Hi Dawn and Eileen
I am an owner of 4 dogs and my Schmoo (now formally known as physco schmoo) has suddenly turned into a demon dog
I would have given my eye teeth that Scamper my Jack Russell ( aka the thug) would rule the roost but what a turn round. At first Schmoo started snarling at any dog that came close if he was near me. Now as soon as l come in and the dogs come to greet me he attacks Scamper. Also yesterday he actually challenged me over a carrot
He stole it and snarled at me as l went to take it off him. He definatly doesn't look to me as pack leader any more. My little baby has turned into an out of control teenager
I think from all l have heard from other peoples problems that it is us humans that are not showing the alpha role. If we don't make the dogs feel safe when we are walking them, then they have to defend the pack. Also when it comes to food, l think it is up to us to not let one intimidate the other. As alpa we should be putting the others in their place. I do think that fear aggression might need a behaviourist though. In England when we have the dogs insured, there usually is a bit that allows the help of a behaviourist for your dog. Maybe you should check your insurance.
All of this is theory by the way - just how to become alpha is really hard when they are so cute
I just can't help fussing the dogs when they come over to me. Some people say that you should not even acknowledge them for 15 minutes when you come in !
These mutts are my babies and its hard to ignore them for a few seconds.
Anyway l think all we can do is try and persevere and never give up on the little devils. We just have to tell people that they are a work in progress
Godd luck to you both and l look forward to your posts.
I