How should I manage same-sex aggression between Great Danes? While Great Danes are generally known as “gentle giants,” same-sex aggression (SSA) can certainly occur, particularly between two females or if you adopt littermates. This interdog aggression often becomes apparent as the dogs reach social maturity, typically between 18 and 36 months of age. Because of […]
Understanding Great Dane Behavior in Multi-Dog Homes
Are Great Danes predisposed to aggression in multi-dog homes? Great Danes are generally not predisposed to aggression in multi-dog households. They are affectionately nicknamed “gentle giants” and are frequently described by their owners as goofy, sensitive, and easily frightened by harmless things like frogs, small animals, or ceiling fans. From a training perspective, their behavior […]
Same-Sex Dog Introductions: Essential Rules for Success
What is the rule for same-sex dog introductions? When dealing with same-sex dogs, especially large or dominant guardian breeds like the Great Pyrenees, many rescues follow a strict general rule: females will not be placed in homes with another female dog. While male pairings are sometimes considered on a case-by-case basis, another general rule is […]
Understanding the Honeymoon Phase for New Dogs
How long should a ‘honeymoon phase’ last for new dogs? The “honeymoon phase” for a new dog typically lasts anywhere from two weeks to one month. During the first few days, a dog may seem perfectly well-adjusted and problem-free, but you should not assume that they are fully integrated or showing their true personality yet, […]
Benefits of Rewarding Calm Dogs in Multi-Dog Homes
How does rewarding the most appropriate dog help? Rewarding the dog that behaves most appropriately, rather than focusing on the pushiest or perceived “dominant” dog, is a highly effective way to create a stable social environment in a multi-dog household. This approach helps in several key ways: • Establishes Clear Rules and Behavioral Models: By […]
Teach Your Dog Patience During Play
How do I teach a dog patience during play? While the sources do not outline a specific drill for teaching “patience” strictly during play, they heavily emphasize that teaching your dogs general patience and politeness will improve their behavior overall. Because rough-and-tumble dog play can easily make dogs overly excited and escalate into a real […]
Mastering the Group Wait: Dog Training Tips
Tell me more about the Group Wait at the doors. Teaching your dogs a “Group Wait” at the door is an excellent way to maintain order, prevent them from knocking you over, and avoid dog fights, which frequently break out during the frantic rush at doorways. By controlling the doorway, you reward patience and polite […]
Top High-Value Treats for Dog Training Sessions
What are some high-value treats to use for group training sessions? To motivate your dogs during training sessions, it is highly recommended to use “the good stuff” rather than less exciting, dry dog biscuits. When choosing high-value food treats, excellent options include: • Cheese • Chicken • Steak • Liver • Cooked carrots Not all […]
Effective Strategies for Managing Same-Sex Dogs
How can I safely manage two dogs of the same sex? Managing two dogs of the same sex requires vigilance and commitment, as interdog aggression is most common between same-sex housemates, particularly females. In fact, some rescues have strict rules against placing a female dog in a home with another female, and two adult males […]
What is the first thing I should do if my dogs start fighting?
What is the first thing I should do if my dogs start fighting? If your dogs get into a fight, the very first thing you should do is separate them to keep them safe. However, it is crucial that you approach this carefully to avoid getting hurt: • Do not put yourself between the dogs […]