Help with puppies...

[icemaiden]

We have two 10 week old border terrier X lakeland pups, a brother and sister. Occasionally when they play with each other they become quite aggresive, really showing their teeth, growling and biting at each other. I guess when you have two there will always be a more dominate one, is this how they decide? Do I need to correct this?and if so, how?
All help and advice will be appreciated.

[paraffin]

Perfectly normal behaviour, icemaiden, and, yes, you're right about the dominant bit. They'll soon establish which it is, my guess being the female.

But ultimately, you are their pack leader, not either of them. Their little "dominance" struggle can only relate to their position in YOUR pack!

The fighting aspect, even the snarling and growling, is natural and is acceptable up to a point. Establishing dominance is one thing, but outright bullying is not acceptable and, should it happen, must be stamped out right away by you. They must realise that play-fighting, as with human children, is okay, but overstepping the mark will not be tolerated by you.

They don't need you to physically punish them, the tone of your voice should leave them in no doubt that not only have they done wrong, but you are the one who decides what's right and what isn't. Ignoring them for a while after you've told them off is also an effective method of driving home your authority and they'll come to respect and love you for it. And try not to feel guilty, as many of us do, because if you don't impose your authority they'll sense that as a weakness and will challenge your leadership within the pack. That's when problems will occur. Firm but fair, that's my motto with my mutts.

The best of luck, and most of all: have loads of fun!

[icemaiden]

Thank you so much for your answer paraffin.

Your right, it does seem to be more the bitch that is the dominant one.
So far I have said a firm "no" when I think one has overstepped the mark, and then ignored them. so atleast I am doing that right.

I'm a firm believer in establishing alpha position from an early age, did the same with all my other dogs. Just wanted to make sure what I'm doing is ok so thanks again Paraffin.

Vibrasphere-Sorry to disappoint you. Maybe if the question was in Body & Soul you may have been luckier!

[lankeela]

Unfortunately if you keep two puppies of the same age they will bond with each other and work out which is the dominant one, when in fact it should be you who is pack leader. I would spend time with each one individually, otherwise you will find they are more interested in each other than in doing what you want.

Do not allow very aggressive play to go unchecked. Try distraction techiniques, i.e. give them toys and chews to occupy them and raggers so they can play tug of war but if it gets out of hand then remove them and give them something like a toilet roll middle so they can chew it up and play with it.

I would never sell two puppies to one person, I would only sell one at a time as it is difficult enough to train and bond with a puppy without the added distraction of litter mates.
When one is about 7 or 8 months old is the best time to introduce the second pup. Fortunately you have a male and female, which is better than two of the same sex, which often leads to problems with fighting. And while not wanting to teach your grandmother to suck eggs, don't be suprised when the dog shows interest in the bitch when she comes in season at 6 months plus, it won't matter to him that she is his sister (you would not believe how many people think they would not mate).

[icemaiden]

Thank you for your answer Lankeela.

Distraction techiniques are also something we use when play becomes rough. They love the rope raggers.

We are very surprised that these two puppies are already taking note of us and have very quickly realised that the toilet is outside. They even ask to go out! We have had no mess or whinning at night time. How long this will last, who knows, but we wouldn't be without them now.

And I have already decided that the bitch will be spayed at the earliest time possible to avoid any unwanted attention and litters.

[corylus]

well said lankeela, we wanted to buy 2 retreiver puppies together but the breeder refused this as we were told that they might harm each other, bone development and so on. we were told to wait 18 months to 2 years before introducing another puppy. I've also been told that it's problematic to house 2 kittens from the same litter, sibling rivalry and all that.