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Old 11-30-2010, 06:55 PM   #1
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Default Why is he doing this?

Tobie has started doing something that I need to fix but I'm not really sure why he's doing it so I thought I would see what you guys say.

98% of the time Tobie gets along wonderfully with the other dogs but every once in awhile he will start a random fight. For example, I was sitting on the couch holding Tobie and DH let our Cocker Spaniel in from outside. Tobie started barking and making a low growling sound. I said to DH, "Omgosh, his heart is beating so fast." I put him down on the ground and there he went after the CS. DH had to pick him up to stop him.
Or... I came home from work one morning (I had been there for about 5 minutes) and noticed that Tobie was growling at Charlie (our chihuahua mix) so I told him to stop and went to pick him up. Right as I did he went after Charlie.

I can't figure out why he is doing this. It always happens infront of me for some reason. He never gets into a fight in the other room or just when DH is in the room so it might have something to do with me?

We are getting ready to have him neutered (should have done this a long time ago but I just have such anxiety about it) so I'm hoping that will calm him down. Also, he is the only one that sleeps in our bed with us...we didn't plan it that way... just none of the other dogs like to sleep in the bed so I'm wondering if that makes him feel like the king of the house. We are planning to buy kennels for all of them and start training them to sleep in their kennels. This is going to be sooo hard for Tobie and for me! LOL. I love cuddling up with my baby at night but it needs to be done.

So those are my plans to help correct this behavior but other suggestions are welcome

(PS: When he does this we remove him from the room and put him in the bathroom for a little bit. Not sure if that's getting the point across though )
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Old 11-30-2010, 07:28 PM   #2
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I guess it's a possibility that he is claiming you as his and he's guarding you from the other dogs. Removing him from the area for a time out of sorts might be a good idea since you are not rewarding him with your attention. I think you should consult a trainer if getting him fixed doesn't help. Good luck!
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Old 11-30-2010, 07:40 PM   #3
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That's kinda the conclusion I have come to also but it's so weird that it's only a every now and then thing. Since it's not a huge problem and only happens occasionally then I have high hopes that neutering will help. I just want to correct it before it does get worse.
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Old 12-28-2010, 05:06 PM   #4
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It sounds like a territorial thing and you are his territory.
I have heard of male dogs becoming dominant when not neutered but towards humans rather than the other dogs.
I let my girl sleep with me as well. I wouldn't have it any other way and don' think she would either.
Some have mentioned that she will turn into a nippy little thing but so far so good and has been a few years now.
Does anyone else in the household handle Toby as their own or just yourself?
If it is mainly you, perhaps having others handle him too could be helpful. IE Exercise,Obedience and Reward.
I am not sure how to conquer this problem but am thinking the neutering may be of some help. .
I would poke around with some behavioral trainers just for some feedback. Get a head start before it gets any worse plus give you idea of options should you want to consult a behavioral specialist. Best to you and Toby.
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Old 12-28-2010, 05:12 PM   #5
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I'm pretty sure you answered your own question. He has claimed you. Just that once in awhile one of the other dogs dares to display some signal that is subtle enough that you don't notice it, a signal that they are going to make a move towards mom or something of that nature and it sets him off.

Actually, you're lucky he hasn't marked you. I've heard of plenty of male dogs and cats doing that to their owners if they are not neutered. True love!
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Old 12-28-2010, 07:00 PM   #6
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My first Yorkie has definitely claimed me, and the other dogs know it and their place. It works for all of them. If they forget she's top dog, she reminds them. She definitely "mothers" (bosses!) all of them. Makes sure they all get to eat, etc. Kinda funny because she's aggressive insomuch as she makes sure she's 'top dog', but very compassionate to them when they need something or are doing something they might get hurt on...like she'll head butt them away from the old dog that couldn't handle them (old dog died this past summer), keeps them from the stair railing, etc. Likes to make sure each dog is in their bed before she settles down.
Plus she "tattles" on anyone who poops off the pad. Funny, but I think it's like the others said, yours has claimed you. As long as it's just that, it shouldn't get much worse as long as each dog remembers their place in the pack-- and may need a reminder once in awhile.
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Old 12-29-2010, 08:27 AM   #7
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Peek a Boo was getting really bad with that behavior, and he was neutered when I got him. Training/correction may be your best option... don't avoid correcting him for it while you're waiting to have him neutered. Maybe the combination of the two will work ... early intervention is always best before a pattern gets established.

Also, Peek used to give signs that he was going to go after one of the other dogs or cats. Very subtle signs, I had to keep a very close eye on him to pick them up. But it really helps knowing before hand when an attack is coming, so I could correct him before instead of after.
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Old 12-30-2010, 07:01 PM   #8
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Dogs have an interesting way of viewing "resources". Humans are definitely resources. When I helped supervise play sessions at my local shelter, I was told not to lean against a wall, because that made me seem more "resource-y", and thus a temptation to guard.

Dogs tend to view resources in terms of proximity. If they are next to something of value, it belongs to them. Many dogs will decide that they own the human whose lap they are sitting in, even if they've never met that human before.

Thor has an interesting take on this. If we are sitting and someone approaches us, he barks his head off, no matter who it is. However, if that same person is sitting in that spot and we approach THEM, Thor is all sugar and spice. To him, the act of approach is much more important than the players or the location.

I agree with others, start the behavior mod immediately. Teach him that guarding results in loss of lap time, or a time out in the bathroom.
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