Fighting brothers II - YorkieTalk.com Forums

alaskayorkie · 02-26-2006, 11:52 PM

A couple weeks ago, at wit's end because Eddie had been thrashing our new guy Jack regularly, I stumbled on a blog that talked about aggressiveness between dogs in the same family. It said rather than punish the aggressor, you should try to elevate his status as the alpha.

I thought I was seeing some positive signs, but it's still not working. Eddie has whipped up on Jack the last three days in a row. The fights look more violent than they are, but the problem is, Jack is still recovering from surgery and shouldn't be in fights with his thug brother.

I've been googling all night and can't find anything that makes better sense than the blog. Somehow, I think I have to take a more active role in letting Eddie know that fighting isn't acceptable. But how do I do that w/o lowering his alpha status?

alaskayorkie · 02-28-2006, 02:01 PM

No replies? Where's the love?

Let me rephrase more succinctly:

What should you do if your alpha beats up your other dog over toys? I tried elevating Eddie's social status, but he started beating up on golden retrievers.

PlatinumYorkies · 02-28-2006, 02:05 PM

I am sorry Mike I can't help you. I just wanted to let you know it is hard for me to picture sweet Eddie as a Thug...

y0rkieL0ver · 02-28-2006, 02:05 PM

im sorry Mike! im no help, but good luck in keeping the peace! but keep in mind... boys will be boys

alaskayorkie · 02-28-2006, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlatinumYorkies

I am sorry Mike I can't help you. I just wanted to let you know it is hard for me to picture sweet Eddie as a Thug...

That's what they said about Son of Sam.

And Yorkielover, I agree with you about boys being boys, but the little boy just had surgery.

KellyV · 02-28-2006, 02:20 PM

Don't know what to tell you... I've never lived in a multiple dog household.

I did manage to find this excerpt from Raising Rover . Don't know if it'll help or not though.... It was a link of off Dr. P's Dog Training, which has difference selections of links on various topics. There's sections on dominance and on multiple pet households....

Brandy&Harley · 03-02-2006, 09:01 PM

Hi. I feel your pain and I can't find much help either. I have a female Yorkie and a female Maltese and lately they have been having some fighting issues too. Actually, they get along great except for when the doorbell rings, then Bella barks and Harley tries to stop her by biting the back of Bella's neck. I really don't know what to do either. I did write both of their breeder's and if I get any useful info I'll pass it on

alaskayorkie · 03-03-2006, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KellyV

Don't know what to tell you... I've never lived in a multiple dog household.

I did manage to find this excerpt from Raising Rover . Don't know if it'll help or not though.... It was a link of off Dr. P's Dog Training, which has difference selections of links on various topics. There's sections on dominance and on multiple pet households....

Hey, thanks KellyV, I missed your post. Those links help. The frustrating part is after it explains that you should just let the dogs work it out on their own, it says that in some cases you have to step in when you have a geriatric dog. That's what I have. But it doesn't say how to make that work. Arrgh. I think it's getting slowly better, though. I'm letting my alpha be alpha but letting him know that fighting isn't appropriate.

red98vett · 03-03-2006, 04:40 AM

LOL...Little Eddie a thug ? no way !

I can share in your pain as a dad....When we first got Cheri and she got big enough to race around with toys that HAD been only Chanel's....my little angel turned into a Gang-Girl and would jump Cheri to get the toy back....

Eventually...they reached a truce...and Chanel 'let' Cheri play with the itty bitty toys only...then gradually....she was 'allowed' to play with bigger toys...till in time...Cheri can now 'touch' any toy she wants

It was FUNNY to watch and now each plays with whatever they want...anytime they want ....with only the occasional 'stealing'...then they play-fight and kiss to make up....

KimMee's Mom · 03-03-2006, 05:16 AM

Sorry Mike, I don't have any advice as I only have one little YOrkie. I wish for two and will be learning from all your experience when and if I ever get number 2. I wish Eddie and Jack much brotherly love and you and your wife-PATIENCE. I will ask my pet expert and she what she says- she did tell me before when I was introducing my daughter's yorkie to KimMee to do so outside and pick up all of KimMee's toys and beds - put them up off the floor when the new dog came inside. I know it is too late for you for that but.

alisonJ · 03-03-2006, 06:28 AM

Mike, maybe this would work....

Keep the boys separated with a baby gate for Jack's protection most of the time. They can continue to interact through the gate, but at least Jack will be safe. Continue to treat Eddie as the alpha. As you reinforce Eddie's alpha status, with time you can allow them to be together more and more, but under STRICT supervision only. Eddie will grow more secure in his alpha status and leave Jack alone.

I might be off base, but it makes sense to me, based on my understanding of doggie psychology. Maybe FirstYorkie can provide some insight....

KellyV · 03-03-2006, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

Hey, thanks KellyV, I missed your post. Those links help. The frustrating part is after it explains that you should just let the dogs work it out on their own, it says that in some cases you have to step in when you have a geriatric dog. That's what I have. But it doesn't say how to make that work. Arrgh. I think it's getting slowly better, though. I'm letting my alpha be alpha but letting him know that fighting isn't appropriate.

I read through a few of those and had the same question. HOW do you step in so that it all works out okay??
If I'm understanding what I read correctly, you shouldn't yell at Eddie for fighting with Jack and shouldn't coddle Jack because Eddie went after him. I guess just separate 'em without saying a word to either! I don't know.... At least things are getting a little better.

When I got another cat the established male of the house wasn't very happy. They hated each other. Every time one fell within eyesite of another there'd be a fight, hissing and spitting and growling... Neither of them had claws and they never involved teeth, so I'd just let 'em argue. Eventually they fought less and less. Then one day I get home from work and they're sleeping on the couch together! WTF? You hated each other yesterday!! Maybe if we're lucky the same will happen with Eddie and Jack!!

I do have to say that I'm a bit surprised at Eddie! From what I've seen of him, that just doesn't seem to be in his nature....

Muffie's Mom · 03-03-2006, 10:10 AM

Try saying "That's enough", then put them in a "down and stay position" (apart from each other naturally) or send them to their own bed.

When they've done that, give them each a treat.

You would not be giving them the treat for play fighting.

It works for us with the girls!

alaskayorkie · 03-03-2006, 11:17 AM

Thanks, everybody. Great advice! I think I'm gonna try both the baby gate, Alison, and the separate technique, Muffie'sMom, if they do fight. The baby gate might make Eddie appreciate having a friend around a little more.

And, Villette, I'd never believe Chanel and Cheri had a cross word between them! If they can work it out, maybe there's hope.

The more I read, the more I realize we probably did everything wrong when we first got Jack. He had surgery, so we were coddling him and giving him a lot of attention. No wonder Eddie finally lashed out.

red98vett · 03-03-2006, 11:46 AM

You're such a good dad...and yes there is hope.

It took a few months for my girls to be the Make-out Queens they are now...maybe you'll get lucky and have 2 little gay boys yourself ....and before you know it ....they'll be melting your heart kissing each other too ~!

02-26-2006, 11:52 PM	#1
alaskayorkie Race to 7,000 champ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 10,475 Blog Entries: 25	Fighting brothers II A couple weeks ago, at wit's end because Eddie had been thrashing our new guy Jack regularly, I stumbled on a blog that talked about aggressiveness between dogs in the same family. It said rather than punish the aggressor, you should try to elevate his status as the alpha. I thought I was seeing some positive signs, but it's still not working. Eddie has whipped up on Jack the last three days in a row. The fights look more violent than they are, but the problem is, Jack is still recovering from surgery and shouldn't be in fights with his thug brother. I've been googling all night and can't find anything that makes better sense than the blog. Somehow, I think I have to take a more active role in letting Eddie know that fighting isn't acceptable. But how do I do that w/o lowering his alpha status? __________________ Meet Eddie and Jack: www.dogster.com/?159686 YouTube vids: http://www.youtube.com/alaskayorkie Picture site: http://web.mac.com/mlewishome

02-28-2006, 02:01 PM	#2
alaskayorkie Race to 7,000 champ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 10,475 Blog Entries: 25	No replies? Where's the love? Let me rephrase more succinctly: What should you do if your alpha beats up your other dog over toys? I tried elevating Eddie's social status, but he started beating up on golden retrievers. __________________ Meet Eddie and Jack: www.dogster.com/?159686 YouTube vids: http://www.youtube.com/alaskayorkie Picture site: http://web.mac.com/mlewishome

02-28-2006, 02:05 PM	#3
PlatinumYorkies Monte, Mone't's Joy! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: MD Posts: 3,013	I am sorry Mike I can't help you. I just wanted to let you know it is hard for me to picture sweet Eddie as a Thug... __________________ "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."!! **Mone't Mom 2 Monte**

02-28-2006, 02:05 PM	#4
y0rkieL0ver Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Medford, Ma Posts: 865	im sorry Mike! im no help, but good luck in keeping the peace! but keep in mind... boys will be boys __________________ To eRr is HuMan, To FoRgiVe, CaNiNe Jackie & Sirius

02-28-2006, 02:20 PM	#6
KellyV YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 757	Don't know what to tell you... I've never lived in a multiple dog household. I did manage to find this excerpt from Raising Rover . Don't know if it'll help or not though.... It was a link of off Dr. P's Dog Training, which has difference selections of links on various topics. There's sections on dominance and on multiple pet households.... __________________ RIP Pixie. We miss you! Come Visit Pixie, Charlie and Lilly

03-02-2006, 09:01 PM	#7
Brandy&Harley Yorkie Talk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: TX Posts: 5	Hi. I feel your pain and I can't find much help either. I have a female Yorkie and a female Maltese and lately they have been having some fighting issues too. Actually, they get along great except for when the doorbell rings, then Bella barks and Harley tries to stop her by biting the back of Bella's neck. I really don't know what to do either. I did write both of their breeder's and if I get any useful info I'll pass it on

03-03-2006, 04:40 AM	#9
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 30,371	LOL...Little Eddie a thug ? no way ! I can share in your pain as a dad....When we first got Cheri and she got big enough to race around with toys that HAD been only Chanel's....my little angel turned into a Gang-Girl and would jump Cheri to get the toy back.... Eventually...they reached a truce...and Chanel 'let' Cheri play with the itty bitty toys only...then gradually....she was 'allowed' to play with bigger toys...till in time...Cheri can now 'touch' any toy she wants It was FUNNY to watch and now each plays with whatever they want...anytime they want ....with only the occasional 'stealing'...then they play-fight and kiss to make up.... __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri.. AKA Spy-Girls (photos here) Click for LABELS Click for CARDS * SAY NO to PET STORES ! www.designsbyvillette.com USING YOUR PHOTOS !

03-03-2006, 05:16 AM	#10
KimMee's Mom Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA Posts: 1,522	Sorry Mike, I don't have any advice as I only have one little YOrkie. I wish for two and will be learning from all your experience when and if I ever get number 2. I wish Eddie and Jack much brotherly love and you and your wife-PATIENCE. I will ask my pet expert and she what she says- she did tell me before when I was introducing my daughter's yorkie to KimMee to do so outside and pick up all of KimMee's toys and beds - put them up off the floor when the new dog came inside. I know it is too late for you for that but. __________________ LoneStarGirl KimMee + Charlee + KC + Molly =

03-03-2006, 06:28 AM	#11
alisonJ YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 1,241	Mike, maybe this would work.... Keep the boys separated with a baby gate for Jack's protection most of the time. They can continue to interact through the gate, but at least Jack will be safe. Continue to treat Eddie as the alpha. As you reinforce Eddie's alpha status, with time you can allow them to be together more and more, but under STRICT supervision only. Eddie will grow more secure in his alpha status and leave Jack alone. I might be off base, but it makes sense to me, based on my understanding of doggie psychology. Maybe FirstYorkie can provide some insight.... __________________ Alison--Edith Jones's mother www.edithjonesproject.com

03-03-2006, 10:10 AM	#13
Muffie's Mom And now Missy's Mom, too! Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: FL Posts: 1,496	Try saying "That's enough", then put them in a "down and stay position" (apart from each other naturally) or send them to their own bed. When they've done that, give them each a treat. You would not be giving them the treat for play fighting. It works for us with the girls! __________________ Pat...Mom to Muffie & Missy! Our Photos are HERE Missy on Dogster Muffie on Dogster

03-03-2006, 11:17 AM	#14
alaskayorkie Race to 7,000 champ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 10,475 Blog Entries: 25	Thanks, everybody. Great advice! I think I'm gonna try both the baby gate, Alison, and the separate technique, Muffie'sMom, if they do fight. The baby gate might make Eddie appreciate having a friend around a little more. And, Villette, I'd never believe Chanel and Cheri had a cross word between them! If they can work it out, maybe there's hope. The more I read, the more I realize we probably did everything wrong when we first got Jack. He had surgery, so we were coddling him and giving him a lot of attention. No wonder Eddie finally lashed out. __________________ Meet Eddie and Jack: www.dogster.com/?159686 YouTube vids: http://www.youtube.com/alaskayorkie Picture site: http://web.mac.com/mlewishome

03-03-2006, 11:46 AM	#15
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 30,371	You're such a good dad...and yes there is hope. It took a few months for my girls to be the Make-out Queens they are now...maybe you'll get lucky and have 2 little gay boys yourself ....and before you know it ....they'll be melting your heart kissing each other too ~! __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri.. AKA Spy-Girls (photos here) Click for LABELS Click for CARDS * SAY NO to PET STORES ! www.designsbyvillette.com USING YOUR PHOTOS !