[alaskayorkie]

That sounds like Resource Guarding, and it's the same type of behavior Eddie occasionally exhibits against Jack. No warning, just a vicious attack. I've had people tell me, "Oh, just let the dogs work it out on their own," but when serious injuries occur, you have to do something about it.

The question is, what? A behaviorist would be ideal, but you're talking $100-plus an hour. I was referred to a book called "Mine! A practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs," by Jean Donaldson. But, dang, it's tough to follow. Scientific terms, and the book is written for behaviorists and seems to assume some prior knowledge. I dunno, you might give it a look if you're serious about it.

But I think I've found the root of my problem. With Eddie, the resource is toys. I 've taught him that he's in charge when it comes to his toys. Since he was a pup, I chased him around the house as a game. I'd grab the toy and toss it for him, but in the end he always ended up with the toy. He was in charge. If Jack even looked at it, he got a beating.

Recently, I've stopped chasing him. And in the evening, I put all the toys away. I give them to him in the morning. Now, I'm in charge. I'm not sure it's going to work, but I believe I'm on the right track.

This is where my advice runs out, though. I'm not sure how that relates to problems with people, but that book considers it the same problem. Your aggressive dog wants to be in charge. Somehow, you created an environment where she thinks she's alpha in the house over you and everybody else, at least regarding that one resource: Kids.

I wonder if there's a way to limit both dogs' ability to climb on people's laps unless they are invited. Or maybe don't allow one dog to monopolize anyone's time. Give both of them equal access. I dunno, I'm running out of ideas. Hopefully, something I've said will get you to thinking: "That's it!"

Good luck. One thing to be careful of is scolding the aggressor and babying the nonagressor. That just makes it worse.