How to Train Your Dog to Stop Sniffing

Hello, First, puppy biting is normal so there is likely going to be a lot of mouthing from the puppy for various reasons. Just be aware of that as far as your older dog's tolerance goes. Seconds, I would work on teaching Leave It and Out to both dogs. Leave It method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite Out - which means move away: https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-the-out-command/ When your older dog obeys Out, reward them away from the puppy. I would keep a drag leash on both dogs when together so you can direct them more easily. I would also practice things like pack walks, even if it's just in your backyard to keep puppy safe, so they can get used to being around each other without direct confrontational interaction. This will be easiest and safest with two people to walk the dogs, one dog each, keeping a little space between them so pup isn't going things like jumping up on the older dog or trying to catch their foot walking, and having this walk be to practice Heel, so its calm and respectful toward you, so they aren't competing with each other, or your older dog competing with pup especially. When you can't work with them, use things like a sturdy exercise pen either dog can't or won't knock over, a crate, and other barriers to give space and a break from any pestering. If you see anything more concerning, things get worse, or don't get better, I would hire a professional trainer who has experience with aggression, counter conditioning, and puppies to come to your home to oversee training with you and help guide in person. Many dogs will give warnings and that's not always a bad thing. It vary much depends on the level of tolerance, self-control, and overall body language the dog is displaying, whether that might be a sign of something more dangerous, or an appropriate lesson for the puppy that's gentle. You definitely want your older dog listening to you and respecting puppy's space too though, and puppy needs to learn the same to keep things from getting worse. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Feb. 28, 2023

Hello, I would purchase a long training leash and work on the sections on using a long training leash and the Premack principle from this article I have linked below, allowing him to sniff for the long training leash section, then calling him and practicing reeling him in if he doesn't come, having him sit, then releasing him again to go sniff, repeating this until he comes five times in a row willingly - when he comes willingly, give a treat then also. The repetition until he is coming consistently helps teach pup that coming isn't optional, but good things happen if they come when called first, then they get to investigate after coming. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/train-dog-to-come-when-called/ The premack principle can be used to turn a distraction into a reward by preventing pup from reaching the distraction until they come, then rewarding with more slack in the leash to investigate after they come. I would find a large fenced in area to practice this in first, and he careful how much slack you have in the line, to avoid pup hitting the end of the leash suddenly from far away and pulling you off your feet with a larger dog. If they have any issues with aggression, I would use additional safety measures for you and others and hire professional help with this also. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Nov. 28, 2022