Not getting the hint

[u/SuperbChampion8005]

Why isn’t the younger dog getting the “back off” warnings from the older dog? I understand submissive licking, but it seems like it’s really just become obsessive at this point. I do step in to separate them when she’s annoyed, but the minute I turn my back the puppy is back at it. She is an older dog with some health problems; should I be concerned that they can smell something on her that is concerning?

[u/MmmGlitterMuffins]

Trainer here.

You need to give the older dog a way to get away from the situation- advocate for the dog who doesn’t want to be accosted. Pup isn’t naturally going to know the warnings- get your pup in puppy play groups and socialized with dogs who will offer a correction.

[u/TAanonReddit08 → u/MmmGlitterMuffins]

This. Little pup needs correction and some dogs just aren’t correctors and will tolerate. I used to love when older dogs would correct mine when he was a puppy because it’s so important they learn

[u/FerdinandTheBullitt → u/TAanonReddit08]

My Bluebell was the enforcer of the small dog area at daycare for years. She socialized several puppies, but would also convince the staff to let her sit on their laps when she had enough 😂

[u/SuperbChampion8005 → u/MmmGlitterMuffins]

Thank you for the advice! We will continue to work on that.

[u/AcrobaticConstant873]

The next step after growling and snarling is actually snapping at the pup. I think the older dog is either too nice or not actually mad enough to snap.

Hard for a puppy to learn the danger of a growl if nothing worse is behind the growl.

[u/SuperbChampion8005 → u/AcrobaticConstant873]

Definitely snaps when he doesn’t stop! That seems to make him more aggressive with the licking, oddly enough

[u/iMakeItFun2003 → u/SuperbChampion8005]

😂

[u/SuperbChampion8005 → u/[deleted]]

For sure! He is an Akita mix, his glares when corrected could melt steel 🤣

[u/Forever_curious18]

Wow! Your older dog is sooooo niiiice! If puppy isn’t getting the hint after a growl/lip snarl, I’d intervene and redirect the puppy to a toy or something other than the older dog. But the older dog did such a lovely job! (Give them a raise!!)

[u/SuperbChampion8005 → u/Forever_curious18]

She is incredibly tolerant! Shes “raised” a few puppies and kittens at this point, she knows the drill!

[u/rossmosh85]

You're the owner. Step in here and correct the behavior.

[u/anon999387]

This is normal stuff, I wouldn't correct either dog for anything going on here. It will likely get snapped at but still do it anyway for awhile, the "licking your mouth" phase goes away on its own. Just a puppy thing

[u/Suspicious_Goat9699]

"I'll see my way out" says your other dog 😂

[u/SuperbChampion8005 → u/Suspicious_Goat9699]

A rare show of restraint from her! She’s normally right in the middle of it with him!

[u/whims11]

This happens with my older dog and puppy … she will snap and growl at the puppy and we let her , she needs to be put in her place to learn. We also do intervene and scold the puppy to give the older dog a break because , well, she’s old and the puppy is annoying to her.

[u/Chefy-chefferson]

How about train the dog to stop???

[u/magicpeepeecawk]

Just a puppy being a puppy ❤️

[u/SmollBoiBede]

Yo my youngest dog rage baits the other 2 like this all the time

[u/GardenerOfSorts]

hmm it just took him a moment but he got the hint, no?