Puppy Behavior - Page 1

I'm posting a youtube video link of a 5 month old male puppy. I'm curious as to what observations you make of the behavior exhibited in the short clip. I know it's not the best video but you try and follow a 5 month old pup around with a video camera. The other shepherd is a 10 year old, back yard bred (I didn't know any better at the time), spayed female. Like I said I'm curious as to what conclusions you come to watching this, I have my own, not to mention the benefit of observing much more of the pups behavior. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeA5nE6Uj98

I'm not sure what you're looking for regarding your pup. I see the typical possesive behaviour that you would see in the pack. He didn't get defensive when the other shepherd growled at him. I'm not sure what the toy was the puppy was playing with but if it is a stuffed animal/toy it might be a good idea to throw it out and get something that would be a lot harder to destroy. I'd like to know what your thoughts are on your puppy.

I think I see what you are looking at. Your old dog is unsure of herself about how to handle this young upstart that is getting possesive over "things". It could be a variety of reasons, maybe she never had to deal with a pup this age, maybe content to let him take over, maybe when he was younger you told her not to boss him afraid he would get hurt, maybe she is just feeling her age and not up to defending what is hers anymore... if this is your pup one thing I would be thinking about is getting his ear up if its not soon.

Behavior really isn't that different from normal interactions. My dogs have done the same kinds of things. The only issues that might arise depend largely on what personality and temperament your 5 month old has. If he leans more towards the dominant side, then you really need to establish solid pack dynamics and don't let him get away with things as this will simply give him even more confidence and he'll get bolder in what he might do. Don't let your 10 year-old determine things. I've had dogs that didn't care if toys were taken right out of their mouths, so it can sometimes be frustrating when the other dog doesn't put someone in check and create boundaries. Just make sure that you're the one that governs the toys, when play starts and stops and that the puppy has to have manners when interacting with other dogs.