Family Members Sorting Out Their Place. How Much Is Too Much?

[moosmum]

I think its a fluid thing too,and knowing your dogs well is the best way to avoid or sort problems before they escalate.Some times the only option is to re-home 1 or even pt if it were just a totaly D.A dog.

We run 4 bitches,2 desexed now. 1 tiny girl amoung 3 big girls.(and 1 boy)

There are 2 bitches who are separated at all times,to the point where I will even tie 1 in the shed ,then close the gate as welll before the other goes into the run for her turn of 12 hours each.

These 2 are both very dominant,mother and daughter who were living apart from the time the daughter was 8 weeks till they were re introduced at 3 and 7 years.It was no go from the start.Neither is a problem with other females.

I have broken up 2 fights with these 2 before we took the extreme precautions we now take.Once on my own in a confined space with other dogs milling around.

Pleased to say even tho' I had to pull them apart with my hands I have not even come close to being bitten either time,even when I had a near strangle hold on one while the other was pushed away with my leg and commanded "BACK".

Still a horrible freaky situation tho' that left me shaking!

Normaly we woudln't put up with this,but its sort of "long term temporary" till the older can go back to her owner.

Both these dogs have accepted my oldest girl as "boss" after the 1st challenge when they were 9 months old.

In both cases I broke it up and favoured the old girl.It was realy over before I stepped in tho' and the old girl has never been a domineering type,just very confident in her place and asks only that no others try pushing her around.ie she won't take any ones bone,but shes not going to give hers up either.Shes more a peace maker.

The little terrier can be a pain,but the big girls will ingnore her more obnoxious behaviour as if its beneath their effort.

We have no hesitation at all leaving any of the dogs alone in the house together when we are out,as long as the trouble some 2 are separated.

BUT... as my old girl ages and gets grumpy,I'm aware that she may snap at one of the more domineering types with out good reason.1 I think will handle it and move on,the other may try for dominance again.We are always aware of the dogs interactions and any changes.

Never had serious issues with dogs raised and kept here from the start,and won't allow the dogs to "sort it themselves" unless its minor and over in seconds.Any thing else is considered more serious and delt with.

IMHO Each case is different and you have to handle it accordingly.

Edited October 31, 2010 by moosmum

[Monah]

I agree with Erny.

I have no skills in this area, only what I've picked up from many years of owning many breeds of both sexes. Only once have I owned a dog who may snap at another.

If I had told the underdog?? off she would have ended up a complete wreck, very very soft dog. To deal with these specific dogs I'd tell the 'attacker' to go to her room (yep, they have a room ) often she'd go as soon as she had done the deed.....without being told. She is allowed out when I say. The other dog is told to go on her bed, calmly and nicely. Neither is given any attention etc.

I'm not experienced at all at this kind of thing but there is no way I'd allow dogs to fight and get injured. That may not be the right thing to do, but in our house it is.