Number one thing you probably need to do is get the dogs out of your lap. My guess is you guys sit down and the dogs hop right up in to your lap. They don't ask and you don't give permission, they just take their place on top of you. That puts them in a position of dominance which later becomes a battle for territory.

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by Impotent Waffle

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2007

9718 posts

Posted on 1/30/14 at 10:43 pm to GatorReb

That behavior should never be tolerated from a dog and will lead to more issues if not corrected.

Do the dogs get regular excercise?

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by DadFanAlum

TEXAS!

Member since Oct 2010

1188 posts

Posted on 1/30/14 at 11:34 pm to PacLSU

Funny you should reference the Dog Whisperer in your question but seem not to have seen any of his shows.

1. Become the pack leader. Do not let the dogs decide anything. They must look to you for permission. This include attacking each other.

2. You do this by disciplining them--teaching them sit and stay, and "leave it". Youtube these.

3. Recognize the signs of territoriality between the dogs. The young one may actually be giving off the first signs, cant tell from your post. You need to correct the aggressor (TSST!) with a poke in the ribs like Cesar does to distract it and let it know that you, not it, decides when it allowed to growl. (The poke in the ribs mimics the nip the true pack leader does to discipline subordinate dogs).

4. Recognize that often females fight to the death trying to establish themselves as the alpha bitch in the house. As these two are maturing this is likely what you are seeing. You may have to get rid of one.

5. Get onto any of the several dog training boards and start daily reading and learning. Just because it is a small cute dog doesn't change the fact that it is a pac animal competing for status and food against others, including you and your wife. Understand dog psychology and you will understand what to do to fix your situation.

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by GatorReb

Dallas GA

Member since Feb 2009

9280 posts

Posted on 1/30/14 at 11:54 pm to DadFanAlum

quote:
PacLSU

Correct they sit ask for permission. They just hop up.

quote:
Impotent Waffle

Yes they get exercise. Between being outside and chasing each other around and by me getting down on the ground and playing with them.

quote:
DadFanAlum

1) ok will work on this. We do have the basics as sitting a treat in front of them and them not grabbing it until I tell them ok. Also I have always made it a point that if one is growling over a bone I take the bone to let them know I control it. But nothing more than that really.

2) I touched on in 1)

3) yes it started out we didn't realize it until it was too late. Then it got to where we could tell by the growl, now I've gotten to where I can tell by the stance she takes. I have been just picking her up to avoid it. Now I will start with the pole to the ribs.

4) don't really want to discuss this option. These two are like kids to my wife.

Thank you three and anyone else that has given me an actual answer