Could she be jealous?

Schnauzer_lover_07 · 08-20-2006, 01:34 PM

Here's the deal:

I've had my dog, a female schnauzer/ chihuahua mix, for 3 years. I just recently, about 3 weeks ago, got two female dachsaund puppies. My older dog never before had any aggressive characteristics about her. She has always been very nice, gentle, and caring towards other dogs. In fact, I have 3 other dogs as well, however, these other dogs are all male and she never had any problems with them. For the most part she is an outside dog. We keep her out during the day and in during night time. Lately, since we've gotten the puppies, she has been digging out of her fenced in area and coming to the door wanting in. She has been aggressive towards them and even in one case bit one of them. She also has been being very aggressive towards one of the male dogs as well. I think she's jealous of them so I've been keeping her in the house during the day as well so that her feelings will not be hurt and she will not dig out and something bad happen. I also think that since she was raised around only male dogs she might be especially jealous that there are two other female dogs around. Unfortunately, I don't know if that is logical.

Does anyone know anything about this type of behavior?

OwnedBySix · 08-20-2006, 01:37 PM

Why is she outside?

Are the other dogs inside or outside dogs?

What about the puppies?

Schnauzer_lover_07 · 08-20-2006, 01:39 PM

My other dogs are the same. Out during the day and in at night. The puppies are inside dogs. They are put outside because if I don't put them out they go to the door and whine to get out. I guess they just like it. It has nothing to do with bathroom issues..they just love the outdoors.

OwnedBySix · 08-20-2006, 01:45 PM

It definitely sounds like jealousy to me - and from experience - it many cases, they don't call female dogs *bitches* for nothing.

Where did you introduce everyone? Introductions are crucial in a situation like this. Apparently she is feeling very threatened. I have been very lucky that my own pack has been very accepting of any dog I have brought in. It is usually the foster dogs that give me problems - and almost always it is female/female!

I don't feel qualified to give advice here - she should not be attacking those pups. The only tip I can give until someone more experienced in this area posts, is give HER the most attention, NOT the puppies and do NOT let them unattended together!!!! Might be best to separate - you have to judge.

I truly hope you can work this out - just keep in mind that she was there first...

Emma82 · 08-22-2006, 11:41 AM

i think she is trying to find her place again in the pack, she wants in because she would fill more important inside with you. so maybe you could spend a bit more time with all of them, to show she there is no top dog in your eyes.
Emma