Am I being to involved?
We brought home a new beagle/basset hound mix from a shelter. Our faimly already includes a 2 1/2 yr old lab mix. They are not aggressive to each other in a traditional sense. But when the puppy plays with the lab sometimes she gets too rough and the lab cries out and hides behind me. I correct her by saying no biting and giving her chew toy to occupy her mouth. She and my lab can play chase and wrestle for a while if she has a ball in her mouth. He loves to chase the new puppy and everything is fine. But when she drops the ball she nips him too hard and he cries. I know she wants to be his friend. She sits with her back to him and leans on him all the time. She kisses his face and brings him toys and drops them at his feet wanting to play. Should I keep interfering when she plays too rough or should I wait for my lab to show her its not okay himself. I have read that older dogs will let younger dogs know when their behavior in annoying with growls and etc but he does not do that. He seems to wait for me to correct her. I know I can be a bit of a "helicopter puppy mom" but I want to make sure both dogs feel safe in our home. Anyone have any suggestions?
|