What to do about dog that is aggressive with our other dog?

Question

We adopted a young, female German-Shepherd mix who is being very aggressive with our older female Basset Hound, especially when treats or food is involved. The Basset does nothing to defend herself and just lets the Shepherd have her way with her.

I don't want to leave them alone, but that's not fair to leave a dog inside all day. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm about ready to take the Shepherd to the Humane Society, but really want to do anything I can to help the situation.

Answer 1

YOU have to do what the new dog is doing - trying to establish herself as a the alpha dog in the house.

YOU get in there and growl and show that you're the boss. There are books on this at the library you can take out and read for free. I don't mean saying "No", I mean, getting in there and low growl. It works like a charm.

Nip this in the bud.

Answer 2

Let me first say that it's not always possible to make two dogs get along, especially two females. Dogs are individuals and not all dogs like all other dogs.

In the short run, you need to control the situation. You can do this by keeping the dogs separate through the use of child gates, or by having one dog leashed to you so you can control her interactions with the other dog. In your case, the dog that is new to your home is the one that should be leashed and controlled, not the older female who's already established in your household.

In the long run, you absolutely need to practice good leadership skills. It's your house, and you, along with the rest of the humans living in the household, are at the top of the list and get to make the rules. The dogs are pack animals and need to be in a position with clear leadership so they understand the rules.

When you let the female Shepherd be aggressive with the Basset instead of stepping in immediately and correcting her, you're showing her that you're really not the dominant one in the home and that she can get away with anything she wants to do because you are not her leader. This needs to be corrected as soon as possible.

If you don't already know about NILIF (nothing in life is free) training, please start there - a Google search on the subject will turn up many websites on how to establish yourself as the leader and keep establishing yourself as the leader in your dog pack.

If you are committed to making this work, you can make it work. One great resource are the message boards at http://www.germanshepherds.com , which is the largest German Shepherd community on the Internet. Thousands of users and loads of good advice. Please, sign up and start posting - good advice can make such a huge difference.

Lastly, if you're thinking about "getting rid" of your adopted Shepherd, you may want to check with the people or organization you've adopted her from first. Most shelters and rescues require that you return the dog to them, not another place.

Answer 3

We have to socialize new foster dogs to our dogs and other fosters a lot. This is our procedure: Have both dogs on leash and together as much as you can, while supervised. Let them drag the leash. When one, in this case the GS, gets aggressive, correct them, The best thing to do is to get a slip collar (a narrow nylon collar that functions like a choker chain but is much more humane). My trainer is the one who came up with this routine by the way, so if it works, I deserve NO credit, Anyway, how you correct her is to say "Knock it off" in a slightly loud firm voice. Avoid "no" for corrections and use specifics, if you use "no" to correct in every situation, the dog will not learn as well. As you say "knock it off", pop the leash, so the collar will quickly tighten, then release, Do not pull on it, this will only choke her and she will not understand. If the slip collar has no affect, get a prong collar. This is what we had to do with our first dog. It is basically a metal collar with little sharp prongs (it sounds scary, but is humane if used properly, I promise Iam a big softy and would NEVER hurt an animal). It works by when you pop the leash, the tiny prongs poke her skin. A prong collar should only be on a dog when the dog is in training. In your case, I would have it on while you are supervising/socializing your dogs and take it off if she is alone, asleep, etc. Staff at PetSmart or PetCo (both have them) can help you with sizing. My advice would be for awhile have no treats involved except for positive reinforcement. Even if the GS is not overly friendly, she just does not do anything mean, I would praise a LOT and give a treat. Also, feed them seperately. The GS is just trying to establish her dominance since she is in a new "pack" and it might be the Basset will be submissive to her, just dont let the GS hurt her. Hope this helped, please just give it time before making your decision or contact a dog trainer to come into your home, assess the situation, and work with you GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

You new dog is establishing her dominance over the Basset. Your Basset is being submissive, letting the other dog know who's boss. Unfortuantely, you can't let her think you're submissive to her. Growl, puff up (hunch your shoulders to look bigger) and most important, don't back down! Here's a tip: take her face in your hands and look her in the eye. If she looks away, she's submissive to you. If not, then she needs some serious obedience training.

I wouldn't worry too much about leaving them alone together, but just make sure that any and all food is put away where they can't get it.

Instead of the Humane Society, find a German Shepherd rescue in your area. They'll know how to handle her.

Answer 5

I have the same problem with my Shi Suez and Pomeranian
Since both of my are female as well I thought perhaps that is the problem? Just a thought. I really watch the Shi Suez she is very aggressive, but she to is a rescue dog and I think that the cruelty the may have suffered or being locked up has most likely done the damage. Try to take the German Shepherd outside and teach her with a ball or fetch. I know when I take mine for a walk the aggressive one falls asleep because she wears me out as well. Good Luck

Answer 6

Ok. I have dealt with this type of situation many many times. I have a solution that works every time. It may take a little bit of time, but it really does work. You're older dog is technically the dominant dog because she's older and she's been living with you longer than the younger dog. What you have to do is make that younger dog realize that she is not the top dog. Instead of separating them, keep them together. When giving treats, give them to your Basset first, because she is top dog. If the german shepard tries to get in the way and tries to get the treat before the Basset, just push her away and tell her its not her turn. Dogs live in order of dominance, so your German Shepard wants to be first, but she needs to learn her place as second to the Basset. This system goes for everything you do with the dogs. examples are: giving treats, feeding them, petting them, calling their names, greeting them. Also when theyre coming inside, they must both wait for you to enther the house, then the top dog can come in when you allow her to, then the second dog can come when you allow her in also. I promise you that this works all the time. Just remember to follow the order all the time. If the German Shepard gets in the way, just push her away. It may take a little time for them to get it, but it will work.

Answer 7

Your female alpha German Shephard sounds like she may have some aggression issues. You may want to be careful getting in there and acting like that towards here if you are not a professional. The ? is: Is your GSD being aggressive with you or any family members?? If it is only with the other dog, she may just be trying to establish her domance and rank in the pack order. Any signs that she is overly aggressive and I would get a professional Dog Beahviorist out to your house.
I just got one of those invisible pet containment systems, all those who want some tips or a heads up, check this out http://www.putinwork.com

Answer 8

Find out what Cesar Millan says about the pack leader. His book is Cesar's Way. This is his website and he is on National Geographic station. http://cesarmillaninc.com/index.php