Hi From Me and Bunji - help please

[Biobits]

Hello
After loosing my old GSD 4 years ago I have recently adopted a dog from our local rescue centre. He is a Beagle x Boarder collie. He is 14 months old.
Most of the time he is a lovely dog BUT he has a few problems with his behaviour which i would love some advice for.
1) He seems to hate being left or even having a door shut even if you are still with him.
2) He gets very rough while play fighting and mouths and nips very hard. I try to stop playing when he does this but he just carries on and get wound up even more.
3) He learns new thing pretty easily but once he has learnt something he will no longer do it unless he wants ssomehing or unless you offer him a treat. eg if i pick up the lead he will sit when asked but if i just ask him to sit he just ignores me.
I have 4 children and he is very good with them and he is not bothered by other dogs or cats.
Thanks
Vanessa

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by Biobits

Hello
After loosing my old GSD 4 years ago I have recently adopted a dog from our local rescue centre. He is a Beagle x Boarder collie. He is 14 months old.
Most of the time he is a lovely dog BUT he has a few problems with his behaviour which i would love some advice for.
1) He seems to hate being left or even having a door shut even if you are still with him.

Hint of separation anxiety here. How bad is it? Is he settled more now?

2) He gets very rough while play fighting and mouths and nips very hard. I try to stop playing when he does this but he just carries on and get wound up even more.

I avoid play 'fighting' in the home. Outside is the place for more excitable behaviour. He is (by the sounds of it) becoming too excited and forgetting himself in the process. He may not have learned how to be 'soft mouthed' when a puppy. So, avoid excess wind up play. Should he do this, stop immediately with an 'Ah-Ah!' type sound and walk away and ignore for a minute or two. Usually works providing he's not being out and out aggressive of course. Focus on CALM behaviour in the home

3) He learns new thing pretty easily but once he has learnt something he will no longer do it unless he wants something or unless you offer him a treat. eg if i pick up the lead he will sit when asked but if i just ask him to sit he just ignores me.

A smart dog. Watch he doesn't train you too well
Ensure the children are shown how to be calm with him, and all should be well. Enjoy your new dog and well done.

I have 4 children and he is very good with them and he is not bothered by other dogs or cats.
Thanks
Vanessa

Thank you for now,

Nick