General Chat

some of you who know me ( as such) know I have been having fights between my 2 dogs. Both spade bitches both rescues. Mini we had 1st at 2/3yr old from a kennel she is a small ( 10.5inch at shoulder) terrier and would fight the world. She is now 7/8 and slowed up.
Minx I found dumped in a carpark a yr later when she was 8weeks old and as scared as ******. She is now 4 and twice the size of Mini
Mini accepted her but never mothered her ...so for 2years we trundled along okay acceptence but never curled up together.

18mth ago Minx started throwing her weight around with snaps and growls. Mini let her and stayed her distance. Then a year ago the fights started. No reason that we could see and Minx was 'told off' but was also very sorry straight after. Should Mini be ill Minx would run to her side though.
We battled through with the hope that Minx will grow out of it. She has been told off, if you can call it that by being caged when she does wrong and getting no fuss.

Today she has gone 1 step to far and instead of just grabbing Mini's neck she has drawn serious blood. €100 later and stitches for poor Mini. who now is in the travel box recovering.

Tomorrow I have to go out so I am having to get a dog sitter for Mini, this will be the 1st time they have been seperated when nobody is there. Mini needs an eye kept on her because of her stitches and I wouldn't be happy to leave them alone while Mini is not 100% ( They have never fought when left alone )

I have gone and bought a mussel for Minx ( I hate them ) but as yet not put it on her.

Any ideas ? because I am at my wits end with them and fear that my pup will have to go.

Oh Uzzi.....I'm so sorry to hear this latest turn of events . Poor Mini .

I can't think of anything that would really help the situation . Obviously Minx
knows that she is being " naughty " when she is aggressive to her companion but just can't / won't stop herself .

I hope you find some sort of answer to your problem that doesn't involve having to get rid of the offender : ((

You have my sympathy .
Amanda xx

Amanda I have a feeling that the 'offender ' who adores me and my OH might have to go. She who cried for a week when I had to go missing when my father died has blotted her copy book once too often.

Nothing I would like more then a solution to keep them both. It will break my heart to have to part with her.
So I am hoping.

Uzzi, I wonder if this might help?

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/

I have seen this guy on TV (US) and he is very good, usually the jist of it is that the dog believes itself to be 'pack leader' rather than you, and you have to re-establish that leadership.
Issues and problem behaviours on left of link page,

hope it helps :)

Rose xx

Rose I will look at it now thanks, I will try most things rather than part with her and to some extent put myself in debt for.
But I can't allow her to keep hurting Mini nor can I use our rent for her.

Yikes one of the things he says about aggressive dogs is walk it out of them ..........


They had just had a 2hr walk and were or should have been Kernacked it had just come up to 10.30 am and the heat was up ...but they went out at 8am

I will nudge this to see if anyone can stop Minx being rehomed

or should I be asking if anyone can house a border terrier X 4yrs old passported needs lots of love and the occasional holiday to Spain !

Sorry Uzzi can't help but I do hope you get them sorted quickly.
Just as long as she doesn'r take a bite out of you!
Love and hugs for you Tricia xxx

Hi Uzzi, have you asked the vet about it? The reason I ask, is that some years ago we took one of our cats to the vet for behavioural advice. One of the things he told us is that a multi-cat household should not have a pecking order, but dogs do have some sort of hierarchy.

It sounds as if Minx needs to be "put in her place" in the household, and shown that Mini is the No. 1 dog.

From what I understand, it's a common problem that can be overcome, so don't lose heart. Good luck!
x

Hi Uzzi, Sorry to hear of your doggie problem. We have a similar situation playing itself out for a few months now and have had discussions with our Vet. Certainly it is part of the natural pecking order that they would have sorted out long ago. the problem now has to do with him being leader rather than you or your husband. Our smallest one, who thinks she is the boss (and probably is) gives us the biggest headache but we persevere with patience and trying to implement the vet's rules which is the hardest part. One of the important rules is not to make eye contact, nor greet, nor acknowledge your dog in any way for at least a half hour when you come home from any place. If he does misbehave as you have said, then to put him in the bathroom or what ever room, for a good while before letting him out with no acknowledgement. Do not pat or play with him on demand. It must be when you call him. Hope this helps a little. Our Vet has said not to use a muzzle at all.

Sorry Uzzi hon I don't have the answer ........crating her when she had done wrong would've been my suggestion.......but you've been down that route already.

I REALLY hope you manage to sort the prob out.......but don't beat yourself too much if you have to let her go.......you did your best....and that's all you can do xx

I also watch Cesar Millan - he is brilliant!
You obviously do the 'walking' bit - now you have to stop Minx before she goes for Mini - before she reaches the 'red' zone.
This will mean watching her body language and ordering her to stay away before she gets near - in a calm way!
Cesar's by- word is 'Calm/submisive' - that's the dog - not you!
He makes it look sooo easy!