February 28, 2013
Our 15 pound peekapoo just killed our 4 pound poodle. Do I need to put the peekapoo down?
Full Question:
We have two dogs that have had issues for a long time. I understand the dominance issues from your article but at this point training won't cure.Our 4lb poodle female was killed by our 15lb peekapoo female. What do I now do about the dog that is living and what kind of future issues do I need to be worried about? It was a distinct relationship that these two dogs had but the peekapoo has nipped at people.
I understand the dog that died may very well have caused the problem but do I need to put the peekapoo down or what are my options.
Thank you
Cindy's Answer:
I've delayed in answering because I'm always alarmed & upset when people wait until something of this magnitude happens to seek training advice. I needed time to edit my response before I answered. My first bit of advice would be this, DO NOT get a second dog while you still have the peekapoo.
Waiting until one dog kills another is too little, too late. Why would you put the pekapoo down? The death of the smaller dogs was a result of aggression issues that were not addressed properly by the humans in the house.
If you had written to me at the onset of all the issues, before the death of the other dog I would have advised that you separate them and start with our groundwork program and view a couple of our videos.
Pack Structure for the Family Pet DVD
Dealing with Dominant & Aggressive Dogs DVD
As it is, if the remaining dog is showing aggression to people, I would still recommend going through a complete change with how you live with this dog. She would get NO privileges if she lived here. She would not be allowed free range of the home. She would have to look to me for everything, food, water, going outside, affection, etc...
This is a very sad situation but one that could have been avoided if the dogs had been managed properly when you realized they had issues.
Cindy Rhodes
Waiting until one dog kills another is too little, too late. Why would you put the pekapoo down? The death of the smaller dogs was a result of aggression issues that were not addressed properly by the humans in the house.
If you had written to me at the onset of all the issues, before the death of the other dog I would have advised that you separate them and start with our groundwork program and view a couple of our videos.
Pack Structure for the Family Pet DVD
Dealing with Dominant & Aggressive Dogs DVD
As it is, if the remaining dog is showing aggression to people, I would still recommend going through a complete change with how you live with this dog. She would get NO privileges if she lived here. She would not be allowed free range of the home. She would have to look to me for everything, food, water, going outside, affection, etc...
This is a very sad situation but one that could have been avoided if the dogs had been managed properly when you realized they had issues.
Cindy Rhodes
79% (72 out of 91)
respondents found this answer helpful
Can't find what you're looking for?
79% (72 out of 91)
respondents found this answer helpful
