Puppy kindergarten aggression!?!?

[MishMe]

Hello
Tonight was Trumans first puppy kindergarten class. I had to work so my husband took him alone and it seems like things didnt go as well as we had hoped!!
I had posted a question a week or so ago asking about puppy aggression and was feeling pretty assured that Tru was just being a Boxer pup. But now, I'm not so sure. He is one of 3 larger pups in his class and he wants to play Boxer style!! I now see not everyone appreciates this!! He was growling and trying to jump onto the other dogs. His growl is fierce and quite intimidating!! I believe this is just the way he plays but the instructor thinks different!! She told my husband absolutly no more play with big dogs until the class is over in 7 weeks!! My problem is I really thought socialization was important!! So, for fun, socialzation and exercise we take him up the street to play with my brothers 60lb lab mix. They play great together, but Truman does jump, growl and bite my brothers dog but she handles it well, never saps at him, just holds him down with her head when he get out of control. And honestly, I just thought the growling sounded worse than it actually was. My brothers dog loves him!! They play tug of war and wrestle, I thought this was great!! Should I follow the instructors advice, no more playing with dogs?? I was thinking of just not letting him get too carried away, no more biting other dogs(in play) and if he does, scold him and remove him from the situation. I want to make sure he is getting enough exercise daily and this was working out well. He has no interest in playing ball or really anything with us. He is very calm and controled with us, never any rough play. Sorry this is so long, any advice would be very helpful!!
Thanks
Tru's Mom

 

[Krikkit]

Hi, this is kind of hard to answer as we did not actually see Truman in action Last night I took week three of a four week puppy socialisation class. There is one female Boxer pup in pre-school. On her first night I guess she acted a bit like Truman did going from your post. When she got a little too much for the other pups she got a short time out.

The class is about an hour or so long, with 10 minutes of play, then talk and teaching puppy obedience, then more play, then talk and obedience, then play etc. This puppy does not really have other dogs to play with so her owner also brings her to Obedience Club on a different night so she can see all the other dogs, she takes her on puppy play dates and tries to get as much socialisation and playing with other dogs (all different types), in as she can. It has worked wonders, her pup is still a vocal Boxer in pre-school, but is now a lot less over the top with other dogs and does not need a time out at all and plays very nicely.

I guess my answer is that Truman will not learn to play politely unless he actually can play. If you like pre-school you could still go there and try to give Truman play time elsewhere. The only thing to be aware off is if other people feel Truman is a bit too much they may avoid letting their pups near him which would really not be a great thing for Truman at all and not a good learning enviorment for him :(

If you have not already done so, then try to read the book 'Culture Clash' by Jean Donaldson as I think you will get a great deal of help from this. It covers puppy matters in great detail and has a lot of wonderful advice. I hope all goes well

 

[bigfoot]

My boxer Dee Dee also behave in this way with other dogs. I never had her in a formal training class, but I train and socialize her at home. She is now 15 months old and does well with other dogs as well as people. She has become the neighbor sweetheart. I wouldn't worry to much about it, it may be just the puppy in your dog. I think I would be concerned about your trainer though, it seems you could have been offered some better advice than keeping you dog to himself. It's almost as if your trainer is encouraging this behavior. Don't worry and 'keep your head up'.

 

[JazznChase]

My Jazz did the same thing in her puppy class. VERY LOUD! and trying to "Box" all the other dogs. She was out of control. BUT she was just being her silly boxer self. Your pup will out grow it. He is just being a normal boxer pup!
However, I did realize in puppy class that Jazz can be a dominant dog. Is he showing signs of dominance? Or is he just being a boxer?

 

[JulieM]

I think allowing your puppy to play with dogs during this stage is essential!! They will teach him when enough is enough - as your brother's dog is already doing. Keeping him away from other dogs at this point would be a bad move, IMO.

If it is really a problem in class, short time-outs are a great idea - just take him into a quiet corner until he calms down. Also, work on a "leave it" command (it's never too early to start!). He certainly won't be perfect at it right away, but it will come in very handy as he grows.

There are great tips on teaching "leave it" and other self-control ("Doggie Zen") exercises at http://www.shirleychong.com/keepers