[Michael Koza Koza]

I will definitely go back over the recommended reading material. Is there a certain suggested way of seperating them? Say if they’re playing and she becomes to aggressive/dominant, pull them away om each other physically?and then after I seperate them, what would I do after that? When we’re inside and she starts acting this way, I put her un her 2nd kennel that is used as a timeout place. I put her in timeout for around 20-30 seconds just long enough for her to calm down. She gets the message around the 2nd, 3rd time. And I never make it a negative experience. I’m always completely neutral and indifferent to her as I’m putting her in there and as she calms down insode her timeout kennel. Am I doing that part right? Lol I’m just trying to learn as best as I can so she can be the best dog she can be

[Michael Koza Koza]

Thank you so much for this. The paradigm shift you offered is exactly what I needed. I do realize that her rottie traits are more prevalent than her lab traits. The only lab traits I’ve seen so far is her love of playing fetch and agility training lol. I have watched the muzzle video once and that’s what got me interested in muzzle training. I just want her to be the best dog she can be and I want her to be comfortable and safe. When we go to the park or wherever, the first thought in my mind isn’t “Oh no I hope these strangers don’t think she’s an agressive dog or I hope they like her” my only thought is “I hope SHE does ok”. This dog is always my top priority. She is extremely smart and a very very quick learner.

I have uploaded pictures and info about my two dogs to my profile.

Thank you again for your help

[Michael Koza Koza]

Thank you so much for your reply. I needed reassurance on how to handle the situation as I’ve never had to correct this type of behavior before.

I do have another issue that is currently her second biggest problem and I would like to ask for suggestions on how to handle it and solve it for her. She barks at people and bigger dogs. I will enroll her in puppy classes when I can afford it but right now it’s not an option financially. I was thinking about training her to use a muzzle for when we go outside to the park or wherever else there will be strange people and or dogs. I know a muzzle is only a temporary fix, but I believe it will benefit her until I can desensitize her to strange things and people. She doesn’t lunge or bite but I want to tackle this issue before it turns into something like that. Would muzzle training work for something like this while I work on desensitizing her to strangers?

Thank you again for your help!