I have a 9 month old mix and just recently got a 3 month old mix. They are both females. When I fed them, the little one would sometimes try to go up to the older ones food bowl while she was eating, and the older one would growl and snap, but not bite or continue to attack. Seemed like she was just trying to show her what was off limits.
Now, lately, she has been doing it with toys. If the younger one tries to play with the same toy, she will snap at her.
It hadn't become too much of a problem until my older pup started her next training class. Now, she is aggressive with the treats there. When the trainer is working with two dogs, including my older pup, and they are doing what the trainer asks for the treat, my dog will actually kinda attack the other one if it gets too close to the treat. She never hurts them, she is only 25 pounds, just kinda snaps at them. I definately do not want this to continue... any ideas on how to get it to stop???
2007-09-18 03:24:16 · 7 answers · asked by Amanda 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I did try feeding htem seperately - and the younger one no longer tries to steal from her food bowl, but the agression at training and with toys has not stopped.
2007-09-18 03:31:46 · update #1
This is normal pack behaviour. She is protecting her rights as Alpha. At home, make sure that she is giving everything from food to treats to toys first. It is her right.
Since you are attending puppy classes, the professionals there should be able to offer advice and guidance. That's part of their job.
A sharp "off" command works well when dealing with this behaviour with other dogs. If your dog does not consider herself Alpha over you, than she should respect your command.
2007-09-18 05:27:43 · answer #1 · answered by cameoanimals 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
100% positive your older puppy is telling the younger puppy that IT is the "alpha" dog. In the wild the Alpha dog eats first and however much it want. then allows the other dogs to eat. Establishing a "pecking" order. What you need to do is establish that YOU are the alpha dog!! When you are feeding, put the dishes down, stay right there, and when the older puppy growls at the younger puppy, pick the food up and take it away!! Again, you need to be dominant, right from the start. The longer the older puppy goes without growling, the further away from the dish you get. If it starts up again, take the dish away. You may even try pushing, gently, but firmly the older one away and letting the younger to eat first. This tells the dogs, you decide who eat when and in what order and that YOU are the alpha dog. As in any training, this all takes time, patience and persiverance. Hang in there. Assert yourself as the alpha dog, and all will be happy.
2007-09-18 03:42:40 · answer #2 · answered by sillyswede99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dog's natural instinct is to protect it's food. A simple solution to this problem would be to feed the two of them separately.
The aggressive behavior resulting from toys and treats is showing insecurity. The older dog is likely feeling as is the younger is taking over her turf. Her aggressiveness is an attempt at showing dominance. Let the two interact on neutral ground, where neither has lain a claim. In addition, correct the aggressive behavior the moment it begins. Let your older girl know that it is unacceptable to behave this way.
As for training, you may want to consider individual classes for the time being....at least until the dogs settle a bit and get used to each other.
2007-09-18 03:38:02 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel-Pit Police-DSMG 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi... since you are already in a dog training class, ask the instructor?
I think it's normal for the older dog to take her place as dominant, and that is just what she's doing. I think that, in time, the younger dog will back down, or the older dog just might "give in" sometimes?
As long as they are not tearing each other apart, i see no reason to worry -- dogs are "pack" animals and they have a pecking order... one is always going to be the leader.
take care.
2007-09-18 03:53:18 · answer #4 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed them separately. Problem solved! There is no need to make mealtime a stressful time. It should not be. Some dogs get along fine when they eat and others do not. You can fix it by feeding them in areas where they can not see each other eat. That is the only fair thing to do.
2007-09-18 03:29:15 · answer #5 · answered by Freedom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've got to scold her (or whatever method of 'punishment' that you choose) when you see this behavior. You've got to let her know that the alpha says it's wrong. I had the exact same problem with a fifteen year-old mix breed.
Nip this problem in the bud, or you'll definitely have some major problems when she gets older.
2007-09-18 03:41:26 · answer #6 · answered by Bob 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
animals work this stuff out themselves by setting the ground rules ; the older one right now will win; a puppy's mom would do the same thing to show the order ; same as us saying wait your turn; let them work it out ; if your older dog wanted to hurt the pup ; she would; she is just setting the rules ; they will work it out as they do in the animal world; stay out of the mix
2007-09-18 03:38:31 · answer #7 · answered by sml 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋