[PyrNet-L] Small Problem..?

[Rodney Brandt <rlbrandt@concentric.net>]

Hi,
I am new to the Pry breed also but have had Newfies for quite some time.
I take offense at them being called non-brain! (kidding) Seriously, they
are still my favorite breed and I especially like the fact that my
female seems to understand entire conversations. She worked Search and
Rescue until her hips went bad. ANYWAY, as for the 'small problem', let
me tell you about a mistake I made with her when I brought home a puppy.
Tessa was four and ruler of this roost when we brought home a very
dominant male Newfie pup. At first things were tentative but okay, then
he began to be a tyrant and being very demanding and pestering the other
dogs. One day Tessa got fed up with it apparently and took hold of the
puppy's entire head in her mouth. Of course I reacted immediately and
scolded her. She didn't take this very well, very hurt, etc. In the end
she NEVER again corrected that puppy and he turned into a very difficult
big boy. I am convinced that its because I stepped in too soon. I used
to _beg_ her to step in but she would literally walk away. Tessa knew he
was being a bad boy and needed correction in doggie terms, not human
terms. So, the only advice I would give is not to be too quick to step
in if your adult dog is trying to put baby in its place right at the
beginning. My son took the male with him when he moved out and he does
great as the only 'child'. Too bad that I stepped in when I shouldn't
have. Unless things are way out of line, a yelp from the pup isn't
necessarily a sign of being really hurt.  I hope that helps some....

Candace Brandt & Tessa, Buddy and our new Pyr, Napoleon