[kjc]

Husky cross? What's he crossed with?

Just thinking... I did have problems with Peek a Boo taking over the house, when I first brought him home. I felt sorry for him coming from the pound, so I let him get away with just about everything. My 2nd Yorkie had passed on at 16 years old, and I had a GSD and a Maltese. I was very laid back as an owner, bc my dogs were all getting old and they knew the routine and the rules so I didn't do much training.

Peek a Boo first attacked the Maltese, grabbed his ear which then bled alot. After thinking on it a while, I think Peek had a problem with him bc he was all white. I did a forced butt sniff and they settled down. I don't recall any problems after that, other than he would steal the food out of the GSD's bowl (so big Peek could live in it) and occasionally he would jump at her face, but she would just turn her head away and he always ended up with a mouthful of very thick neck fur. The GSD thought she was a little dog and tolerated small dogs extremely well.

Then the GSD (Biggie 'D') and the Maltese (Little Lou) passed on, and Peek a Boo became very depressed. Then we saw Tinkerbell at the Humane Society and felt sorry for her, she had been returned twice and there was no line of people waiting to adopt her. (Same place I adopted Peek from and I only was able to get him bc my Mom volunteed there and called me as she filled out the paperwork.)

When Peek kept attacking Tink on the bed, I knew I had to make some changes. I could not allow these attacks to continue. The second time he went for her, he was asleep over my head on my pillow, and when he launched himself over my head to get to her, he planted his hind feet in my eyes and pushed off against the upper part of my eye sockets. In short, it felt like my eyes were being ripped out of my head.

He ran so fast he ended up sticking his head in her open mouth, and had tiny cuts to his upper, lower and inner lids. If she had bit him, those would have been puncture wounds, and he would have had another set under his chin, which he did not. That was his last night on the bed. ( When I take a nap, I put just him on the bed so he still gets cuddle time).

I never thought to tell him 'No'. And when I did, he turned his head away from me and would not look at me for a day and a half. I was heartbroken, but determined to stop this behavior. I watched Cesar's and Victoria's shows without fail and learned what I needed to do.

Then I thought they would just not get along, and Tink had come with her own set of behavioral problems. Then I found Sapphire. She was closer to Peek in size and color, so she came to live with us, too. Six months later, I found a Biewer that was being rehomed, so we went and brought her home.

Sapphire was shy at first and it looked like Peek liked her, or would tolerate her at least. Infinity, the Biewer, was a little more out going, and Tink thought she was a big squeaky toy, again bc of her coloring. But she was closer to Tink's size so I wasn't too worried, until I saw Tink dragging her across the floor by the ear! Well, that had to stop, but Tink was coming along pretty well with her training so I added some things, like no dragging others around by the ear, and specifically 'Be gentle' and 'easy' bc she tends to play rough. She knows what I will allow now so not too many problems anymore.

I let nothing go now, and they know it. Well maybe little growly skirmishes, but it better not escalate beyond than. Infinity aggravates all of them at times and gets redirected. Tink and Peek argue all the time, life is a competition for them.... who is first to the door, then out the door, then out the doggy door, and back in. They both hit the doggy door at the same time once and almost got stuck in it together. None fight over food or treats, never did. They will sit nice and wait their turn. Occasionally they share their food. They love going on walks together, but I have to take Tink and Infinity separately to deal with some issues and my back. I can walk Peek and Sapphire together... they are good together or alone.

I really want this to work out, so I always pay attention to what they're doing and how they are feeling each day, and I compensate. Like if Tink is looking for trouble, I'll walk her longer, or throw some toys for her to chase, things like that. If one appears to be sad... I make extra cuddle time just for them. Give and take, and teaching them how to get along. Cleaning, combing, feeding, petting, belly rubs, treats, walks, and naps, and putting groceries away and finding hidden toys in the bags. Making the bed with all four dogs on it. Buying bows for all, and having them sit in a row waiting for the new bow to be put in their hair the same way they wait their turn for treats. The GSD looked great with a Yorkie bow on her head. Putting Infinity on the bed when Daddy's still asleep to wait for his alarm to go off. She goes right for the head and body slams him, them licks him to death. How could he wake up mad???

Tired dogs tend to fight less. Peek lived on a leash till he got out of the habit of attacking. I still watch for the signal though. He's not depressed anymore. He acts more like a puppy. He barks at me, he runs faster than the girls, he howls like a wolf in his sleep. He's my favorite boy. Tink's my favorite big girl, Sapphire, my fav little girl, and Finnie , my fav Biewer girl. All the girls are retired breeders. Peek is neutered, Tink is spayed, the other two will be getting spayed. Never noticed problems due to anyone being in heat. Peek is my little man, Tink is a tomgirl (but loves getting dressed up), Finnie is a clown, and Sapphire is def Momma's girl. They all known I love them all, and if one is down and gets extra treatment one day, there's no jealousy, bc they know I will do the same for them when they're having a bad day.

Walks help us all bond together, and makes them tired. Some days are better than others... we are a work in progress. And I protect them.
Hope this helps.