Agression

[Tagg]

Oh Kate, I am so sorry you are having this issue. You've already had some good suggestions so I won't repeat what has already been said. I see why you wouldn't want to crate either of them so separate rooms are a must for feeding times. You are going to have to watch closely to see who is the instigator and then work with them. Often it isn't the dog that is vocalizing and even more often the signs are very subtle. You are going to have to redirect the attention of the offender as soon as there are the slightest sign of tension happening. Since Bridie is a smaller dog you probably pick her up on occasion. Please make sure than when you go to put her back down that you do not put her facing Harper. It's butt to face around here whenever a dog is lifted and then put back down in the presence of another dog. The dogs here learned right away that if I growl, CUT, they desist. I use it sparingly but it seems to slice right through the tension. They always get praised for complying. Fingers crossed that you can nip this in the bud. You worked sooooo very hard to get Bridie to you and out of the mess she was in and equally hard to turn Harper's life around. I'll be rooting for you all.
Joanne

 

[Calliesmom]

if you can video what happens before a meal or when Harper is stating her opinion, you might be able to determine who is doing what.

that is actually the reason that I got my first video camera- I would set it up where I could plug it in and get a view of the front door and window. my rescue dog had separation anxiety and the behavioral vet wanted to see what happened after I left. I was able to record the first hour after my departure and the vet was able to pinpoint certain things to work on which helped a lot.

these days, I keep the camera close by to catch cuteness in action

 

[famous seamus]

Oh Kate, I am so sorry you are having this issue. You've already had some good suggestions so I won't repeat what has already been said. I see why you wouldn't want to crate either of them so separate rooms are a must for feeding times. You are going to have to watch closely to see who is the instigator and then work with them. Often it isn't the dog that is vocalizing and even more often the signs are very subtle. You are going to have to redirect the attention of the offender as soon as there are the slightest sign of tension happening. Since Bridie is a smaller dog you probably pick her up on occasion. Please make sure than when you go to put her back down that you do not put her facing Harper. It's butt to face around here whenever a dog is lifted and then put back down in the presence of another dog. The dogs here learned right away that if I growl, CUT, they desist. I use it sparingly but it seems to slice right through the tension. They always get praised for complying. Fingers crossed that you can nip this in the bud. You worked sooooo very hard to get Bridie to you and out of the mess she was in and equally hard to turn Harper's life around. I'll be rooting for you all.
Joanne

Yes butt to face, I was just telling Steve to do just that today Joanne. I fed separately today, with one outside and then the other and it was so calm here. But I have tried this before with Harper and as soon as she catches on she is apt to act out again.

Since Bridey is a puppy and a small girl at that she mistakes Harper's agression for playtime. Which is a real dilemma. When I pick Bridey up, I also soothe Harper, then I pick Harper up. But you are so right, I assumed that Harper was the meanie but Bridey is challenging her now and I am watching very very carefully.

Harper loved her and allowed snuggles and kisses for so long but then it all changed. As Bridey gets closer to her daddy Harper I think is very uptight.

Bridey has her moments also, as she is coming out of her scared shell and adjusting so well to her life here, she can jump up on my lap but Harper cannot and that just aggravates Harper no end.

But today was a good day and I thank you so much for your valuable words. Around here we never give up, we redirect!

How is the Tin Man? I think about you guys often.

Hugs,
Kate