Thanks Robert. I am doing my best to do so, but it's hard in a smaller house. I am trying to get the funds necessary to build my gsd his own "house" so they don't have to be together when it's too cold to be outside. I'm not going to just kennel him outside. I think that would be too big an adjustment, and I'm really trying to work on my relationship with him for training purposes. Did your two ever get along if you weren't directly involved? Mine ONLY fight when I'm right there...really don't understand that part. I'll sometimes walk into the room and catch them sharing a dog bed, but as soon as they see me, they get up and push each other out of the way for my attention.

If your chi behaves great on his own but doesn't listen to OB commands around the GSD, that may mean you haven't proofed him in all distractions! Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to get ecollars on both of them so you can reinforce obedience from afar. Make sure they're both solid on OB by themselves and around other distractions then work on OB while they're in the same room, like enforcing a down-stay for both of them while you're in the room. You may be able to use OB to break undesirable behaviors and at least get them to settle down while you're in the same room. I do agree that the day may well come when the GSD treats the chi as a taco. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Also, you say that they're fine when you're not around.. make sure you ALWAYS keep an eye on them when they're together!

Wouldn't it be funny if they knew all this was a game? "Quick, let's give Mom a heart attack! Jump in my mouth!" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the laugh, Diana. Sometimes I wonder if they do it on purpose. I separate them when I leave-my house is very small, and if they're alone together I'm only a few feet away. I should have been clearer. When they're in the yard and I'm watching them, they actually play together. This doesn't mean I trust them and would leave them alone together. It always starts with a bunch of noise from the chi. Usually, Caleb just goes off to bother a cat or something, but if Widget follows him, then there are problems. I must say that he's been tons better since he's been neutered. I hadn't done it before now because he's epileptic, and anesthesia has worsened his seizures in the past. But it was either that or he'd be lucky to make it to Chrismas with his attitude. I was told it would be several weeks/months before the testosterone levels would go down, but I'm starting to see a difference. By no means is he "fixed" but he's not biting the shepherd EVERY time he walks by. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Maybe only 1 out of 25 or so <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> So you think ecollars are ok on a 6-7lb dog? I think he needs it more than the shepherd, but boy, is he gonna be pissed... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I think it's been mentioned that they can be used on cats! I've never seen one small enough, but it's been mentioned. Hopefully the experts can weigh in on that. I'm sure the chi will be able to handle it just fine. If not, he'll learn quicker! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> You'll just have to make sure the chi doesn't think the stim's coming from the shep or else that may set him off even more. I'm not sure, but I can totally see that happening. You'll really have to be conscious on timing.

I do have some more thoughts- well, questions- on this though.. do both dogs have to be controlled at the same time (given commands together) to ensure there is no hierarchal dispute? If the chi is put in a down-stay but the shep is allowed to go about his business will that screw up the dominance ladder? Should BOTH dogs be put in a down-stay (or any other OB command) just to head off potential problems and prove that no one else but the owner is in charge? Will giving stim to the chi while it's focused on the shep make it think the shep did it? Am I completely off-base here?

I don't think they fought very much when I wasn't around but kinda hard to tell if no damage is done!

I'm sure the weaker dog has more respect for the other dog when you're not around to break it up.

That's the way it worked when I had my JRT, she would totally dominate both dogs around me & when I let them outside together she kept her distance like she knew better.

The chi is bravest when he's standing on something tall-chair, bed, bay window seat, etc. That's why I'm trying to keep him off furniture-that's when he gets his bites in as the shepherd walks by. Just need to find an ecollar that will allow him to lift his head up... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> If anyone has any leads, let me know. I'm sure I can find one online.

You know what, I looked for a little bit but I cannot find much of anything. The best I found was one with a collar receiver weight of about 4.6oz. Is that still a bit much for your chihuahua?