ok... we have two dogs... a cocker spaniel(3 yrs old) and a black lab(1 yr old). we got the black lab after one of our other dogs died. so we brought home the lab and now the cocker has an awful temper.. and we give them equal treatment... but the temper is only towards the lab not to us.. the cocker will go after her even if the lab is laying there on the floor doing nothing.. we have to keep them in separate rooms or put the cocker in her cage when she attacks.... do u think there is something wrong metally with her?! is there anything we can do to prevent this? like we feed them in two different rooms so the cocker doesnt get protective of her food...
2006-11-21 08:54:52 · 7 answers · asked by ilovehines 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Unlike children who must be treated equally in order to keep from bruising self-esteem. Dogs are pack animals with a hierarchy. You, humans, are alpha 'dog'. In the hierarchy in your house the lab is the lowest in pack rank, and when you treat them equally, you upset the dog law. What to do: what ever you do to both dogs... give treats, call then into the house, walk the dogs one at a time, the cockier spaniel must go first. Even something as giving your dogs affection, cockier spaniel first... and more. he is the 'top dog' in the 4 legged species in your house.
2006-11-21 09:13:33 · answer #1 · answered by Rhino-Jo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cocker is 3yrs old she is set in her ways and does not like the idea of a different dog in the house..especially a puppy(tech they are a pup til they are about 2) You are just going to have to make them get along..not by forcing them forsay..but by just letting the cocker know that she has to be good and stop being mean to the lab. By putting the cocker in her cage when she gets nasty you're telling her that the lab gets to be babied while she gets punished...that will also tell the lab that any time she ticks off the cocker she gets babied while the cocker gets punished. They just have to learn to get along and live together. It'll take some time and training but it's so worth it in the end!
Hope this helps and good luck!
Happy thanksgiving!!
2006-11-21 17:07:10 · answer #2 · answered by Mama2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 2 1/2 yr old cocker wasn't too happy when we got another puppy. (I have a 2 1/2 pit & 1 1 1/2 pit). Even still every now and then growls at the younger pit. But he has never attacked. (none of my dogs attack each other). You will have to be very stern with the cocker to make sure he doesn't hurt the puppy. It took my dogs about 2 - 3 weeks to accept the puppy when we got him.
2006-11-21 17:53:37 · answer #3 · answered by Mommy Pit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt there is anything mentally wrong with your spaniel. I HIGHLY recommend that you have a trainer come to your home to observe the dogs and let you know if there is any hope. No responsible person will give you advice without having seen the dogs; there are just too many unknown variables. Ask your vet for a referral, or go to www.apdt.com to find someone near you.
2006-11-21 17:04:06 · answer #4 · answered by melissa k 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes the mental illness is called jealousy. Your cocker spaniel (which are nasty tempered dogs anyway) is just going to have to get used to the lab being in the house!
You may want the lab to stick up for himself without your interfering, if that is your lab will. They are such good tempered dogs.....
Cocker Spaniel rules the roost? Or she/he wants too.
2006-11-21 17:03:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I presume this is 2 bitches? if it is i think your only option maybe to rehome or keep them seperated indefinately.
Your older dog has obviously established itself in the heirachy and i cant see her ever tolerating your lab girl sad as it is...it frequently happens in keeping 2 bitches together one of each sex is better.
*please dont use the alpha roll as said previousily* its not a reccomended practice for a novice if you do decide to go down that route make sure you get a qualified behaviourist in to assess the situation before implimenting tecniques such as that
2006-11-21 17:03:51 · answer #6 · answered by sazzy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She is establishing "top dog"...remind her who is top dog! That would be you! Cockers are very tempermental this way...The best aproach is to lay her out on her back and tell her a firm "no!" Be sure to hold her in this position until she submits to you!
2006-11-21 17:03:20 · answer #7 · answered by mac5doc 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋