Originally Posted by SWHouston  Well....ok, but, since you've decided to keep the Biewer, recovering this situation is going to be more difficult. I accept that, so, let's move on from here.
AlwaysTexas, I've read your posts, the lines and in between them. I see you as a generous fair person, nice to all you meet, and anyone on this Forum should be honored to call, and have you as a Friend. I hope that my participation in this, has not tainted your opinion, of my intent for a equatable resolution. However, given your position of equality and fairness, I'm wondering if you can pull this off. You're going to have to drastically change your posture, within your "Pack".
The Yorkshire Pack mentality is much like a Pride of Lions. Yes, that's Matriarchal, but, there is always an Alpha Male. As in a Pride, the A-Males laze around, wait on the Females to catch Prey, come in an eat their fill, while the Females are taking care of the Cubs/Pups. And the only time the Males really are called/prompted into service, is for Breeding and Defense. But, the Males still maintain that Seniority and Dominance.
That may not seem fair to you, but, that IS the way it is.
To resolve this, you're going to have to be much more involved that just "being aware". You need to physically "show" him, that you are honoring his Alpha position. That's where I think you are going to have a problem. You will want to treat them "equally" as before, and as you know, that doesn't work, and has caused your Male a lot of stress, which is effecting his health. It's going to be more tough on you than them, but you must get this done, and focus the vast majority of your attention, on your Male.
Many think that petting, holding, hugging and sweet talking a Dog is required to get them to love and obey you. Weather you do those things or not, won't change their "attitude" toward you, but, it does reflect your preference, when dealing with an individual animal. That's special attention, and now, that's got to be for your Male ONLY. Remember, it's the Biewer that needs to fit in, your Male already fits !
I'm going to give you some tips, as how to proceed, and I'm reasonably sure you're not going to like them much...
You need to quit petting/showing attention to the Biewer.
Focus that kind of "handling" toward your Male. That doesn't mean that "some" of that can take place, but, it must not be witnessed by the Male, and should be greatly reduced even in private. You must change "both" of their attitudes, and she can and WILL accept a subordinate roll.
There must be a "Pecking Order" in a your Pack.
You are the Leader, your Male Yorkie should be the Alpha. That's because he's a Male, and has tenure in your Pack. This is a natural way for them to live, and has been bread into their mentality since year one. In supporting this pecking order, you'll only be supporting something that is the way they must live.
In short, here's some other things you should do...
1) When returning home, greet/pet the Male FIRST, and make that greeting a great deal more abundant than that you offer the Biewer.
2) When feeding or handing out treats, give them to the Male FIRST.
3) You should hand out a single "long term" treat like a Bone or Bully Stick occasionally. Give it to your Male, and let him release it to the Biewer, AFTER he's dine with it.
4) When lounging or retiring to bed, place the Male closer to you, or, only let him sleep on the Bed with you.
5) If the Biewer growls at the Male, scold her as you pet the Male.
6) Same if she Barks at him, shush her while you Pet the Male.
7) Make a special effort to stop and Pet the Male in the Biewer's presence, but, don't pet her. Do this several times a day.
SEE, I told you that you wouldn't like this.
But, IF you want to create an environment of recovery for your Male, you must drastically change your posture in this. And trust me, you will not cause any negative reaction from the Biewer, it will abide by your direction and wants. Then, after a period of time (don't rush this) you can start "including" the Biewer a little more...slowly. In another environment, this would be called "Tough Love".
Can you do this ? |