[Padin3760]

Hi everyone,

First I want to thank you all for being here and helping the dog community this way. Information is the dog owners best friend


So here is my situation. I got a 7 year old german sheperd/short hair pointer from a friend of a friend because I didnt want to see it go to a shelter. Angel is my 3rd dog and I have enough room and money to feed her that I would hate to get rid of her. My friend and I have been avid dog lovers for years and this problem baffles both of us.

I understand that there is an adjustment period for dogs in a new home. So when angel was nasty with my other 2 dogs I sorta let em work out the pecking order themselves to a degree. I didnt let it get too nasty but let them figure it out. everthing seemed fine after a few weeks of this. but now Angel seems to be very possesive of me. she goes in phases when she wont let my other dogs near me. she is spayed, and is 7 years old. She is used to being the only dog in the family so maybe that why... I really dont know.

The thing about it is that I got Blaze (about 3yrs now) when he was 5 weeks old. so he prolly thinks of me as his parental figure so I cant really let Angel come in and refuse blaze my attention, its just not fair to him. And Buddah (140lb rotty and a big wussy baby hehe) wont even come and sit next to me anymore when I watch tv or where ever because of Angel.

Frankly I dont think its fair to my other 2 dogs. Its like Angel just has not assimilated into OUR family... she considers me to be hers. She is used to being the only dog in the family for 7 years. What I am wondering is how could I teach her to assimilate and not be threatened by my other 2 dogs or maybe I should just try to find another home for her that doesnt have a dog yet. She is an absolute sweetheart, very kind and loves people. I dont want to have to get rid of her because I know she has a good home where she is, but on the same note I have to do whats best for all my dogs. and frankly I wont get rid of Buddah or Blaze.

Any help would be appreciated. thanks a ton.

Padin

[opokki]

Natalie was 3yrs old when Sebastian came to live with us. Prior to this, he lived in a single pet household for the first 5yrs of his life and was spoiled rotten. When his former owners acquired another dog, he didn't adjust well and became so aggressive towards the new dog that they decided to rehome him about a year later. He was 6yrs old when I took him in.

Right from the start, my dogs were only rewarded for polite behavior and learned quickly that pushy, rude behavior caused them to miss out on the things they want. This has worked out very well in my 2-dog household.

I strongly recommend Patricia McConnells booklet and/or video "Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy your Multi-Dog Household."

Best of luck!

[Barhund Canine]

It sounds like you need to work on your leadership skills and get the dogs to know that you do not accept that kind of behavior. Any sign of them doing this don't let them do it. Instead of letting the dogs work it out you should teach and show them how to act. Learn your dogs temperaments, use training methods you are comfortable using. Each dog is different and different techniques and methods will vary as far as effcitiveness. If a technique, mehtod, or motivator doesn't work try something else. Motivators or reinforcers will vary too, some dogs will prefer a certain toy, some work better with food, some with praise. Most imortantly make sure there are no health issues that could be causing the problem. I use a wide variety of methods and tecchniques. Many times I use multiple techniques and methods on a single dog. By being firm, fair and consistant you can learn to apply the proper amounts reinforcement, corrections, and affection to get them to follow the rules boundaries and limitations you set. Don't take the word corrections the wrong way. You can even teach your dog certains words like Oops, too bad, uh oh, as a correction to help them think about what you are asking. As I have seen with working and training dogs when they start learning a lot and their motivation goes up wanting to learn, they will offer things that they have already learned, especially when you are teaching a new command. Even leash corrections when properly applied can be used to motivate a dog. This is usually done with a couple quick slight tugs on the leash. It would be similar to tapping someone on the shoulder to get their attention. By teaching a simple word or couple of words liks simple no, or uh oh, those words would be used as a cue or correction that is not the behavior or command to follow allowing the dog to think about what is going on and what you are asking. The first thing I always address first with new clients is asking and making sure their pet is physically and mentally healthy before using training methods to address the behavior. If there is a physical or mental issue to address the training program is tailored to the dog to address their needs. Living with multiple dogs can be a challenge, they all need to know you are the leader and will not tolerate any aggression towards one another. Whatever methods you use is up to you and what you are comfortable using.

[Padin3760]

thanks for the responses! I got some ideas on how to take care of the problem now, and feel a lot less frustrated.