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Dog behavior question (long)
What do we do about a little dog-on-dog agression? Can he be taught that the other dog is part of the family also?
My parents got a 3yr old springer spaniel named Sparky who is very sweet and nice to us adults and the kids. When introduced to our 9 yr old lab named Taj, Sparky ran right up to Taj and wagged his tail and even tried to play for about 5 min when they first met. However, about 20-min later Sparky was laying under the table (with multiple ways out - round table in large room) but my dad was sitting at the table and started growling for what we thought was no reason since my lab was 20-ft away laying down. My dad (Sparky's owner), said, "No, growling, Sparky."
Then about 5-min later when I Taj walked over toward me, Sparky came out from under the table and started a fight with Taj. It wasn't really too serious b/c it was easy for me and DH to pull apart and they are both 75lb dogs. I think Sparky was just testing out where he fits in the family with another dog who comes in and is comfortable in his house.
My dad and I believe he that they can figure it out since he was fine and playful - puppy-like when he first met Taj. Plus after we broke up the fight, Taj was nervous, but Sparky just laid down under the table again and took a nap - not really a sign that he was trying too hard to be aggressive or territorial. Aren't they just trying to figure out where each fits in our family pack? How do we encourage them to figure that out without fighting too much and be able to see each other a few days per week. We also will be having them stay together in the same house when we or my parents go on vacation.
Any advice or books to read on this that have good techniques to introduce dogs to living with each other? There are some trainers in town, but from what the shelter director said he doesn't know if many of them do much more than puppy training classes or hunting dog training. There is a shelter behaviorist, but he's really busy and sounds like he's booked for 3 weeks and we'll have them together again this week.
Oh and I'll post on pets also, but I would love to hear from you girls also.
Are you united with the CCOKCs?
Re: Dog behavior question (long)
Can you have them meet at a place that isn't the family home? A dog park or a third-party backyard? Someplace they both know isn't "their's". Let them learn each other first and become friends.
Then introduce them inside the home?
Just a thought, but I'd wait and see what the pets board says too!
Bazinga!
Liz's Yarn
Thanks, I think they would have worked it out had we been able to introduce them in a fenced area outside. Maybe we'll head over to some tennis courts and try that out this week to see if they play. My dog is more playful outside and it seems like Sparky is just trying to find out who is boss a little. Plus, our dog isn't really dominant, so maybe Sparky will end up being the boss a little.
Someone on Pets suggest NILF training for Sparky, but that is basically how my dad trains anyway. Sparky is already very compliant and good for my dad as far as basic commands (come, sit, stay, laydown). He's not ready to be off a leash in an unfenced area, but I know my dad is working with him everyday with training so I hope each week he'll feel less insecure and it will keep getting easier.
Are you united with the CCOKCs?
Married July 21, 2007
It sounds to me like Sparky is just trying to show he is the boss. Taking them to a neutral area is a good idea. Another thing is to walk them side by side. Introducing two dogs face to face is super aggressive for them and thus why sometimes dogs act out but if you walk them side by side they get to know each other without feeling threatened. You can also try making Sparky lay down and bringing Taj towards him but from the side and then allow Taj to sniff Sparky. Sparky probably won't like this too much but after Taj is done switch the two. It's important to make the more dominant dog lay down first. Something to do at home is to tie both of the dogs up in the same area. Far enough away from each other that they can't touch but close enough that they have to "deal" with each other. Ignore them completely until they both calm down and relax, then praise them. If you stand up or someone knocks on the door or something like that and they get riled up again then repeat the process of ignoring them until they behave. This takes a few times but eventually they will learn that in order to please you they need to be calm.
Anyway, just a few things to try. Let me know if any work out for you!