I have 3 female dogs, 7 year old lab mix, 6 yr old lab mix and a 11 mth old lab. We have had the puppy, Kira, for 5 mths and all has gone pretty well. Over the last few days I have noticed that my 6 yr old mix Holly is growling at Kira alot. If Kira walks in the room or comes twords me she growls at her. She will chase her out of a room.
Kira is very demanding of my attentions and very jealous of the other 2 dogs. I have tried to give Holly extra attention but it has not seemed to do much, she is still growling at her alot. My concern is them fighting. I do not want this to happen
Why would she suddenly change her temperament and what can I do about it?
2007-12-21 03:15:34 · 7 answers · asked by mis_astro 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The older 2 are not spayed, I know they should be, I never leave them alone during their heat and they have never had puppies. The younger one is spayed by the rescue shelter we got her from.
2007-12-21 04:10:47 · update #1
Dominance issues!! The more attention you pay to the dominant dog, the more she will growl at the others..
It is your job, as the pack alpha/leader to set the rules that they have to follow. Make sure they look at you as alpha, I am not sure your dominant female considers you as such right now.. Hope I helped!!
2007-12-21 03:23:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
You have a unique situation,and it should be handled in a unique way.Dogs have a social order,and Holly is at the top,before you.Therefore,Holly gets everything first:Food ,attention,toys.Don't support Kira in front of her,or rescue her for now,Kira is the 'lower dog 'in Holly's eyes.If Holly wants Kira's bone,she gets it,or even her food,or toys or whatever,this is how it works.Spend the bulk of your time with Holly as much as you can,always first.That being said,I would not allow Holly to chase Kira out of the room,and would merely tell her no in a low growly voice.Say No-o_o_o,dragging it out,and you should notice a difference in her response to you.Try not to overreact when she does chastise Kira,your reaction could spur a fight.My Mom would yell and scream when her Dogs would be about to fight,and it would always be worse.Once I convinced her of the things I am telling you,the fights stopped altogether.She greets her top dog first when coming in,and lets him lead the other dog,gives the lower dog less attention,and all is well.
2007-12-21 03:38:21 · answer #2 · answered by RowanSilverSkye 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without realizing it you have caused the problem. You probably made a fuss over the new puppy it would be hard not to. But you promoted the puppy to a high order by petting her first and giving the puppy attention. Holly was probably the pack leader of the two dogs before the puppy came. Now Holly is unsure of her position.
You need to take possession of the PACK LEADER position and then Holly and the other two will be followers. It's hard to advise without observing. But watch Holly and as soon as she alerts you of any agression, distract her immediately by pull a leash (if she is on one) or by making an abrupt noise at her. You have to catch her as soon as you observe her behavior by the position of her tail (up) or the ears(allert) or her stance or stare (fixed). Be sure to feed yourself first or pretend to take a bite from Holly bowl,(be sure she sees you doing that) feed Holly first then the other two dogs.
Power walks are the best way for you to take the leader roll, you control the walk, You start the walk, you go out the door/gate first, you stay in the lead. Dogs behind you and close.
Get more information on: http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/
2007-12-21 03:35:46 · answer #3 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the young one has started to become mature and the older one is re-establishing pecking order.
To control this, you need to be the "top dog" and establish the order yourself, always feed the older one first, always let the older through doors first, always pet the older one first, make the younger one wait her turn and let the older one know she is second only to you in pecking order.
If you don't do this and get a handle on it now they will fight over it, females won't stop until one of them is dead or severely injured. This process shouldn't take long, a few weeks, but, needs to be re-inforced regularly.
Hope this helps.
Marti
www.havanesehappenings.com
www.borzoibeacon.com
2007-12-21 03:30:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it is built up anger like us humans get towards others.
She may have stole some of her food or treats. She may be too hyper for her. There is so much to go into.
She has only been this way for a little while. Correct her and hopefully that helps.
2007-12-21 03:21:21 · answer #5 · answered by kendra m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Greekman is correct.
I get this all the time I am the one that has to teach new fosters Im in charge they are dogs and I am thehuman.
Is every one spayed? It often starts toward a younger dog that is maturing.
2007-12-21 04:02:47 · answer #6 · answered by JR 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
jelousy of cours
2007-12-21 03:19:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋