What do I do for a shy and dominating puppy

From Henderson, NV, 1 post

I need help!!!! We got 2 pups after our beloved dog died in April. We have had them for 5 months. A 7 month dominating female beagle from a pet store and a mixed, possibly german shep, australian shep and rott from a truck yard where he was dumped, the men cared for him for about 6 weeks, do not know history or anything, he is about 9 or 10 months now. The problem is the beagle dominates him, he will only eat if hand fed, she takes everything from him, toys, bones, etc. We have given them a great home, love, big yard, tons of attention, but I don't know what to do because the beagle just overwhelms him. He is about 60 pounds and the beagle is 25 but he will not stand up for himself. He has been to the vet for all shots and neuter and the vet says he is healthy and not all puppies are the same, but I have never had a puppy who does not really want to cuddle and he really does not, but he is a little better since he came to us in April. I want to keep both, so that is not an option for me, I never had 2 dogs at the same time so is this normal???? The mix, Lucky, is just so docile I don't know what to do, I don't know if it is from neglect or his mix of breeds, behavior or neurological (vet said he is ok). I don't want to give up on him, he is so sweet, no aggressive or mean tendencies in him just so laid back. Any help or guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.

From Uk, 45 posts

Quote: The problem is the beagle dominates him, he will only eat if hand fed, she takes everything from him, toys, bones, etc.
If he'll only eat if hand fed it's because that is how you feed him. Feed them separately so that he can eat his in peace without her giving him aggro and he'll probably start to eat from a bowl. Pick up all the toys and bones and use the toys for interactive games with you and the dogs on an individual basis. This will increase his confidence if you play with him without her about. If you want him to have a bone without her claiming it then again you must separate them. If everytime she takes something from him you take it away from her and give it back to him you will make her more determined to take it again when you are not looking and make him very uncomfortable about the situation. Dogs live by different rules to us.
Quote: He is about 60 pounds and the beagle is 25 but he will not stand up for himself. He is probably quite happy with the situation and doesn't feel the need to compete. Or he doesn't have to stand up for himself because you do.

Is she hurting him? If not I don't see what the problem is In fact 2 dogs of very different temperaments will probably live together better than two that are similar.

1 post

I have 3 dogs - 2 beagles and a mongrel which I rescued. And yes! I've experienced almost the same situation. The only difference is that the mongrel was here first, so she's sort of the senior dog at our home. However, she's also quite shy - doesn't like to be pat or hugged. A quick pat on the head will do, and she'll just walk away right after.

The beagles bully her - they fight for attention when we are around, so the mongrel usually backs off. She doesn't seem to really mind though. She doesn't seem to be depressed, and I guess that's just her the way she is - her unique personality.

Beagles ARE active, self-absorbed, and jealous, as compared to other dogs. They may seem small, but are large at heart.

For your situation, I guess the best thing for you to do to reassure the new puppy, is to feed and pat him separately from the beagle. Keep the beagle in another room while you do that. Give him personal attention. If the beagle acts up, just sternly tell him to be quiet, and put it at its place. Perhaps you need to give the new puppy some time to adjust, and also some time away alone from the domineering beagle.

Also understand that all dogs are different, and perhaps your puppy had a bad experience earlier, which explains his shyness towards other dogs and people. So, give it some time to adjust to its new home. Beagles are pack dogs, and although they may seem to be overbearing, they tend to get along quite well with other dogs too.

Hope this helps!

Read more about my beagle puppies at Beagle Puppies