Quote:
Originally Posted by JuanRamos  You'd be doing the correct thing by separating them when you're not at home. Even if Prince is unable to harm Ricky during those random outbursts of aggression, chances are that one day Ricky will snap back at him and you may not be there to protect the older dog with almost no teeth. |
I agree that, although it felt hard to do at first, I've found that asking my little crew to go to their kennels when I'm about to leave or won't be able to supervise is best for them and for my peace of mind. They nap, usually, and their kennels are side by side, so they're not isolated. My intact/hypersensitive male seems to keep track of fairness issues and has started going to his kennel when Finn goes into his, without even being asked. (He always gave me a hard time about it before, so this is a benefit of his score-keeping.)
And I had been letting the pups sleep with me prior to adopting Finn, but they've adjusted to going to their own beds and we don't have to worry that someone will get snapped at for being in the wrong spot. Thankfully, like yours, the incidents of aggression have been quickly forgotten by both parties, but we don't want to develop any nasty habits or nurture grudges by re-creating situations that caused conflict before.
It's a process, for sure, to create and maintain balance and good behavior. Best of luck!