Thanks again for all the feedback.

I have a 2 year old golden and a 9 year old shepherd/pit mix , Frisbee, with fear aggression issues. I am about to bring home a new golden puppy, Baylee, because our 2 year old, Biscuit, wants to play more than Frisbee is able to keep up. Frisbee has only a small circle of humans he is comfortable with and has only been around a small amount of other dogs. He did great when we brought Biscuit home and I was careful to keep Biscuit on a leash and with me until I felt totally comfortable that they were bonded. What do you suggest would be the best way to introduce both to the new puppy? I am not worried about Biscuit so much and thought I would intro her first in a neutral place so Frisbee could see them meet and perhaps follow that lead. Would keep all on leashes and even thinking of using a muzzle on Frisbee initially. I appreciate any advice you might have.

I have a 2 year old golden (therapy dog) who is perfect except when I take her out front to play she barks non stop. It seems she is just excited to be outdoors playing and this is the only time I have a barking problem with her. I don't know how to get her to stop barking and it's making me, my family and my neighbors crazy. I am thinking about getting a water proof (we have a pool out front she loves) bark collar but I really don't want to do that if there is another alternative. I didn't see anything in the training specifically addressing this kind of barking. Right now I tell her no and some times make her sit and then release her but then she just starts barking again. Please help.