Are Layla and Libby both dogs? It's not uncommon for one female dog to decide that she should be the only dog in the house. Has Starr been altered?
On the bright side, a dog may be aggressive towards other dogs without being at all aggressive towards people. So this doesn't necessarily indicate a danger to any kidlets.
I've seen a lot of different strategies for this, including rehoming, so I am not completely sure what to suggest. One comment I have is that you can try "Nothing In Life Is Free". When you say that a dog nudged your hand and you stroked them, some people say that the dog reads this as giving you a command, which you obeyed, thus indicating their dominance. Is it possible your dogs do not see you as the alpha?
I do believe in giving resources, including affection, on your own terms. If your dog wants food, fun, attention, make him perform a command first, even if it's just a Sit. My dog is not big enough to get on the couch by himself, so if he "asks" me to lift him up, he has to Sit first.
__________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger. |