[Cha Cha]

I am not trying to contradict you, but rather to learn. Do you not agree with Cesar M's theory that dogs feed off negative energy? Like say, if you anticipate a fight, they will fight? If you leave them to work out their issues in dog terms and language, they will do just that? I only ask because at the moment of an intense stare, the moment they hear a noise, or see a movement, the attack is on. They are not focused on me, the leader, they are absolutely only focused on the other dog. So the moment you react to the stare, (my opportunity to get involved to stop it as you say) is the moment they react and attack. Which was exactly what happened. My dh noticed the stare, like you say, he tried to stop it, but he was in his recliner, with a blanket over his lap and Mylee on top. He couldn't possibly sit up, remove a blanket and also keep Mylee at bay all in the time it took Moka to pounce off my lap and over to her across the room to attack. While I feel Moka is picking on the weak, I also feel we are doing something wrong to escalate the issue. We are giving off some kind of negative energy which is not helping the problem. If it were just about dominance, or the weak, then wouldn't they fight when we are not around during the day? In fact, as long as I am up and moving about the house or in my kitchen (open floor plan, I can see all around the living room, dining room, and kitchen) they are perfect angels. No problems until "I" want to join my dh and the dogs in the living room and sit down to relax. Uggg it's so complicated. Last night they were good girls. I did notice Moka pushing Mylee around a bit, and "strutting her stuff" being a bully and I did call her off on it. At those moments, I think calling her off did help and redirect her attention. Thanks for your input.

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

I'd surmise, without actually being there to experience them, their personalities and interactions, and see them prior to the fight, I'd extend an educated guess that Mylee, weakened physically and psychologically from her long sickness and period away from the house, insecure now, gave the stare to Moka as a warning to back off, "don't keep attacking me". That was your cue to quickly step in, back Mylee and then Moka off in a non-threatening or scary way, stand them down until they each give in, move away from each other as you stand there like a cigar store Indian, intent on having your way as ultimate leader of the pack, no matter how long you must stand there and stare back at them, using your hands in the outstretched "Stop/stay" position to show you mean business.

The moment they break off and move away, you matter-of-factly walk away, thus teaching them after a time or two that giving in and giving up gets a quick reduction in the tension - which is what dogs want during a stand down. But for the next few weeks, I'd go ahead and separate them at that time, matter-of-factly(no anger or frustration in you - this is a "teachable moment") putting one or both where they can't access one another until they are completely over the spat and offering each a Kong or something to distract them as a reward for giving in to your wishes. In time they will learn to back off sooner for their ultimate reward.

But going back to the Mylee's stare, instead of any intervention to stop the warning that became an escalation, Moka, sensing no leader was going to police them, met the stare as a dare or invitation for a round-house rather than comply with Mylee's probable warning to stay away. Yes, dogs misread each other's intent all the time. Still, it's possible Mylee could be trying to overcompensate for her feelings of inadequacy/insecurity from the illness, bringing out her dominant/defensive-aggressive side of your normally calm, submissive little girl dog to meet what she recognizes as her packmate's recognition of her illness/personality change and the resultant instinct to dominate/rule her with physical attacks. That's why you must police them closely to quickly recognize and stop those escalations prior to attack and show them what behavior is required of them by their loving leader.

Monitoring these two's social interactions for the next two months or more and stopping/preventing unwanted behavior is now your job until they learn to police themselves and co-exist. Returning to life as it was pre-illness might not happen so be prepared for that possibility - sometimes dogs never return to their previous copacetic existence, though most do, given even-handed leadership and well-enforced boundaries. Never, ever be too far away from them to quickly intervene and stop stares, stock-still, intent bodies and high-held tails, standing/leaning forward on their toes, tense lips. As long as they are back on their feet, relaxed, lips and bodies loose and have soft eyes and ears, you can stay put and just observe.

Keep up the regular, several-session obedience training, teaching them newer and harder things so they have to work their brains, really concentrate and apply themselves to learning and doing the new commands and tricks. Dogs who've done obedience have to have their daily lessons or life isn't as fulfilling and they look for other things to get into sometimes. Both dogs could use more work during this time of relationship flux. Increased outside walks, exercise, puzzle games and obedience training for short, short, frequent sessions can keep an otherwise troubled dog in an unsettled situation physically and mentally challenged, satisfied and feeling good about himself, despite life and circumstance changes going on within his little pack.