tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post3341738356183588393..comments2023-09-28T08:31:02.877-07:00Comments on Responsible Pet Ownership Blog: Jealousy and Possessive Behavior in DogsCANIDAE Pet Foodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14469755460646975188noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-65268234863125210312013-02-23T15:42:03.378-08:002013-02-23T15:42:03.378-08:00This was a while back, but I suspect you don't...This was a while back, but I suspect you don't have this boyfriend anymore. If you feel doubt regarding your boyfriend's story, there is a reason. Your dog needs to know you're in charge, but I believe this is a different issue. Hope you took him to the vet to see why he is flinching. Trust your instincts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-49093227840584051042013-01-28T16:49:34.525-08:002013-01-28T16:49:34.525-08:00Hi Chelsea,
First of all, spanking a dog never wo...Hi Chelsea,<br /><br />First of all, spanking a dog never works, especially if you are doing it in response to actions by him he sees as being natural. Since he's only been with you for a short time, he's not completely socialized with his new environment and he's growling and snapping because he's not comfortable with the other dogs or you yet, and that's the only way he knows how to respond when he's unsure of things. It can take most dogs a couple of weeks before they begin to feel comfortable with other dogs and their new home. Be patient and give him, and your other dogs time to adjust to each other. You also need to make sure you're being his leader. Check out this article on how to be a dog's leader, http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-be-your-dogs-leader.html and this one on how to socialize puppies and dogs, http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-socialize-puppies-and-adult-dogs.html Taking dogs on walks is a good way to work on socializing them. Plus, the exercise keeps them healthy.<br /><br />Read up on how to read a dog's body language, this article can help you with that, http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/2009/06/body-language-of-dogs.html When you can read their signals, that helps you stop problems before they begin.<br /><br />Teaching your dog basic commands like, sit, come, stay, drop it help you control your dogs and it helps keep them safe, as well. Dog training isn't hard to do, but you have to be committed and patient. Work on basic commands with the dogs, use positive reinforcement, do some training every day until they learn a command, and then reinforce it daily. Give lots of praise and treats when training, and once they know a command, then you can stop giving treats if you want.<br /><br />Check out this article on one way of teaching dogs to come, http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/2009/09/teaching-your-dog-basic-commands-come.html Another way to teach a dog to come is to sit quietly on the ground or floor with your back to the dog. Have treats with you. Call him to come, and when he does, give him lots of praise and treats. Always make training fun and positive. If he doesn't come at first, don't worry about it. Just keep trying. Most dogs will want to come to you just to see what you're doing. Another method you can try is to play with him. Run away from him, calling him as you run. When he comes, give lots of praise and treats. Once he's coming every time you call him, then you can stop giving treats.<br /><br />Spanking a dog won't do any good at all and you risk losing his respect and a chance to bond closely with him. Boxers love to be with their owners, and they are protective, very strong, and smart. And they need daily exercise to stay healthy. I think if you work on socializing him, work on training basic commands, be his leader, be patient, and positive, he'll start to come around as he begins to feel comfortable in his new home.<br /><br />You can also talk with your vet to see if he/she knows of any animal behaviorists in your area or if he/she is a veterinary behaviorists or has one working in the office. Check out these two articles on what the two different behaviorists do.<br /><br />http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-does-animal-behaviorist-do.html <br /><br />http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/2010/12/what-does-veterinary-behaviorist-do.html <br /><br />LindaLindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05489562807203642384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-33017486293313194012013-01-28T00:46:51.480-08:002013-01-28T00:46:51.480-08:00Linda
My name is Chelsea I just brought home a six...Linda<br />My name is Chelsea I just brought home a six month old boxer. I've only had him a couple of days. When my German shepherd or any dog comes in-between me and him or he can't get to me he has growled and snaped at them. Right away I spank and tell him no. But I'm not sure if that's a good enough way of handling the situation. Also bringing him home from only a day ago he constantly follows me around and won't hardly go to anyone else. He has a hard time coming when I call but doesn't move if someone else calls... How do i bring a six month old dog to a completely different situation and smoothly as possible without him getting tromitized or overly possesive of me? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-53811197888341104452012-12-29T08:21:09.996-08:002012-12-29T08:21:09.996-08:00Hi Linda,
I have an 8 year old mix boxer that I ha...Hi Linda,<br />I have an 8 year old mix boxer that I have had since puppy. He is very well behaved and I have never had any problems with him until 2 month ago. All of a sudden he has started to go up in my sofa everytime I leave the house and move all pillows around and lie on top of everything. I have tried to barricade the sofa with tables and stuff but after a week he pushed them all down and just continued. Now I have bought a rug to cover the sofa with and it also worked for about a week but now he has started to remove the rug. When I come home he hides in his basket so I know he is aware of what he has done but he still continues and I dont know how to correct this behavior.<br />I know changes in the animals life can cause these kind of problems and the one thing that has changed is that I have started to feed 2 stray kittens outside our house. However I dont let them in the house and they only come for food and sleeps outside on our staircase sometimes.<br />Any suggestions would be much appreciated. At the moment my living room looks like a furniture warehouse and it would be nice to be able to use this room again.<br />Thank you, MarianneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-11552167786344996832012-11-29T02:21:21.767-08:002012-11-29T02:21:21.767-08:00I have a 2 year old Golden mix who is firstly, uns...I have a 2 year old Golden mix who is firstly, unsure of new dogs. She is not aggressive--just wary of what their intentions are. After they sniff each other, she's always great with them, UNLESS they jump on me. She doesn't bite/attack, but she gets growly and will have her little fangs out as if they were wrestling. Her intention is to get the dog away from me. When everyone is leashed, it's easy to work with because I have her sit and stay. However, when we're out and everyone is off leash, the dogs are never bothered by her attitude and continue jumping on me, making her more upset. New dogs she doesn't know she leaves alone for the most part, but if we've met the dog 2+ times, she gets jealous of me even petting them. (Again, not aggressive, just bratty.)<br /><br />Any advice on what I can change about our relationship so that she doesn't feel she needs to protect me? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-90248674051100069602012-11-19T13:59:21.643-08:002012-11-19T13:59:21.643-08:00I rescued a dog a few weeks ago. He was an unneute...I rescued a dog a few weeks ago. He was an unneutered miniature schnauzer. We had him nuetered immediately. He is 3yrs old. He is a great dog and very smart however he cannot stand for my husband and me to have contact of any kind. He barks and snarls and goes crazy actually. he is equally "protective" of both of us and even starts whining if we start walking toward each other. We are figuring out his other issues but this one is throwing us for a loop. we ignore his behavior but he gets agressive until we separate then he is immediately calm. The other night my husband gave me a high five and thought the dog was going to attack him. thoughts? He doesnt slepp in our bed and in fact isnt allowed in the bed. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-7224676136553221572012-11-08T09:24:33.810-08:002012-11-08T09:24:33.810-08:00I foster rescue dogs. Recently, I placed a rescue ...I foster rescue dogs. Recently, I placed a rescue with a family that consisted of a mom and 3 children between the ages of 9 and 13. Ruger is a 100lb. neutered yellow lab. The family loves him very much but are finding that their resident dog does not. Their resident dog, Harper, is a small spitz. She is constantly barking at Ruger, even lunges at him. She is only about 12lbs herself. To his credit, Ruger does not respond, but naturally Harper's barking and aggression are driving the family nuts. I have advised the mom hang in there a couple of more weeks (she's had Ruger for two now). Also told her to be sure she has established herself as the head of the household; to be sure to give food and treats to Harper first (if she thinks Harper really is the alpha), feed her first, and to crate Harper at night rather than letting her sleep on the bed so that Harper starts to see herself as being on Ruger's level. Also suggested that she spend special time with each dog, crating the other when she does this. Any other specific things that the mom can do to help balance the dog's behavior? I am hoping that this adoption does not disrupt, but will take Ruger back if absolutely necessary. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-38432370042553038522012-10-25T16:30:39.645-07:002012-10-25T16:30:39.645-07:00My brother and nephew recently got a rescue boxer....My brother and nephew recently got a rescue boxer. He is wonderful with one big exception. Whenever anyone tries to lean down to pet their little maltese, the boxer nips them in the face. He is not aggressive with the maltese and he loves company, but this behavior is very concerning. Can you please offer some guidance on how to correct this behavior so he does not have to be re-homed again. The rescue kennel where he came from bragged about how good he was with other dogs and children, but I am wondering if they were really aware of this behavior.<br /><br />Thanks, LisaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-90572178821438348532012-10-21T11:25:03.178-07:002012-10-21T11:25:03.178-07:00Hi
I have two dog's one is a border collie na...Hi<br /><br />I have two dog's one is a border collie named patch who is 7 this year and a boxer named deegan who is 3. Lately in the last 6 month's my collie seem's more aggressive and jelous towards the boxer it started one day with my little girl playing out the back garden and all off a sudden out of the blue the dog's were fighting very agressivily would not stop for my girlfriend and they had blood mark's all over them and it happened 3-4 times after while i was in work untill i caught them. It's happening anytime anybody enter's the back garden the collie seem's to get extremely jelous and start's growling or fighting with the boxer. I'm at the end off my tether with this if you could help in any way possible it would be great as i have love for both these dog's and dont want to see any off them put down as it's got that bad. E-mail me if you want at carl.foxy.fox85@gmail.com thanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-52813551999724859732012-09-20T11:14:38.109-07:002012-09-20T11:14:38.109-07:00Hi,
I have a four year old Corgi named Gracie. ...Hi, <br /> I have a four year old Corgi named Gracie. In August we moved to a different state and now she lives with my fiance at his house, while I am just renting an apartment until we get married. Everyone was just fine until a couple of weeks ago, Gracie has become super aggressive towards my fiance's two dogs. It got really bad last night that while my fiance was trying to break up a fight she actually bit him so hard he needed stitches. She has NEVER acted this way. We used to go to the dog park all the time and was never aggressive towards any other dogs or humans. My niece and nephew lived with me over a year and they would do all kinds of things to Gracie and she would just sit there and take it. How do I help her become more accustomed to other dogs and quit being so jealous? I have since moved her in with me, but that will not solve the problem once we get married. Please help with anything you can!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-12100657740045653872012-08-30T21:19:36.927-07:002012-08-30T21:19:36.927-07:00Hi, Linda,
I have a two year old neutered, male t...Hi, Linda,<br /><br />I have a two year old neutered, male terrier mix (Luke - I've had him for about a year) and two months ago I adopted a one year old spayed, female Chihuahua mix (Miri). From the beginning, Miri has gotten jealous of Luke and attacked him. At first, it was things that were easy to prevent, like one of them leaving a rawhide around and both going for it at the same time - I would just pick up their chewies or other special toys after they'd had them for a little bit. <br /><br />But it's gotten worse, and now she goes after him over almost nothing. Much of the time, they can't sit next to me (one on each side) without Miri trying to go after Luke (and then he responds by trying to get her). Sometimes, it seems like they just look at each other wrong and she'll attack him.<br /><br />I am at my wit's end. I walk them together for a half hour in the morning and afternoon; I think this is really good for all three of us. We also play in my landlord's yard in the afternoon. I've been trying to train her but we haven't gotten much farther than sit. <br /><br />I think one of the issues is that she has so much energy - the only thing that's really tired her out is a three-hour hike, and there's no way I can do that everyday. But with all her excess energy, Miri wants to play and rough-house much more than Luke does, and that starts fights, too.<br /><br />Another issue is that I live alone in a studio - and my landlord's yard isn't dog-proofed, so I can't give them access to it during the day. It's really difficult for me to give them attention together, but it's even more difficult to keep them separated so I can give them attention on their own (to bond with Miri and keep up my relationship with Luke). I am so exhausted of their fighting and don't know what to do. Any suggestions? Thank you!!<br /><br />-LesleyLesleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10964310806800350411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-32843480472870568042012-07-24T10:18:27.772-07:002012-07-24T10:18:27.772-07:00Thanks Linda, we will start with a vet visit and t...Thanks Linda, we will start with a vet visit and training.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-85839421531070012662012-07-23T14:24:27.832-07:002012-07-23T14:24:27.832-07:00Hi Anonymous,
No, guarding food bowls isn't n...Hi Anonymous,<br /><br />No, guarding food bowls isn't normal and covering it with his blanket could be an attempt to hide the bowl, which can be bad if he attacks another dog or a person who gets too close to the covered bowl. Shy is showing food aggression and you need to deal with his aggression as quickly as possible. For the time being, feed the other two dogs away from Shy. At meal time, have him sit in front of you, keep his food bowl up on a table so he can't help himself to the food and hand feed him. Do this for about a week and then put his food on the floor. Watch him as he eats and if he shows any aggression towards anyone in the family or the other dogs, pick the food up right away and go back to hand feeding him. You are teaching him you control his food, not him. Don't allow him to try and steal food from the other food bowls. When you put his bowl on the floor, while he eats, drop a special treat he really likes off and on into his food. This teaches him that when you're around his food, he gets something good added now and then. It helps him learn not to be aggressive when a human is near his food. Another way you can deal with it is to sit his empty bowl on the floor, put his food in a cup and hold it, wait for him to look at you and then pour just a little bit into his bowl. Let him eat that and wait for him to look up at you and then pour a little bit more in his bowl. Continue to do this until his meal is finished. Again, this teaches him you control his food.<br /><br />How much exercise is Shy getting? Terriers, even mixed ones, have a lot of energy to burn off and need daily exercise. Pit bulls also need a lot of exercise. Any dog, whether they are a mixed breed or purebred, should have a job to do. Having them sit before they eat, before going outside, when they come to you, etc. is giving them a job. It helps them learn you are the boss and makes it easier to control them when they pay attention to you.<br /><br />The grooming the other dogs is normal and as long as he isn't obsessively grooming them, I wouldn't worry about it.<br /><br />Let me know if you have other questions.<br /><br />LindaLindahttp://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-19213957935180085812012-07-23T13:45:59.031-07:002012-07-23T13:45:59.031-07:00Hi Kim,
There first thing you should do is have K...Hi Kim,<br /><br />There first thing you should do is have Kita checked out by your vet to make sure there's not a medical condition.<br /><br />Quincy may not be responding to her aggression towards him, but if she continues, he may start to stand up for himself. <br /><br />How much exercise is Kita getting on a daily basis? Has anything changed in the home that might have upset her? A change in routine maybe. <br /><br />The thing about mixed breed dogs is they can have characteristics from multiple breeds and you don't really know which characteristics will be more dominant. While the golden retriever is an easy going, laid back dog, the chow is more dominant and needs a confident, consistent leader to set rules. Chows will also have no problem taking over the alpha role if they think you aren't being a leader and they will try to dominate other dogs in the home. So, Kita may be showing more of her chow side than the golden retriever side.<br /><br />You will need to work on re-socializing Kita and Quincy at this point. If you aren't comfortable dealing with it, I would suggest calling an animal behaviorist in your area for help. If you don't know what they do, please read this article. http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-does-animal-behaviorist-do.html <br /><br />It's not uncommon for dogs to be just fine with each other and then suddenly one turns on the other. There's a reason why a dog's behavior changes and usually it's because they don't see their owner as their leader or they have a medical condition that's beginning to show itself. The more likely cause is the leadership issue and a lack of good exercise if she's not getting enough on a daily basis. Kita's behavior can be corrected and both dogs can be re-socialized, but you may need professional help. An animal behaviorist will come into your home and evaluate how you and everyone else in the family interacts with the dogs and then make recommendations on what you need to do.<br /><br />Let me know if you have any other questions.<br /><br />LindaLindahttp://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-90433765946282060682012-07-21T17:11:21.687-07:002012-07-21T17:11:21.687-07:00Hi. I have 3 dogs, a two year old terrior mix shy...Hi. I have 3 dogs, a two year old terrior mix shy a ten month old pit cheeks an a ten month old pom mix lulabell. Shy just recently started protecting all the food bowls an wont let the other two play with toys. He also will clean there ears an eyes more then once a day. He also puts his blanket over his food bowl like hes hiding it. Is this normal?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-76943252467759831592012-07-20T22:03:18.616-07:002012-07-20T22:03:18.616-07:00Hi Linda, I have a 7 yr old lab/shep mix and a 4...Hi Linda, I have a 7 yr old lab/shep mix and a 4 yr old golden ret / chow mix. I've had both dogs since they were small puppies 8 wks or so. Quincy my lab/shep was 3 when we brought home Kita. Both dogs have got along just fine, played together, ate together, etc. No issues until a couple weeks ago Kita our golden ret/chow female aggressively attacked my male lab/shep dog while I was brushing him after giving him a bath in our back yard. Since then she has become extremely aggressive towards him. I bring them in the room together with her on the leash as she still lunges at him. She is not hurting him by breaking skin so far but it seems to be escalating. She is now even growling and barking aggressively at him if she is inside and he is outside.we have cats that she shows no aggression towards or me and my daughters . She has always been a sweatheart and mild tempered. Right now I cannot even let them be in the same room because she keeps dominating him. He does not react to her attacks and so I think she feels she has the upper hand with him since he doesn't react. I have to separate them to get her to stop. Is thus something we can correct or am I going to have to find her a new home? It will break our hearts if we have to find her a new hone but things are so stressfull trying to keep peace. Please help ASAP! THANKS, KIMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-26975061295142180452012-07-19T21:38:34.497-07:002012-07-19T21:38:34.497-07:00Hi Jenna,
It's possible Lentil is picking up ...Hi Jenna,<br /><br />It's possible Lentil is picking up something in your nephew's or your body language that's bothering her, or when he touches her, it makes her uncomfortable. Some dogs can react to a touch in an hostile way if it feels odd to them for some reason. <br /><br />It's also possible Lentil isn't seeing you has her leader. Small dogs can easily develop small dog syndrome if they think they are the leader in the household. If you aren't familiar with small dog syndrome, please check out this article.<br /><br />http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-deal-with-small-dog-syndrome.html<br /><br />A Westie is a great little dog and they are very good with children. She's over a year old now, however, and if she is beginning to think she's the one in charge, this is a good time to make sure she knows who her leader is. Take charge and treat her just like you would a much bigger dog.<br /><br />Let me know if you have any other questions.<br /><br />LindaLindahttp://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-74896753037414117312012-07-19T02:36:30.793-07:002012-07-19T02:36:30.793-07:00Hi linda, I have a 15 month old westie called lent...Hi linda, I have a 15 month old westie called lentil and she is on the whole well behaved, lovable and friendly. I have however noticed a problem lately with lentil and my 4 month old nephew. Whenever I assist my nephew to stroke her or given her a treats she snarls and snaps at him. She is more thanks happy to lie next to him and is not aggressive towards him in any other way but this is really concerning me as I cant bare them thought of her hurting him. What is them best way to socialise her to this kind of interaction. She has been expised to babies and children since she was a pup and has shown no aggression, quite them opposite actually enjoying their company. Thanks jennaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-82028858433000543562012-07-09T15:12:02.111-07:002012-07-09T15:12:02.111-07:00Hi Anonymous,
Being consistent with a dog is so i...Hi Anonymous,<br /><br />Being consistent with a dog is so important. If you aren't, it confuses the dog because he doesn't understand what you want and he will have trouble learning how you want him to behave.<br /><br />If he sees you as his leader and his bond is stronger with you than other people that's around him, he naturally wants to be with you. Labs and pointers are people friendly and they like to be where ever their owner is. That's why he gets upset when you shut him out of your bedroom now. He knows there's something wrong and it has him worried. So he most likely is trying to protect you because to him, that's his job. Dogs are social creatures and their pack is one of the most important things to them, even if it's just you and him.<br /><br />He likely will continue to behave the way he is until you are up and moving about more. Locking him away from you will only increase his stress level and confusion about why you don't want him around when all he's trying to do is protect you.<br /><br />My suggestions is to have your sister work on being consistent with him and everyone else needs to be consistent, as well. He needs to know what the rules are, but he also needs everyone's understanding right now. He's not trying to be bad and he just wants to make sure you're OK. <br /><br />If he's spending a lot of time with you in the house, he needs to get outside and get some exercise. Someone needs to take him for some daily walks, if possible. As far as the protecting goes, as long as he's not being aggressive, ignore any growling and don't tell him it's OK. Don't punish him for minor growls. He making sure no one is going to hurt you. If he knows how to sit and stay, when someone comes into the room, put him in a sit/stay by the bed so he can keep his eye on you, but be in a controlled position. Removing him will only make him more anxious and that could cause him to become more aggressive.<br /><br />If you have more questions, please let me know.<br /><br />LindaLindahttp://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-89231609267571476632012-07-08T11:03:24.787-07:002012-07-08T11:03:24.787-07:00Hello Linda,
I have a 5 yr old neutered lab/point...Hello Linda,<br /><br />I have a 5 yr old neutered lab/pointer mix male that my boyfriend & I adopted from a shelter about 4 1/2 yrs ago. He has been a wonderful, sweet and loving boy. We moved out of state about 6 months after adopting him & a little over a yr ago we moved back and are now living with my family. My dog loves my mom & my 6 yr old nephew (my dog is unsure how to play with him) but is unsure of my sister as she is inconsistent with him.<br /><br />My dog has always been a momma's boy from day one but it's been getting worse. He sleeps with my boyfriend & I but will not stay in the room without me or will not go to bed at all until I go in the room (this has been going on for about a yr). I have tried to shut him in the room but he stays at the door & cries. <br /><br />But he is now getting possessive. I have been sick for a couple of months so I have not been working & in fact spent most of my time in the bedroom. My dog has mostly stayed with me though I felt that he was to couped up & even shut him out at times to be with my other family & my boyfriend but he stayed at my door so someone would let him back in. Sometimes if my door was open he would lay in the room but where he could look out. He started barking and growling at family members and even my bf when they came into my bedroom; though his tail would wag most times when doing so. He would stand up on the bed when doing this. It started getting worse as in he would growl longer. I have now had surgery and am wondering if this behavior will continue once I have recovered? <br /><br />My dog has always been protective of me but not with friends & family and once he has been introduced to someone he is fine (has shocked some repairmenr when they just tried to walk in the house without me opening the door for them). <br /><br />I want to make sure this is not a larger issue since I do have a child in the household. Any an advice you could give me would be much appreciated! ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-69672912407544220142012-06-29T17:07:12.227-07:002012-06-29T17:07:12.227-07:00Great!! Thank you!!!Great!! Thank you!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04369041318803328684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-83440330225310340342012-06-28T20:57:18.252-07:002012-06-28T20:57:18.252-07:00Hi Patricia,
Dogs hate change and even a small ch...Hi Patricia,<br /><br />Dogs hate change and even a small change in their routine can make a difference in behavior. You and your friend might want to sit down and discuss how you can keep their routine the same all of the time, even when one of you goes on a trip or has company over.<br /><br />Getting Toby neutered may help curb his aggressive issues with the growling. If it's not something that happens all the time, you can ignore his growling as long as it doesn't turn into fighting. Sometimes you need to let the dogs work things out on their own, but you also need to keep a watchful eye to make sure it doesn't turn into something more aggressive. It's possible Toby is trying to establish rank over Maia. The stare Toby is giving her is meant to intimidate her and if she is hiding and backing away, that is telling you she is intimidated. <br /><br />Do you go for walks with the two of them? If not, try doing at least one daily walk with both of them. Walking is one of the best ways for them to feel a sense of being in the same pack. <br /><br />You can use a spray bottle to get Toby's attention if it looks like he's being too intimidating for Maia. Squirting him is a humane, and for most dogs, an effective way of correcting a behavior. It's a good way to discipline, but not in a negative way.<br /><br />Making sure both know how to sit and stay is also good. You can put Toby in a sit/stay to help him calm down if you need him to.<br /><br />I would suggest trying to work on establishing a daily routine that you could stick with that would include keeping things the same when one travels or has company. Dogs like to know what's going to happen during their day, every day.<br /><br />If you have other questions, Patricia, please let me know. I'm happy to help out in any way.<br /><br />LindaLindahttp://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-37655713768887396052012-06-28T20:22:59.687-07:002012-06-28T20:22:59.687-07:00Hi Anonymous,
What sort of training does Zeke and...Hi Anonymous,<br /><br />What sort of training does Zeke and Libby have? They both should know how to sit and stay. They should know what "drop it" means.<br /><br />The most important thing both of you need to make sure you're doing is to be the leader of both dogs. Each dog should do what either one of you ask. To work on the jealousy problem...if you're petting or playing with one of the dogs and the other tries to push in between you, ignore the one being pushy, stop playing or petting and stand up with your side to the pushy one. Don't say anything and don't look at the one pushing in. Use your body language to get your message across. Wait for the one being jealous to calm down, start petting or playing with the one you were giving attention to and if the other one pushes in, stand up and turn away. Keep doing that to let them know you are the one who decides who gets attention and when. When they learn they don't get attention by pushing the other one out, that should take care of the problem. <br /><br />Another way you can handle jealousy is to make sure both dogs know how to sit and stay (wait). Have the one pushing in sit and wait their turn. Again, you're teaching them you decide when to give attention to them. When using this option, you may need to remove the one trying to push in to another area of the home until you've finished giving attention. But,you don't want to keep them waiting long if you do this. Bring the one you removed back into the room and give that one attention. This helps them learn they are removed when they butt in line. Personally, I like using the first option, standing up and using your body language. Dogs know exactly what you are saying with your body language. That's why you don't need to talk to them. The higher dogs in a pack will do the exact same thing to teach a dog under them they don't want to be bothered right now.<br /><br />The "drop it" command can be used when one has a toy and the other one steals it from them. When one takes something the other one has, tell them to "drop it", give them something good or another toy they like and return the stolen toy to the other dog.<br /><br />If Libby inhales her food, you might want to consider getting her an interactive dog food feeder. Here's a link to a good brand. http://aikiou.com/aikiou-dog-bowls-and-feeders/<br /><br />The feeders make a dog that eats too fast slow down because she will have to work at getting the food out. The feeder is also something good to fill when you leave the dogs home alone. It's good stimulation for their minds and gives them something to do. You can get one for each dog. They aren't very expensive and hold up well.<br /><br />Dogs that try to eat non food items have a condition called Pica. It's a compulsive disorder you may want to discuss with your vet. You should pay attention to see if the dog wanting to eat rocks is also licking or trying to eat dirt, socks, plastic, rubber, stuff like that.<br /><br />Let me know if you need more help or have any questions. I'm always happy to do what I can to help.<br /><br />LindaLindahttp://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-49796843283463400822012-06-27T14:11:51.267-07:002012-06-27T14:11:51.267-07:00Hello Linda,
I've read this thread and I like...Hello Linda,<br /><br />I've read this thread and I like very much your detailed explanations and accuracy of your comments. Thank you very much for dedicating time to instruct us all on how to better understand and take care of our four legged friends. <br /><br />This is my case: I have a two year old female English Cocker Spaniel, Maia. My best friend has Maia's half brother, Toby. We have them since they were around 4 months old. They were born 3 weeks apart from each other. I had Maia spayed when she was a year old, Toby is not neutered . My friend and I live a few blocks apart, each dog sleeps at night in their own house, but during the day they are most of the time together in one house or the other, with the house owner or by themselves. They have adapted pretty well to this routine, we meet half way during the morning walk and they stay together the rest of the day. They are very good friends, chase each other, roll, swim, chase ducks, tug toys, take turns to chew a bully stick (no specific order on who crews first, although there are 2 sticks, they share the one already soften). <br /><br />Toby has started to show aggressive behavior toward Maia, growling at her for a toy, treat, food or attention. It's not constant and rare, we relate it to changes on the daily routine, for example if one of us goes on a trip and both dogs have to sleep in the same house for several days (a 1 day sleep over is fine, though), or one of us receive visitors that stay for a couple of days. Everything seems to go back to normal when the daily routine is re-established, but it seems to be escalating each time to more growling episodes and to the point that Maia hides from Toby and backs out when he stares at her. <br /><br />I understand the 'pack' rules but I am not sure how they would apply in my case. Both are very well behaved, Maia is more friendly with humans while Toby is more friendly with dogs. Both respect us as human leaders, but there doesn't seem to be an order within them. When playing, Maia tends to be more on top but it wouldn't bother her if Toby is on top. Said that, when the routine is disturbed, they do not play much. <br /><br />I'd appreciate your advice..<br /><br />PatriciaPatricia Rubiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05625270734291039684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-66228255751429798122012-06-27T06:31:52.726-07:002012-06-27T06:31:52.726-07:00Hi Linda ~
Thank you so much for what you do!
We ...Hi Linda ~<br />Thank you so much for what you do!<br /><br />We have a 1 1/2 yr old Choc.Lab/Brittany mix named Zeke. He is wild and sweet at the same time and we adore him. A few months ago we added Libby a German Sheppard/Austrailian Blue Heeler to our family. She is also wild, but a huge lover at the same time.<br />The trouble is that they are jealous of each other. I can't give Zeke scratches without Libby trying to bud in and vice versa. I can't play tug-of-war with Libby without Zeke pushing her out of the way. We live on acerage and so they are outside a lot during the day, and they chase and tumble and bite at eachother a lot. Yesterday Libby took a piece out of Zeke's cheek. Now she's drawn blood and we're really worried and don't know what to do.<br />I love them both so much, and my husband is very attached to Zeke and I'm very attached to Libby. I want this to work and for them to get a long and love eachother as much as we love them. Can you help us help them? They won't share toys or bones so we've stopped offering toys, and we have to feed them seperatly becuase Libby will inhale her food and go after Zeke's food - he will back off and not go after her, but then he doesn't eat. We're so stressed.<br />Anything you could offer would be so great. Thank you!!! :)<br />p.s. - why do they try to eat rocks?? :)<br /><br />Sincerely - <br />Zeke & Libby's concerned mommaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com