Chima Hates Puppies

I suppose "hate" is a bit strong. Let's just say Chima has a pretty rigid code of conduct for how dogs act and she doesn't cut puppies much slack for not knowing any better.

Chima checks out Tates crate to see if there is anything worth taking.

Obi and Frodo use body language as dramatically as they are able to try to get the point across to Tate that she is in their personal space. All of the looking away and turning their back is lost on her though and I have to watch to make sure the boys aren't getting overwhelmed and pushed around.

Frodo tells me that he is not happy about Tate stealing his new plush toy

Chima however has no problem giving a puppy the smackdown. There will be no jumping on her or biting at her face unless she initiates it. Puppies soon learn that her curling her lip means they have about 5 seconds to move out of her space before she gives them a face full of teeth and loud barking. It's actually a good amount of time if you think about it. She has given the warning and then gives time for the puppy to change their behavior to something more acceptable. If they don't choose to, she tells them more - um - firmly. While she sounds scary though, she doesn't bite or hurt the little ones. Instead she is just letting them know in the only way that seems to make them listen.

Dogs can be the best teachers. I'm not going to let Chima knock Tate around and I am not going to let her get bossy, but if Tate is behaving in a way that is irritating to most other dogs then it is in her best interest to learn through natural consequences what the result can be when you behave that way. Chima and Sal are more than happy to teach her those lessons. Some puppies aren't as confident and a quick curled lip is enough for them to get the message. Others like Tate will push boundaries so an adult dog who sets and maintains firm boundaries is great for them.

Chima, crated because during a short time out in the rec room she managed to break off one of her toenails. Poor girl. Not a typical time out for her. Usually she curls up on the couch and calms herself down. 

Sometimes Chima gets snarky when Tate isn't doing anything wrong and then she gets a time out away from the puppy to calm down and change her focus. Just a couple minutes which gives me time to change up the environment a bit so both Chima and Tate have a better chance at behaving the way I'd like them to behave. After all, it's my job to manage the environment so Chima and Tate are both getting what they need without the need of snarling and fights.