I know Dixie gets very PMS-y when it's her time of the year. And boy does she pick on Dougal - that's how I know when it's coming on! Her second season was the worst for her aggression she wasn't nearly so bad for her 3rd (and it'll be last) season.
Her usual "dougal-exclusion-zone" got a lot bigger and he'd be punished for trangressing the boundaries. Sometimes she'd pick on him just "because". One day he just stood in the corner looking at me as if to say "I don't understand mum!? I didn't do anything wrong". But he's just a boy so couldn't understand - it was the only time my ex had much sympathy for the Dougal baby.
I certainly don't fear for Dougal's safety - he's quite literally twice Dixie's size and it's all attitude with Dixie - she's never really hurt Dougal - she growls a lot and if worst comes to worst just sort of mouths him round his neck.
My cure is to make sure Dixie gets lots of extra hugs and some doggy chocolate. It seems to help - or it might just be my perception. |