Escalating aggression

[MacsMom]

Mom's dog Coco is a 3-year-old sheltie, rescued about 6 months ago. My dog Mac is a 10-year-old mixed breed, adopted years ago. The dogs live in different homes but see each other once a week on average. Usually Mac visits Coco's home but not always.

We have trouble with Coco growling and snapping at Mac if Mac goes anywhere near Coco's bed or food dish, or if treats or human food are around. It's pretty easy to avoid "flare ups" by keeping Mac away from Coco's stuff, or by giving them treats in separate rooms.

Recently, though, Mac walked into a room where Coco was lying down; both dogs just minding their own business. Coco gave him the "evil eye" for a second or two, then lunged across the room to growl, snap and nip at Mac. I am concerned because I can't figure out what set off this behavior in Coco. Mac is really laid back and easy-going. He's about the same size as Coco and tends to keep to himself. Please any suggestions for how to deal with two "extended family" dogs who see each other frequently but are not housemates. FYI, they often take walks together--both on a leash--and behave beautifully when out of the house.

 

[trini]

First, welcome to SN.

Rescues often come with unknown history behind them and triggers that don't seem to make sense without knowing that history. Coco may have come from a situation where he had to guard anything that was his either from another dog who was allowed to dominate him or from kids who took things from him to tease him.

The fact that the two dogs walk happily together in "neutral" territory is not surprising...there is nothing that "belongs" to Coco that he feels he has to guard.

Since this happens when Your Mac is visiting Coco's house (his territory)...I would suggest that either Coco be the one to come visit you and Mac...or if there is a reason that you usually go to your Mom's maybe your Mom could baby gate off one room for Coco to be in, where his bed and dish are, with Mac not being allowed to go into that room so Coco has a place that he knows won't be "invaded". Some dogs simply don't like other dogs in their space even though they enjoy the company of dogs outside of their space. Resource (territory) guarding is not an easy issue to rehab, separation is often the best way to handle it as you have already done with treats, etc. Your Mac sounds like a sweet guy and I am sure these incidents are upsetting for everyone.

Trini

 

[Calliesmom]

might need a vet visit- shelties are great at hiding injuries/pain but that could cause Coco to be more aggressive. another thing to get checked are the thyroid levels- untreated issues can also contribute to aggression.

 

[Caro]

100% agree with Trini on this. Coco sounds like a dog with very low confidence and is resource guarding what he can. Meeting on neutral territory is your best bet and Trini's idea to gate off Coco's area is a good one. Maybe have one particular area where to two dogs can be together - away from the kitchen and Coco's area.

Personally I wouldn't be handing out treats when both dogs are together. Even tho you give those treats in different rooms you may still be setting up Coco to think there is even more reason to protect his turf from Mac.

Also worth checking out his bloods next time you are at the vet.