Doggy Problem?

Question

I have two dogs, 1. Staffordshire Terrier, & 1 Great Dane Cross, when they play fight, the Great Dane always sneaks up and grabs the Terriers back leg/s and then pulls her, by her leg until she turns and fights back. Sometimes after a particular fight or a few playfights, she will walk with a noticeable limp. (from bruising or damage?) I am worried that if this behaviour continues over the years she will develop hip problems or she could end up with a limp for the rest of her life.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to a solution?

Answer 1

It says this at this website:
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/greatdanes.html
Animal aggression. Some Great Danes are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs, especially of the same sex. Some Great Danes have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.

Danes are working dogs, and were originally used for hunting. That probably explains their tendency to chase.

Yes, your little Terrier is in jeopardy of being seriously hurt and I strongly suggest getting some training for the Dane. You may be able to find a trainer which will address this specific problem by having both dogs in the training sessions at once.

Until then, make sure the Dane realizes it is no more appropriate to have the Terrier in its mouth than it is to have YOU in its mouth. Stop the behavior immediately by intervening and saying NO, and replace it with something acceptable, like a ball or chew toy (like a gong).

Dogs want to please us and it shouldn't be too hard to let the Dane know what pleases you. However, Danes are known to be more difficult to train than some other breeds.

Here's another site for some info:
http://www.dog.com/breed/Great-Dane.asp

Answer 2

You most certainly have to stop that behavior. I am assuming and hoping the great Dane is young. It sounds like he is treating the terrier like a stuffed animal, and this definitely is not good. When this dog does this, you have to immediately grab the Dane by its muzzle very firmly and scold him letting him/her know that kind of behavior is forbidden. In fact, do not allow any kind of roughness go on. You have to be persistent with that kind of behavior. It can escalate to more serious issues if you do not deal with it now. Another thing you might want to do under very close supervision is allow the terrier to eat out of the Dane's food dish while the Dane is watching. The Dane apparently has developed dominance in the home, but he/she is too large to allow it.

Answer 3

It sounds like it could devolp into serious problems later for the
terrier. The Great Dane cross is obviously the dominant Alpha dog type, while the terrier is more submissive. 2 alphas type dogs get along well. So do 2 submissive dogs. An alpha dog and a submissive dog will usually never get along well together.
I'd suggest picking the one you want to keep and finding a good home for the other.

Answer 4

I have heard and or seen this problem before. I would say try separating them for a limited time (s) . Also call your local veterinarian to talk to him / her about them too. don't hurt to get some added extra advice.There are those dogs that probably don't mean nothing by grabbing each other but then again, they sometimes get rough unintentionally of course, but i would be concerned about if this dog is doing this to another dog WHAT HE / SHE MIGHT DO TO A SMALL CHILD IF THEY WERE AROUND . LIKE I SAID TALK TO A VETERINARIAN ABOUT THIS IT WILL HELP YA DECIDE.

Answer 5

Some breeds are more prone to eye stain than others, it doesn't mean she has anything wrong with her so theres no need to rush her off to the vets just yet! My yorkie gets this and apart from looking horrible, if its allowed to build up and set solid it causes sores and smells ( mine hasn't that but i've seen it on others, thats why i'm on top of his eye problem every week ). To control my dogs wet eyes i clip the fur underneath his eyes every week with nail scissors then apply a thin coat of vaseline under his eyes and down the sides of his nose - this prevents the wetness from clogging his fur and prevents the build up of mess. There are powders you can buy from the pet shops that will dry the fur out but its messy and too long to carry out and as he's my pet and not a show dog i just clip the fur and smear the vaseline - a lot easier! If you're worried or if her eyes themselves look sore and red then take her to your vet, she may have a simple eye infection but as i've said, some breeds have runny eyes more than others. Good luck.

Answer 6

you need to discipline that Great Dane cross. Break it up as soon as you see it happening and say NO to the bigger dog. If it continues, it may get rougher OR you will see a broken leg or permanent limp.

My neighbors dog was a lot bigger than their other one and it ended up severely hurting the smaller cocker spaniel.

Answer 7

I would speak to an animal behavioral specialist. I am sure your veterinarian could recommend one. A little terrier has no chance against a big dog. No wonder she gets ticked and fights back.

Until then remain vigilant and keep them apart if you are not around, except for outside and play time.

Answer 8

Oh my gosh, you need to stop the Great Dane from doing this. Your terrier sure will have problems.

Answer 9

the smaller dog will end up with hip problems. she could develop arthritis etc.

you need to discipline your great dane whenever you see her grab the legs of the other dog. persistence and discipline will be the only way to break it of this habit.

Answer 10

it is already to late the patella is already damaged, plus the fibula will most likely not survive for to much longer. your dogs vastus medialis sounds like it will not last for another year or so. the best you can hope for is a limp, becuase much worse will happen if you let it go on.