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Aria, my ~2 y/o mutt, lost her older friend and after looking we found another dog to bring home. Meryl, a ~1 y/o hound mix, became part of the family a few months ago. They are both wonderful dogs and training has finally started going well with Meryl.
However, Aria was used to playing with an older, calmer dog. Meryl is younger (maybe still a puppy, I keep hearing different ages on her) and plays hard. They chase each other around the yard but Meryl grabs Aria by the neck-rolls and plays too rough. I see no aggression in the play, it just seems rougher than Aria likes/is used to and doesn't like it. They play "mouth-fight" inside sometimes, but Aria doesn't even like Meryl laying next to her anymore. Aria won't play outside if Meryl is out there now and I'm not sure what to do next. Meryl will play too hard and it scares and/or hurts Aria at times, so I feel she feels defeated and just doesn't like her anymore. They were instant friends for a few weeks at first.
I have tried:
Putting Bitter Apple on Aria's neck to keep Meryl from grabbing hold of it (didn't phase her).
I got a vibrating collar to startle Meryl when she starts playing too rough for Aria (seemed to work for a bit, now doesn't mind the vibration).
I took Aria to doggy daycare to interact with other dogs her own age (loved it, still came home and acted the same).
I walk with them daily, but started walking and playing more to burn off more energy and hasn't had any effect.
Scolding Meryl when she plays too rough, but she plays too hard to even pay attention to me.
Does anyone have other suggestions? I also saw a trainer who suggested to work on sit, stay, etc commands and wait for the puppy phase to run it's course. Thanks for any and all suggestions - I just want my happy girls back!
However, Aria was used to playing with an older, calmer dog. Meryl is younger (maybe still a puppy, I keep hearing different ages on her) and plays hard. They chase each other around the yard but Meryl grabs Aria by the neck-rolls and plays too rough. I see no aggression in the play, it just seems rougher than Aria likes/is used to and doesn't like it. They play "mouth-fight" inside sometimes, but Aria doesn't even like Meryl laying next to her anymore. Aria won't play outside if Meryl is out there now and I'm not sure what to do next. Meryl will play too hard and it scares and/or hurts Aria at times, so I feel she feels defeated and just doesn't like her anymore. They were instant friends for a few weeks at first.
I have tried:
Putting Bitter Apple on Aria's neck to keep Meryl from grabbing hold of it (didn't phase her).
I got a vibrating collar to startle Meryl when she starts playing too rough for Aria (seemed to work for a bit, now doesn't mind the vibration).
I took Aria to doggy daycare to interact with other dogs her own age (loved it, still came home and acted the same).
I walk with them daily, but started walking and playing more to burn off more energy and hasn't had any effect.
Scolding Meryl when she plays too rough, but she plays too hard to even pay attention to me.
Does anyone have other suggestions? I also saw a trainer who suggested to work on sit, stay, etc commands and wait for the puppy phase to run it's course. Thanks for any and all suggestions - I just want my happy girls back!