"Thanks for the info on the 4 stages of aggression. I am always researching many experts on this topic because of rescue. Many theories are starting to change in this arena..
http://www.brucefogle.com/"
I got a PM regarding this thread so here is my 2 cents. The above post I made was interesting to me as I have never seen aggression broken out by a number before but it makes sense and I posted the author so other people could see. I have ordered his book but have not read it yet.
I must have 10 - 15 books on behavior in dogs and every few years the thinking changes or more studies have been done to change the previous thinking. Understand, I think there is a difference between a behaviorists and a trainer. The biggest change and the slowest to come around was the theory on Alpha dogs based on a Wolf study they now realize was not a correct study (if you type in Alpha roll in the search bar you will see a short article on this). Unfortunantely this theory is still around and many (so called)trainers are still using it. I prefer to read books on behavior and for quick reads Whole Dog Journal & Cummins School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University Newsletter which I receive once a month are excellent resources. I am not an expert by any means but I do take a little from each one and this is what works for me and the rescues I work with.
1. Full understanding of what a terrier is and for the most part they are not sweet little lap dogs. I do have one that is very sweet but he is not typical of a Yorkie. I always have this saying that dogs will breed to form. I have to laugh at what is on the AKC website "While a Toy, and at various times a greatly pampered one, the Yorkshire is a spirited dog that definitely shows its terrier strain."
2. I treat each dog as an individual and I understand each one has a different personality just like human children. They all will react different to the same set of circumstances and it is up to me to figure out peace in the home. I know each dog and what makes him feel secure and what scares them. I never, never push them to be identical and if one wants to live in the closet for awhile that is fine with me. They eventually all start spending time with me and the gang. I tolerate when they talk (growl) at me or even nip at me because I don't know what happened to them in their first home but I do realize they are trying to tell me they don't like what I am doing. I respect this and back off for the time being...sometimes it just takes time for them to become more comfortable..but again just like some humans who don't like certain things I work around the issue. I really do look at these guys as 2 or 3 year old children and this seems to work for me and a group of 10 dogs.
3. I believe they all have to work out their problems on their own - again just like children and I am always watching the new dog to see if they are frightened or if they go after mine. Now this is where it is tough, sometimes somebody has to get put in their place to keep order in the house. My oldest female for the most part just ignores everyone but if someone keeps bugging her then she will turn on them. They deserve it and I never pamper them if she puts them in their place. It usually is over in seconds but I have noticed the other dog will not bug her again. The only problems I have had is with 2 of the big dogs (13# & 14#) getting into major fights over a toy (they would have fought to the death and I step in and separate them and put them in different rooms for an hour or so (literally I could pick up both dogs at once because someone had a neck hold). Because of how violent the fights were I don't have toys in the house and yes blood was drawn).
4. Everyone has their own food bowls and I feed them all in the same order everynight with the newest rescue fed last. Again just like kids, I wouldn't want to share a dish with my sister and I should be fed first because I am the oldest.
Do we interfere or just let them play/fight
My dogs play all day long and sometimes you would think they are fighting but I can tell you a lot of noise happens but a true fight will escalade very fast and you will know the difference. When one dog is putting the other dog in its place it really happens fast and is over with right away.
When should we separate
See above
Do we take toys away
Only if a violent fight broke out. This is part of their breeding and they are proud of killing the rat and carrying it around. The other dog will try to steal so he can be the victor.
Keep on leashes while they're playing/fighting
No, I believe at some point in time they have to work it out and I think keeping them on a leash in a home is only driving them more crazy.
When it comes to treats if everyone is acting crazy then I stand up and wait until they all calm down, if they start up again then I wait again. It doesn't take them long to figure out they won't get treats acting like crazy people.
I am not into training my dogs as much as I am into understanding what makes them tick. If I want things to change then I give treats and reward for good behavior. I have boundaries and because I am consistent it doesn't seem to be an issue. I have a large fenced in backyard so I never have leashes on them there but if we go out in front everyone is on a leash even if we are going in the car. I never go out the front door with them but only through the garage door - so I really don't have a problem with them all rushing to try and get out the front door.
Okay after this long note, I must say when you have an injured dog then you have to protect the injured dog but after everyone is well then I say let them work it out but watch carefully. It helps me the most to treat them like a 2 or 3 year old child and how I would handle the different situations.
Just so everyone understands this is just my opinion and I am not a professional.