My 20-month-old French bulldog has been super annoying to my parents’ 14-year-old lab. Every time we visit, he nips at the lab’s back end (even his private parts). It’s so bad that the lab just hides upstairs to avoid him. We’ve tried saying no and redirecting him, but nothing works. Any tips on how to fix this?
You might want to try getting a dog playpen and keeping your bulldog in it when visiting. It can help the lab get a break.
Gianni said:
You might want to try getting a dog playpen and keeping your bulldog in it when visiting. It can help the lab get a break.
A playpen sounds like a good idea! Do you think that will solve the issue completely, or do I need to do more?
@lokielf
The playpen is a temporary fix. You’ll need to train your bulldog daily so he learns boundaries and stops this behavior for good.
Sounds like your dog is trying to establish dominance over the older lab. Training him to follow commands could help.
Davis said:
Sounds like your dog is trying to establish dominance over the older lab. Training him to follow commands could help.
We’ve taught him some commands like sit and no, but he doesn’t seem to listen during these situations. Any advice?
@lokielf
It might help to teach him a strong ‘leave it’ command. Positive reinforcement and treats can make a big difference too.
Have you tried using clicker training? It’s a great way to teach commands like leave it and to reinforce good behavior.
Brooke said:
Have you tried using clicker training? It’s a great way to teach commands like leave it and to reinforce good behavior.
No, I haven’t tried that yet. How does clicker training work exactly?
@lokielf
You use a clicker to mark good behavior, followed by a treat. Start with simple commands and gradually work up to more complex ones.
The ‘nothing in life is free’ training method might work for your bulldog. It basically means he has to earn rewards.
feddy said:
The ‘nothing in life is free’ training method might work for your bulldog. It basically means he has to earn rewards.
That sounds interesting! Can you explain how I’d implement it at home?
@lokielf
Sure! Use his daily food as rewards for following commands. It helps reinforce that you’re the one in charge.
Training in low-distraction areas first and slowly moving to busier settings could help. Have you tried that approach?
Smith said:
Training in low-distraction areas first and slowly moving to busier settings could help. Have you tried that approach?
I haven’t tried that yet. Do you think it will help him focus better when we’re visiting my parents?
@lokielf
Definitely! Once he learns to listen in calm settings, it’ll be easier to get him to behave in more distracting environments.