Two Problems

[Tabitha]

Ok, two of my shelties are starting to really get out of hand.

One: I've been fairly successful at keeping all the dogs barking down. That is until my pup found out that she could bark and howl at the same time and make people laugh. Now she barks non stop. I've thought about getting a bark collar but just can't afford it right now. Any suggestions?

Two: My 9 year old has been getting a little aggressive lately. I don't what has gotten in to him! Until two years ago I had only herd him growl at wild animals to protect me from them. He is always showing his teeth at my one year old boy (something he never did, even with the wild animals), and just today I had to brake up a fight between them! He used to be the best dog I could ever imagin having, so sweet and gentle with anything and evey thing. I love him so much and this behavior is very unusual for him. Is there any thing I can do?

Tabitha

 

[mellie]

I would take the 9 year old to the vet for an exam. He could be in pain or be hypothyroid or have another health issue so make sure to have bloodwork done as well as an exam. Make sure to watch him around your son, you don't want him to bite him. Showing his teeth is a warning you want to take heed of. Could it be because of the pup , how long have you had it ? As for the barking, maybe try distracting the pup with fetch or tug. I don't care for bark collars myself- I think there are better ways to manage barking. I do realize how annoying is however .

 

[Tabitha]

Thanks for the advice, I had already had plans to take him to the vet so I'll mention his anger problem then. As for the pup I have tried the distracting thing but will work more on it some more. She's been with us since mid November and the only thing my 9 year old dose to her is pin her down, surprisingly gently, and pulls on her scruff. It may be in play though because when he lets go she jumps up wagging her little tail like crazy!
Thank you!
Tabitha

PS When I said my "one year old boy" I was talking about my dog, not son.

 

[mellie]

Thanks for the advice, I had already had plans to take him to the vet so I'll mention his anger problem then. As for the pup I have tried the distracting thing but will work more on it some more. She's been with us since mid November and the only thing my 9 year old dose to her is pin her down, surprisingly gently, and pulls on her scruff. It may be in play though because when he lets go she jumps up wagging her little tail like crazy!
Thank you!
Tabitha

PS When I said my "one year old boy" I was talking about my dog, not son.

HaaaaHaaahaaaaaaaaa!!! Sorry !!!