Need help breaking bad sleep habits in 8 month old puppy

[sheltieluver]

I've always let my older dogs correct each other to a point. If one was not getting the correction and becoming obnoxious I would step in and remove the one being obnoxious.

With Gauge he was horrible in a crate when we brought him home but I knew I wanted to crate train and I let him cry throw a tantrum for almost an hour the first night. Dogs use what works for them so of I let him out while he was throwing a fit it worked and he would do it again and again. After 3 days of this he would settle down right away.

Since you and your husband catered to this behavior she learned that it works when she throws a tantrum you or your husband come running and he sleeps on the couch giving her what she wants.

I agree you need more structure in the house. Seems the dogs are controlling it. All 3 of my dogs sleep in bed with me they know they must share if one growls or snaps at the other that dog gets booted for the night and sleeps on the floor.

Everyone offerer great advice. I would Def look up NILF training I still use it tI'll this day.

[Meeps83]

My pup responds well to the fun thing being taken away. I actually take it one step further and completely ignore him. He gets "sad" and sits or lays down for me to do/give the object that he wants. I usually follow it with a series of commands or puppy push ups to make him work for whatever it is that he wanted. So basically, NILIF.

[xracer4844]

Is this really a thing? Disciplining an older dog for rightly putting a pup in its place, and thereby taking away the older dog's ability to stand up for itself? wow - some people's interpretations of dominance theory/the whole pack leader thing are just as wacky as some people's interpretations of the bible.

OP - you've gotten some great advice. Judging by your posts, you won't go overboard or resort to physical punishment. Best of luck to you!

I don't have a problem with an older dog putting a pup in it's place depending on the situation. My post was talking about the older dog claiming the bed as his own...That has nothing to do with the dog standing up for itself

[Archie]

I don't have a problem with an older dog putting a pup in it's place depending on the situation. My post was talking about the older dog claiming the bed as his own...That has nothing to do with the dog standing up for itself

Sorry, misunderstood then. I would think disciplining an older dog for correcting a pup would damage trust.

[xracer4844]

Sorry, misunderstood then. I would think disciplining an older dog for correcting a pup would damage trust.

Exactly correct - the pup needs to understand to respect the older dog. Usually a pup will want to copy the older dog. Having a trained older dog is usually a great way to teach a pup a lot of good habits - I use this to my advantage all the time.

I only have a problem if the older dog is territorial around food, sleeping quarters, or marking etc. I will always correct those behaviors.