Behavior problems...HELP PLZ!

[KaseyLyn05]

This thread got no replies after several views in another forum, so im going to try it out here, b/c i really need some help/advice

OK...so i waited to see if the problems would stop over the last couple of weeks but they haven't and its starting to get really annoying/sad.

I just moved back to my mom's house from college! In alabama, I lived in a 1 bedroom apt and it was just bailey and I....well now, it's my [COLOR=green !important][COLOR=green !important]mom[/COLOR][/COLOR], stepdad, their 5 toy poodles, and us!! Bailey is way too aggressive towards all of the poodles....I know she's the youngest, therefore she's the most playful, which is cute and fine. BUT She attacks them all the time now...some of the poodles are scared of her and act weird when she's around. It's so sad, b/c chloe which is the one who's really attached to me, always wants to be near be but everytime she tries to come into my room, bailey dives off the bed and bites her, or if chloe moves anywhere near a toy that bailey sees, she attacks chloe. I don't know why she is acting like this...she's like a completely different dog now that we're here. She is usually so sweet and loving and playful but now these behavior problems are becoming a problem! I cannot afford [COLOR=green !important][COLOR=green !important]obedience [COLOR=green !important]classes[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] so that's out of the question and i feel like if i just knew how to train her correctly, I could hopefully solve the problem myself! I really need some advice here!

[cowgirlc]

I really wish I could help you sweetie, I have some of those same issues with my Gizmo because he does not like dogs and I have 2 german shepherd puppies here that have to be crated inside because gizmo chases and bites them. I do not know how to get him socialized with other dogs either so I hope someone has some ideas.


Cynthia

[Lovetodream88]

I dont have much experience in this but maybe try squirting her with a water bottle and saying no when she goes on the attack.

[RoxyLuv]

What have you tried to do to correct the behavior that hasn't worked?

[Teresa Ford]

Hi Kasey, Part of the problem is that everything has changed. Bailey was used to it being You and her and she is trying to keep it that way. You must start all over. Teach her you are the Mommy (pack leader) and she is not. Put her a leash on her harness and don't give her free run of the house, until she is retrained. Here are three things you can try. One will work just right for you and Bailey. 1. If she starts a fight stop it at once, with a firm Enough !. And give her a short time out ( 3 to 5 min.s) away from you and everyone else. Do not use her crate for a time out. If possible use a safe small room. She may scream and protest but ignore her. When time is up, let her come back where you are. Repeat as often as necessary. 2. You can also use the Enough !, then spray her with water. 3. Say Enough ! and throw rolled up socks or other harmless cloth item at her. This works best if you can actually hit her. All it does is snap her out of that fight mode and bring her attention back to you. Let her understand you will not let her get away with fighting. I hope this helps. If you can go to the library and read some books about dog training. My favorite is How to be your dogs best friend by the Monks of New Skete and Dog Perfect by Sarah Hodgson . Cesar Millan has several books and videos you might find helpful too.

[AbbysMom08]

Sorry I can't help but I hope there is someone her that can. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people here.

[Belle Noir]

I have to second Teresa.
May I add that what she is also doing is a form of resource guarding. That resource being toys and YOU. You have to let her know in no uncertain terms that attacking the other dogs is NOT OK.
I would watch her carefully, a lot of times dogs are talking and we don't hear it, by way of body language. By the time the dog actually attacks, it has probably given warning several times that an attack is eminent. I have found most often that a hard stare is the first warning, then head/ear position, then body position, (It's hard to explain, but the dog looks more rigid, and lifts themselves higher, even if they haven't actually moved. When standing, it's like they go up on their toes and stands higher) then lip lifting, which then leads to vocalization (growling).. Of course this is generalized, and some dogs give almost nonexistent cues, and not in that order.
I try to correct when the dog is doing the hard look, while they're still THINKING about attacking, and avoid the bad behavior before it actually starts.
I would also not allow rough play until her her behavior improves with the other dogs, and limit it even when it does.
Terriers can get very bite happy when playing, which can lead to fighting, even when everyone was getting along fine. Bailey has to learn she is not allowed to bully and terrorize the other dogs. They're being polite and respectful by avoiding her, but that is reinforcing the idea that she can boss them around and prevent them from having toys and spending time with you.

And I would also take time and pick up Cloe and pet her, and correct Baily every time she goes after her. She has to get used to not being an only dog anymore. Even if you're on the sofa or bed with them both, and Bailey is behaving, then decides to go after Cloe, you correct Bailey, and put her down.
She will learn that being bad means she doesn't get to have time with you, and that Cloe and the other dogs ARE allowed to be near you, and you are allowed to pet them.

Consistency is the key, you have to correct her every time the bad behavior manifests, otherwise she will try try try again.

[KaseyLyn05]

Originally Posted by Teresa Ford

Hi Kasey, Part of the problem is that everything has changed. Bailey was used to it being You and her and she is trying to keep it that way. You must start all over. Teach her you are the Mommy (pack leader) and she is not. Put her a leash on her harness and don't give her free run of the house, until she is retrained. Here are three things you can try. One will work just right for you and Bailey. 1. If she starts a fight stop it at once, with a firm Enough !. And give her a short time out ( 3 to 5 min.s) away from you and everyone else. Do not use her crate for a time out. If possible use a safe small room. She may scream and protest but ignore her. When time is up, let her come back where you are. Repeat as often as necessary. 2. You can also use the Enough !, then spray her with water. 3. Say Enough ! and throw rolled up socks or other harmless cloth item at her. This works best if you can actually hit her. All it does is snap her out of that fight mode and bring her attention back to you. Let her understand you will not let her get away with fighting. I hope this helps. If you can go to the library and read some books about dog training. My favorite is How to be your dogs best friend by the Monks of New Skete and Dog Perfect by Sarah Hodgson . Cesar Millan has several books and videos you might find helpful too.

Thank you so much for your advice....I will try this! I don't think my mom will be okay with me squirting water around the house, so I will choose one of the other options! I just want this problem to stop asap!

Originally Posted by Belle Noir

I have to second Teresa.
May I add that what she is also doing is a form of resource guarding. That resource being toys and YOU. You have to let her know in no uncertain terms that attacking the other dogs is NOT OK.
I would watch her carefully, a lot of times dogs are talking and we don't hear it, by way of body language. By the time the dog actually attacks, it has probably given warning several times that an attack is eminent. I have found most often that a hard stare is the first warning, then head/ear position, then body position, (It's hard to explain, but the dog looks more rigid, and lifts themselves higher, even if they haven't actually moved. When standing, it's like they go up on their toes and stands higher) then lip lifting, which then leads to vocalization (growling).. Of course this is generalized, and some dogs give almost nonexistent cues, and not in that order.
I try to correct when the dog is doing the hard look, while they're still THINKING about attacking, and avoid the bad behavior before it actually starts.
I would also not allow rough play until her her behavior improves with the other dogs, and limit it even when it does.
Terriers can get very bite happy when playing, which can lead to fighting, even when everyone was getting along fine. Bailey has to learn she is not allowed to bully and terrorize the other dogs. They're being polite and respectful by avoiding her, but that is reinforcing the idea that she can boss them around and prevent them from having toys and spending time with you.

And I would also take time and pick up Cloe and pet her, and correct Baily every time she goes after her. She has to get used to not being an only dog anymore. Even if you're on the sofa or bed with them both, and Bailey is behaving, then decides to go after Cloe, you correct Bailey, and put her down.
She will learn that being bad means she doesn't get to have time with you, and that Cloe and the other dogs ARE allowed to be near you, and you are allowed to pet them.

Consistency is the key, you have to correct her every time the bad behavior manifests, otherwise she will try try try again.

Thank you so much!! I appreciate all the good advice! I have been giving chloe extra love esp when Bailey is being mean to her! They both sleep with me...and usually that goes pretty well! Chloe cuddles right beside me and bailey sleeps towards my legs! She doesn't try to attack during the night! Thank goodness!

[KaseyLyn05]

ALSO, I'm leaving for my graduation trip to Italy on Sept.22nd for about 10 days.....Bailey will be staying with at my mom's house! I'm VERY worried about this....I feel like she is going to get really depressed without me in the house! I really hope to make progress with her and the attacking situation before i leave therefore she doesn't have to be disciplined by anyone besides me (like my mom) not that she would spank her or anything, but i just don't want her to feel scared of my mom you know?

[kjc]

Originally Posted by KaseyLyn05

Thank you so much for your advice....I will try this! I don't think my mom will be okay with me squirting water around the house, so I will choose one of the other options! I just want this problem to stop asap!



Thank you so much!! I appreciate all the good advice! I have been giving chloe extra love esp when Bailey is being mean to her! They both sleep with me...and usually that goes pretty well! Chloe cuddles right beside me and bailey sleeps towards my legs! She doesn't try to attack during the night! Thank goodness!

This may make it worse, as Bailey is guarding you. Try giving Bailey extra attention... she's feeling insecure with the changes and some extra attention may ease her anxiety, and make the attacks less frequent. (Sounds weird, but it worked when my dog was doing this)

Try to interrupt her before she reacts to stop the behavior. Get her out of the habit of reacting that way, and let her know you are unhappy with her when it happens (put her down on the floor away from you: time out)

My guess is it won't happen when you're away.

Have a safe trip... and Congratulations!