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London Dog Forum > Dog Training & Dog Behaviour > Your Dog Training And Behaviour Questions Answered
Your Dog Training And Behaviour Questions Answered
Jean asks: Why won’t my dogs play together?
I have four love bugs [2 Westies 1 min pin 1 Yorkie x] but I am really concerned that they do not play around together especially since our new addition [ex-puppy farm] as she does not understand what they are doing and barks at them which stops them pronto! They do sleep a lot and we are out for 1 hour every day in the big park....even then they do not play together...I am feeling guilty, but do not know what I have done wrong...help!!
Would taking our new addition to classes help?
Debbie Connolly answers:
I'm not sure if you got this dog through a rescue? If so, didn't they give you some advice about integrating her and what to expect?
Puppy farm dogs do not live with or socialise with other dogs. They can only see, hear and smell them which can be terrifying. She won't have any idea what dogs are or what they do and their behaviour is worrying her.
You must not force her to play, she needs time to understand what they are doing, occasionally they never learn to play or interact, just observe. Her barking is worrying the others, so they stop.
Ideally she should have a safe den, such as a cage covered over with the door open. When she is overwhelmed she should be encouraged to go into it, leaving just the front uncovered. Remember she is used to a small space and although sad, it's her den.
She is likely to be very stressed too and I would recommend that you give her Zylkene, a natural milk protein used as a stress remedy. You can get this from your vet or online as it is not a drug. This may well make her relax a bit, but overall, it's a question of time and patience and don't push too hard.
Regarding taking her to classes, I would get her started on Zylkene first and see the results. Once she is feeling better you might reconsider this option.
Just go along and walk around, you don't necessarily want to join in. In fact I'd go alone first and work out which are the calmest, gentlest dogs, speak to the owners and see if you can come the following week with her and then you know which dogs to start with.
In the meantime, cover her cage, as she's used to it. This is a good idea. Just quietly encourage her in if the dogs are a bit much at times.
Good luck with her.
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