Harley is well into his nipping phase now and he's starting to play a little rough with the twins. For my daughter, this isn't a serious problem, as she's as rough and tumble as it gets. She has wasted no time putting Harley in his place, Harley respects her, and if he still nips, he at least knows better than to carry it too far with her.
Her brother, on the other hand is having more trouble. He is shy, introverted, overly cautious, and Harley is not accepting Alexander as dominant. Mind you, Alexander tries, but he is only seven and his cautious nature is making it hard on him. I tried teaching him to be forceful, but not angry with Harley and to let him know who is boss, but progress is limited. Harley will growl at him and I can't tell if it's playful or serious, but he will also nip when Alexander tries to take a ball and if Harley is laying down resting and Alexander tries to pet wrong, he will let him know about it by snapping, growling/barking, and such.
This is not all the time. Alexander just came in now to pet him and Harley was ok with that. However, he knows his place with the rest of us and other than love nips, wouldn't dare do anything. He just doesn't see Alexander as boss...
Kevin
Her brother, on the other hand is having more trouble. He is shy, introverted, overly cautious, and Harley is not accepting Alexander as dominant. Mind you, Alexander tries, but he is only seven and his cautious nature is making it hard on him. I tried teaching him to be forceful, but not angry with Harley and to let him know who is boss, but progress is limited. Harley will growl at him and I can't tell if it's playful or serious, but he will also nip when Alexander tries to take a ball and if Harley is laying down resting and Alexander tries to pet wrong, he will let him know about it by snapping, growling/barking, and such.
This is not all the time. Alexander just came in now to pet him and Harley was ok with that. However, he knows his place with the rest of us and other than love nips, wouldn't dare do anything. He just doesn't see Alexander as boss...
Kevin