You will have to get super tuned into both Roxi and Nikki's behavior. They will give signs right before they go into attack mode, and you'll have to step in to stop it. I use verbal startle 'No', to break the stare down, if that doesn't work, I grab for the offender and temporarily remove them from being an immediate threat. Peek A Boo no longer sleeps on my bed, as this is where his worse attacks occur. He sleeps at the foot of my bed, and the others sleep in the bed with me and DH. He will still attack if one walks through the bedroom, he's worse with Sapphire, so she comes to the doorway and will wait for me to come pick her up and place her on the bed. If Nikki can't behave when he's on your lap, he should be banished to the floor. If you allow him to stay on your lap, he will continue to protect you or defend his space, and is rewarded by staying on your lap. When he tenses up or signals attack, a firm 'no' and put to the floor. If Roxi is relaxed, pick her up and give her some lap time. Eventually they will get it, but don't accept any unwanted behavior. Be firm and consistant and fair. They may still fight occasionally, but the times should be fewer and futher between.
Nikki's aloofness towards Carol made me laugh. He's mad at her for not being there for him. He'll forgive her eventually and be friendly again, depending on how long he holds a grudge. The first time I really corrected Peek a Boo he wouldn't look at me for hours! and stayed aloof for a day and a half!
Don't continue to feel sorry for Nikki bc of his history with Carol. Dogs are pretty much 'in the moment' (except when holding grudges), and you need to treat him normally without the 'poor baby you were tore away from your family and all the things you know stuff' or you'll be feeding into his behavior issues, and singling him out as being abnormal, which your other pups will pick up on (and can cause an attack). If you can walk them together, this would be most helpful, or at least him and Roxi together. Best pack bonding exercise ever! Plus it may make them too tired to fight as much. Sometimes it can be helpful to keep leashes on them as an aid in separation. You can also incorporate using treats, when they are in each others company and behaving correctly. |