Ask Me Help Desk - 2 chis and 1 dobie. HELP!

Ok, so I have a problem that I really need help on. I've always wanted a Doberman, and for my birthday I was gifted a beautiful male puppy to go along with my 2 chihuahuas (neutered male and spayed female). My parents always had a problem with having large dogs in the house, so for the most part my dobie was outside. I know they are better inside, but It's not my house and I don't make the rules. Well, my parents will be taking extended trips out of the country so I figured this would be a perfect time to train my dobie to be inside and show my parents how great it is to have all three in! Plus, it's getting colder and he hates his dog house. He never goes in there! Did I mention he's always been brought inside at night to sleep? Anyway, my male chi hates him in and barks/growls/nips at him and the female follows along. Now my, whenever I try to put him in, my Doberman runs around the house like a mad man jumping on couches, the counter, bumping into walls (and denting them). When my chi finally calms down, my dobie is the one who won't leave them be and barks and swipes at them so they have to hide under the couch! I've tried giving them space. Letting the do is roam wile the chis are behind a baby gate. Now the dobie is starting to pee everywhere! It's not little drops either. They're freaking jet streams! I'm at my wits end and ready to give up. Any advice? At this point I'll never convince my parents that a dobie belongs inside. I now see past mistakes but I can't do anything about that now. Help please?

You have to gain control over all three dogs. By this I mean, they need to see you as the BOSS. What you say goes no matter what! If you tell them to do something, you have to follow through until they do it. Its common for 2 males not to get along especially around a female. They do not know they are fixed and will fight over a female. Keep your Dobie on a leash, and have him follow you around. If he jumps on the sofa, or snips at the other dogs, "Snap" the leash once quickly and tell him "NO" firmly. Usually a pronged collar works best in the beginning for training. Make him sit, and stay in that position until you tell him its OK to leave it. I did this for my rottie. Keeping him on this leash should reduce his risk of peeing. If you catch him in the act of peeing yell "NO" and put him outside. If you do not catch him in the act there is nothing you can do about it. Always praise "good boy" in a low positive voice, too loud can result in unneeded excitement. It will take time but this is the best way. Also correct the other dogs behavior if they are wrong. Making them listen and following through is the best thing you can do. If both males have to walk around on a leash so you are able to correct them easier than do that. They need to know you are "alpha" dog. Dogs like to be told what to do because if not, they make terrible decisions on their own. Good luck

Quote:

Originally Posted by maizy886

You have to gain control over all three dogs. By this I mean, they need to see you as the BOSS. What you say goes no matter what! If you tell them to do something, you have to follow through until they do it. Its common for 2 males not to get along especially around a female. They do not know they are fixed and will fight over a female. Keep your Dobie on a leash, and have him follow you around. If he jumps on the sofa, or snips at the other dogs, "Snap" the leash once quickly and tell him "NO" firmly. Usually a pronged collar works best in the beginning for training. Make him sit, and stay in that position until you tell him its OK to leave it. I did this for my rottie. Keeping him on this leash should reduce his risk of peeing. If you catch him in the act of peeing yell "NO" and put him outside. If you do not catch him in the act there is nothing you can do about it. Always praise "good boy" in a low positive voice, too loud can result in unneeded excitement. It will take time but this is the best way. Also correct the other dogs behavior if they are wrong. Making them listen and following through is the best thing you can do. If both males have to walk around on a leash so you are able to correct them easier than do that. They need to know you are "alpha" dog. Dogs like to be told what to do because if not, they make terrible decisions on their own. Good luck

I'll try that! He's 8 months now and so strong, but I'm determined. Thank you so much for responding to my post!

Having bred and trained Dobes my entire life, I have to say maizy has some good points and some not so good. Prong collars are designed for dogs with thick, heavily muscled necks, like the Rottweiler but unlike the Doberman. Snapping the leash may or may not work, it's an individual reaction.

One thing that has not been mentioned is formal Obedience training. The unmentioned benefit of formal classes is the training the Owner gets. Once you know how to work with your dog, your parents' high-strung toy breeds will be much easier to train.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catsmine

Having bred and trained Dobes my entire life, I have to say maizy has some good points and some not so good. Prong collars are designed for dogs with thick, heavily muscled necks, like the Rottweiler but unlike the Doberman. Snapping the leash may or may not work, it's an individual reaction.

One thing that has not been mentioned is formal Obedience training. The unmentioned benefit of formal classes is the training the Owner gets. Once you know how to work with your dog, your parents' high-strung toy breeds will be much easier to train.

That's something id be happy to try! He's difficult on the leash and doesn't calm down until he's good and tired from his walk. I think I'll see how he does with what maize suggested first, but I was a bit concerned about the pronged collar. I asked a trainer about it and they said it really won't hurt my dobie. Of course she tried to enroll me in classes! Thank you for responding!