the new dog is being possessive!
 

Some of you know the whole story, but in short, I have 3 yorkies, 3.5 yrs, 11 months and 6.5 months. I recently "acquired" a maltese who is just over a year. I've had her for almost 2 months now and we call her Lucy Lu. They are all female.
Lucy is very skiddish - any movement or the slightest sound and she takes off running! Vixxen, my oldest, doesn't play much with any of them, she just minds her own business. Lucy doesn't know how to show affection really, so her way is to jump up and scratch at you. She does this to the other dogs as well. The one who really doesn't like it is Vixxen! Vixxen's little snarls and quick snaps are not getting through to Lucy Lu! So far....there have been no injuries!
The latest thing I've found though, is when there are bones/bully sticks etc, laying around, Lucy is being possessive and literally lunging at the others if they come near her! I intervene but I fear the only reason she "allows" me to, is because she is so skiddish and she takes off running if I start coming near her!! What the heck do I do? Is this a sign that things will only get worse with her? I'm not sure how to correct this? And I absolutely do not want one of the girls hurt!! Especially if I am not at home!
What do you think and what would you do?

When mine get in a fight over toys, I just pick them up, and put them away. This way they learn if they don't play nice they lose their toys.

Do you know the background history on your Maltese? What living situation did she come from? Are all of your girls spayed?

What I would not do while you are gone is leave them free roaming while you are gone until you figure out what is going on. If your 3 Yorkies always got along then just leave the Maltese in another room. I would hate for you to come home and find one of your little ones dead. This has happened before to people and is very sad.

I would also not leave any toys, chew sticks etc down while you are gone. I have 2 that have really gotten into it so sad to say no toys are down in the house.

If she's a rescue, who knows what she could be reacting to from her past. If you can afford a few visits from a really good trainer, they may be helpful.

Wow....you make me see that the situation could get a lot worse.
Um, I'd rather not post here all of the details about the maltese, however she did come from a home with A LOT of dogs. So I assume kind of "fighting" for food or a treat, is what she learned. It wasn't happening at first, but I am seeing it now, maybe since she is more comfortable here. She also could not have gotten alot of one on one attention, which may be why she reacts the way she does (in a very irritating way!) pawing and scratching at me/them.
But does anyone know how to show them this is wrong?? I mean, I intervene and I will take the bone away and not let her have it, but just her. (actually, I walk over like I'm gonna take it away and she just runs and leaves it there). I'm sure this is isn't "correct" and I'm sure she doesnt understand why?
Frustrating.....

I have a couple of yorkies that are just like that. I know they have not come from bad backgrounds or been mistreated in any way. because one of them i helped give birth to. the other one i have had since she was 8 weeks old. so it is not from bad history. I sure wish I knew how to get them over it also. Ahia actually will guard a blanket or toy for hours. she turns down treats and a walk just to sit there and guard her belongings. I have tried taking things away (still do) and that has not helped. Lately I have been sitting down beside her and giving her kisses and brushing and sometimes I can talk her out of what ever it is she is protecting. If she leaves them ...Archie will take them over then he will start the protecting action.

My Mini Schnauzer cant stand my Yorkie. Phoebe the Schnauzer gets "all" the bones. She chews one while she lays on the rest to keep Zoey from having any. She snaps at her too. Phoebe was used to being THE baby. I dont leave them together alone because Zoey is so small. Good luck! I am hoping in time Phoebe will accept Zoey.