I need advice!

[mikaandannie]

Hi, I'm hoping someone will have some advice for me and my "zoo". I have 2 doggies both about 2 years old, almost the exact same height, weight (75lbs) and build (athletic). Mika was adopted about 1 year ago from the humane society where she sat for 3 months after being dropped off at 9 months for becoming "to big". We think she is a husky/ great dane mix. Annie came to me about 8 months ago from a family that couldn't take care of her. We think she is a lab/austrailian shepard mix. both are very high energy. The problem is that Mika seems to Punk (for lack of a better word) Annie quite a bit by playing rougher than Annie seems inclined to, including batting at her and grabbing and pulling on her loose neck skin. Annie will sometimes play and both will wag their tails. Other times she tells Mika to leave her alone with a bark, But I've come home twice now to find Annie with abrasions or small cuts on her face and neck. They seem to like each other and like us, but I'm worried that Mika might be to much for Annie or that Annie might not be happy with us. I'm hoping someone can give me some ideas on how to find out with a little more certianty. I would never abandon either one but I would consider working with a friends to see if anyone could provide her with a happier home, if she is unhappy or in a dangerous situation. This is the first time I've had dog's bigger than a toaster and I might just be to senstive, but the abrasions and cuts worry me. Any advice would be greatly appriciated!! Thanks!

[DiegoDog]

do your dogs listen well? like if you said no while they were playing would they listen? because if they do. I'd say warn Mika if he plays too rough, or maybe put the dog in a time out (make him lay down and stay) for a while. And when they start playing and they play nicely reweard him with "good boys" and whatnot and when he kicks it up to too rough, tell him "no" and put him in a down-stay again. Thats just my opinion, I'm not a trainer like Top Dog but maybe she'll put in her advice.

[originalfatc]

It is possible Annie is overly submissive and does not complain when Mika gets too rough. My own suggestion would be not to leave them alone together at this time (maybe a gate between rooms where they can see and be with each other but not interact physically) and work on obedience and tricks with Annie to build her self confidence a bit.

[DiegoDog]

Just curious, hows it going now with your dogs?

[TrooperRat]

I don't know about the humane society you "rescued" your dog from, but the one I got my dog from has a question/answer line that has VERY helpful and knowledgable people. I had a problem with my dog I had no conclusive answer for - they came up with several answers that had never even crossed my mind. You might call them and see if they have any suggestions.
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