Fighting brothers II

[Yorkster]

When a new dog comes into the house there is a change of dynamics among the dogs. You may want to get a basic book on dog behavior.
Do not tolerate this behavior. You need to be the Alpha dog! It may come back to haunt you when you least expect it and would never leave them out together. Once they start like this, sometimes it is a long running problem. Remember you are the boss.

[Muffie's Mom]

I agree absolutely - you have to be the BOSS!!

Mike, did you get that book? One is called "Multiple Dog Households" and the other "Outwitting Dogs".

Something we still "tether" Missy so she can't quit get to Muffie. You could try doing that to Eddie (good luck). Missy is our instigator.

Also, we feed them in separate places. They have separate beds.

Never give them food or treats together.

Sometimes Tom will take Muffie back in the bedroom. That separates them for awhile.

I understand that training is very important for dogs that fight.

Sometimes it's hard to tell whether they're playing or fighting!

Good luck. If YOU find any new solutions, please let ME know. You have my email address.

Thanks, Pat!

[Erin]

Loki beats up on the dobermans at daycare so I will have to deal with this issue should we ever get a second dog. I don't think you should let Eddie be the Alpha. You are giving him too much power. If he fights like that, you need to ignore him or put him in his crate. Fighting = no freedom. Eddie is in training right - have you talked to the trainer? Also, is it a positive trainer? I know you've mentioned "correcting" Eddie before and generally positive trainers do not do this. It's best to use a positive trainer for agressive dogs just because other methods can (not always but can) make the problem worse. Reward Eddie when he is kind. Teach him good things (food/attention) happen when Jack is around. Beyond that, I'm at a loss because like I said - I have a bully too. Can you try petting Jack while someone holds Eddie or has him on a leash and praises/treats him for being kind? Teach him he gets treats when Jack gets attention?

Loki gets mad when I pet the neighbor dog, even though he is Loki's best doggy friend. So I go pet the other dog while my husband re-focuses Loki and gives him treats. Also I feed Loki with one hand while I pet the neighbor dog with the other hand. Slowly he is learning to be more polite.

But again, this sounds like you need a professional.

[Yorkster]

You may be dealing with a protective aggressive dog if he "gets mad" with the neighbors dog. There are basically 4 types of aggression and some of the Yorkies have it!

[ReggiesMom]

If they're fighting over toys, have you tried taking all the toys away? I only have one yorkie and three cats, but the cats view the Yorkie as the "little brother they never wanted" and basically put up with him and pretend to play with him sometimes.

Let me know how things work out.

[Erin]

I agree about the toys. When Loki is being especially monsterish I pick up all his toys and put them away except one. He has to earn that one toy by politely playing a game of my choice. He gets over his monsterness very quickly when he remembers he is not in charge.

However it's probably more likely they are fighting over attention, right?

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by Yorkster

You may be dealing with a protective aggressive dog if he "gets mad" with the neighbors dog. There are basically 4 types of aggression and some of the Yorkies have it!

Could you please explain what the 4 are? Thanks

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by Yorkster

When a new dog comes into the house there is a change of dynamics among the dogs. You may want to get a basic book on dog behavior.
Do not tolerate this behavior. You need to be the Alpha dog! It may come back to haunt you when you least expect it and would never leave them out together. Once they start like this, sometimes it is a long running problem. Remember you are the boss.

I'm pretty new at this, but spend a lot of time at the trainers...one thing I've learned is just that THE HUMAN is the boss. Also, when the dogs are at dog club, the goal is to keep the alpha's from being to aggressive and to booster the confidence of the submissive dogs....of course, I don't exactly know how to do this as their seem to be endless shades of grey, so I'm no help at all...but I'm concerned that by supporting the alphas feelings of being in control, you're just supporting his need to beat up on the little guy.

Aren't their any professionals out there on yorkie talk who can help out? I know I'd be lost without our trainer, she's great! P.S. I don't like to ask her for too much free advice, but when I see her later this week, I'll try to run this by her, maybe she'll have something good to offer!

Also, for what it's worth, it took Ginger (new dog)and Kirby (long time resident)several months to work out their roles with each other...

Good luck!

[Yorkster]

A good book to read is "The Dog's Mind, Understanding your Dog's Behavior by Fogle, DVM - Can not find my copy.

Dominance Aggression - This is when the dog's status in the pack is challenged. Maybe by a new dog coming into the house. A puppy that growls when another trys to take a toy. Even eye to eye contact will bring out the aggression among two dogs or a dog and a person. Some think this is why children sometimes are attacked by some breeds of dogs.

Even puppies it is shown - when a puppy mounts another puppy. Trying his best to show a little dominance.

Fear aggressive - if a dog is cornered out of fear they become aggressive.

Protective aggressive - This dog defends his "stuff", his territory. His yard, his toys, his food his master, his favorite chair.

Forget what another is....but is when dogs have the preditory instinct to herd sheep...and act in a preditory manner.
It is preditory aggressive I believe.

A good book on understanding dog behavior and why they act the way they do is a good investment and often you can get used books.

[livingdustmops]

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/

[Yorkster]

If you are involved in rescue then I am sure you have to learn a lot about dog behavior. It is a very interesting subject. Many believe that dogs have the same thought processes as people and understanding that they do not - and understanding what you dog is saying in his actions is one of the keys to a happy dog or becoming a happy dog.
People in rescue provide a wonderful service.

[Muffie's Mom]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

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/

Can you give us some insight as to which direction he is leading people in relation to dogs playing/fighting?

Thanks, Cindy.

[Jaspermom]

I think there are a lot of dogs with aggression issues out there, and I have one. Dreama growls and nips a lot. I am trying to win her over, but any help I can get from y'all will be appreciated!

I wonder how Eddie and Jack are getting along these days! Mike?

[lisa arre]

Those that said that you are the boss are right on. You are the pack leader and when on dog attacks another you need to go over and make him sit/stay or something that will let him know that you are the alpha dog and what you say goes. If you get the national geographic channel, you should watch the dog whisperer with Cesar Milan. He has a website and a book that talks about animal behavior and dog pack behavior. I think you will be amazed if you watch him.

[Muffie's Mom]

Cesar Millan's new book comes about in the next week. I preordered it on Amazon.

It's titled "Every Day Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems".