Buggs & the "Napoleon Complex"

V

valensage

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I'm sure you guys have covered this many times but here goes again.
Buggs is much smaller than Meddi and was the runt of the litter. He was a true runt. He is now approaching 5 and everyday (almost) of his life has been devoted to ruling, herding, tortuing and growling:no: at poor Meddi. He cannot tolerate Meddi on the bed, around us for petting, etc. Once, when sage was alive, Buggs :mad:attacked Sage even though he (Buggs) was much, much smaller. I wished we could have some real peace between the two. Now Meddi is responding with some real serious TEETH (just snarling). But we are afraid to allow the two to be together in the same kennel because Meddi can be tough when she has enough of Bugg's junk. Buggs can be the sweetest little fella, especially when the two of them play together. However, when we want to hold or pet the two, all he** breaks loose. We have tried just about everything with Buggs but he has a knack of pretending a reformation but he always reverts back to being himself. Here are couple of shots of Napoleon and the lady he tortures.
 
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yes, that was my question too? Why is he shaved? I hope he is alright. I don't have any suggestions though for his behaviour. I am sure someone here will.
 
Have you tried completely withdrawing attention when Buggs does these things? Just getting up quickly and walking away from both of them (and not saying anything)?

My two love each other and get along well except when it comes to attention, but it used to be much worse. If they try anything I get up and move away from them both. I know it sounds mean but the vet behaviourist told me I had to withdraw attention from both dogs at the same time or it will result in increased jealousy. They are smart enough to work out what they did wrong after you do it a few times. Worked really well for mine - they still get a bit jealous over attention but they dont fight about it.

Sorry - had to laugh at that pic (is it Buggs) he looks like a chinese crested!
 
We have this problem occasionally with Smoke and Apollo. I've had success with saying "Bye bye!" in a loud voice and leaving the room whenever he starts the trouble. Smoke still sometimes starts trouble when Apollo takes the spot he wants on the couch or something like that, but things have definitely improved since I started the cold shoulder treatment.

Hope that helps!
 
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