April 12, 2011
Our 1 1/2 year old dog has just started to act aggressive to our 9 year old dog and our children. What can we do?
Full Question:
My name is Amanda. I have a very serious problem. I have a 9-year-old lab mix named Harley and a 1 1/2 year old Rott/lab named Jake and two children. I brought Jake home when he was 8 weeks in May of 99. We felt Harley needed a new companion after our Husky passed away the previous November. They had been together for almost 8 years.Well, Harley took Jake in right away with no incidents ever, until Harley stole a dog bone out of Jake's dish, when he was standing right there watching. Ever since, Jake will start growling when they come in and get fed. Jake starts it most of the time. Usually Harley will just leave his food and come back for it after Jake is somewhere else. They will also start when one comes into a room that the other is already in. It is happening too often.
Tonight, he started in and I took his food away. After Harley ate, I gave Jake his food. One of the kids walked into the room and he growled at her. I scolded him so much that he wouldn't eat his food for a while. Jake is a very passive and gentle dog. When it comes to the kids, he loves them. Before he lays down to sleep, he goes into their rooms and checks on them. I love this dog very much, but I can't handle the growling. Thankfully, they get along great in our kennel. We have only had one incident where they attacked. It was in the living room. I had to jump in and pull them apart because the kids were very close to them when it happened. I just need some advice on ways to get them to get over their jealousy. If I separate them it will only get worse. They need to stay together. Please help.
Thanks,
Amanda
Ed's Answer:
There are a few things that are pretty obvious here:
1. You have not done much reading on my web site, on the dominant dog. The answers are there.
2. You don't have a clue about dog training - but at least you are making an effort.
3. You are 100% wrong about not separating these dogs.
4. Quit feeding these dogs where they can have access to each other’s food.
5. Never allow a dog in any bedroom (it's a prescription for disaster) - read my article.
6. Jake is just now maturing, hence the new problems. He is doing what he does to establish pack rank, i.e. fight with the old dog, take his food, growl at the kids.
You have one and only one chance. Train this dog with a prong collar. You need to take steps at establishing this dog’s position in your pack before he starts to bite.
If you would like to learn something about the principles of obedience training a dog, read the description for my Basic Dog Obedience video. You will probably find that you have not had the full picture on the steps of training a dog must go through before it can be considered fully trained. You can also read why I am not a fan of taking an untrained dog to obedience classes.
1. You have not done much reading on my web site, on the dominant dog. The answers are there.
2. You don't have a clue about dog training - but at least you are making an effort.
3. You are 100% wrong about not separating these dogs.
4. Quit feeding these dogs where they can have access to each other’s food.
5. Never allow a dog in any bedroom (it's a prescription for disaster) - read my article.
6. Jake is just now maturing, hence the new problems. He is doing what he does to establish pack rank, i.e. fight with the old dog, take his food, growl at the kids.
You have one and only one chance. Train this dog with a prong collar. You need to take steps at establishing this dog’s position in your pack before he starts to bite.
If you would like to learn something about the principles of obedience training a dog, read the description for my Basic Dog Obedience video. You will probably find that you have not had the full picture on the steps of training a dog must go through before it can be considered fully trained. You can also read why I am not a fan of taking an untrained dog to obedience classes.
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