LoveToKnow Dogs:Custom Behavior Problem
Questions

I can't be certain, but it sounds to me like your dog considers you his alpha. This means you are his leader, so naturally he wants to be with you. Being a pack animal, he feels less secure when he can't be with you.

Perhaps Max has singled you out because you are the most responsive to him. He probably feels like he has a deeper connection to you than to anyone else in your household, even though he may like the others just fine.

Unfortunately, this means he will likely continue to wake you up each morning. I have a thought about this, but your mom will have to okay it. Have you ever tried letting Max sleep in your room? You could move his bed in there, and perhaps he would let you sleep a little longer as long as he can be there to watch over you. If Max is good at not having accidents overnight, this might be a good option. If you prefer that he doesn't sleep in your room, try encouraging other family members to take Max out for walks to help establish them as stronger members of his pack. This may disperse his attention a bit and take some of the focus off of you.

Thanks for your question, and I hope these suggestions help. :) - posted by:Kelly

Congratulations on the adoption. Chihuahuas make very loving companions, but as you're finding out, they have very big personalities.

Many Chihuahuas develop a bit of a Napoleon complex, and they will try to dominate people and other dogs if they think they can get away with it. The most important thing to do right now is establish yourself as your dog's pack leader, and each member of your household will have to do the same so your Chihuahua will learn to treat everyone with equal respect. Even at three years old, it's not too late to enroll your new pet in an obedience class. The commands and responses the two of you will learn there will go a long way toward curbing unwanted behavior. Additionally, take your pet for daily walks on leash. This puts you in the leadership position, and dogs tend to relax and settle into pack mode during walks. This will also help your pet learn his place in the family pack. Each family member who is capable should also take a turn holding the leash during these walks to establish their own dominance in the pack order.

Once your dog accepts you as his leader, it will be up to you to discourage his aggressive behavior by firmly telling him "no" the moment you sense he is going to misbehave. This should help nip the unwanted behavior in the bud.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this advice proves helpful. Best wishes for a long and happy life with your new furry friend. :) - posted by:Kelly

This isn't going to be an easy problem to solve, but I have a couple of thoughts to offer that I hope will help.

First off, a sudden personality change as drastic as this one may be related to some sort of physical ailment that may not be immediately apparent (mild vision loss, hearing loss, pain issues, etc). It would be a good idea to make an appointment to have your vet give her a thorough exam. Tell the vet about her sudden change in behavior because this may provide some clues about what's happening.

Now, even if there's a medical problem in play, you'll still have to help your dog work out those fear issues. This is best accomplished by providing calm leadership so your dog realizes she can still trust you. As long as there's no physical reason to prevent some exercise, try taking your dog for some long daily walks. Walking really does help relieve a dog's anxiety, and if you are walking her as her leader, she should eventually relax and trust your lead. Praise her during the walk, but keep things calm and nonchalant. Our dogs really pick up on our own feelings. If you find yourself anticipating that your dog will shy away from you, you may be telegraphing that feeling to her, which in turn gives her the false notion that she indeed has something to fear.

In addition to the walks, which I believe will be beneficial, you can also do some positive reinforcement by rewarding her with a treat when she's with you. The idea is to help your dog reassociate you with pleasant consequences for being together.

Although you may never know what initially sparked your dog's unusual behavior, these steps may help you turn the situation around. Best wishes that it all works out. :) - posted by:Kelly

I actually think you hit the nail on the head. Since the problems didn't begin until after the new baby was born, your dog's current behavior is quite likely a reaction to the new household makeup. Your dog may have noticed that you are focusing more on the new baby, and he probably feels that leadership in your family pack is up for grabs. Akitas have strong personalities, and they will try to take over if they think they can.

Although I'm sure you have your hands full right now, the very best thing you can do is enroll your dog in obedience training right away. This will re-establish you as your dog's leader, and this should help quell his current rebellion. He will be a happier dog once he is sure of his proper place in the family pack.

As for urinating in the kitchen, I recommend you soak the area with an enzymatic cleaner. This will eliminate the urine crystals that are left behind with normal cleaning. Whenever the crystals become humid, they release the scent that draws the dog back to urinate in the location again. This effort, combined with a refresher course on potty training, should go a long way toward correcting the situation.

Thanks for sharing what's going on, and I hope these suggestion help you resolve the problems. :) - posted by:Kelly

Well, it sounds like you're just running into some typical large dog issues for the most part. You mentioned that you took your pet to puppy classes, and these are great for establishing basic manners and socialization, but now it's time to take the next step and enroll Peaches in basic obedience training. Here she will learn how to respond to a set of specific commands, as well as learn to heel at your side on walks without pulling ahead on the leash. Part of the initial training involves training your dog to ignore distractions. You could use the trash can as one of the distractions for this exercise and that should cure her of getting into it. You can always give her a quick refresher on that lesson if she begins to backslide. Obedience training will also teach Peaches to respond quicker. Right now, her pause before obeying is an initial test of your leadership. It could become more of a problem in future if it's not addressed now.

Finally, let's talk about that circling. Sniffing behinds is a way dogs get to know and identify each other because the anal glands give off a distinctive scent. It's also not that unusual (although unpleasant) that one dog would lick another's bum. This usually happens because a dog's keen sense of scent makes it possible to smell undigested bits of food particles that are naturally contained in stool. These trace scents could compel a dog to lick. I would just suggest you discourage your dog when you catch her doing this and redirect her mind to a more acceptible activity. The real problem with bum licking is that it increases the chance that Peaches will pick up worms or viruses from someone else's pet.

So, I hope this info addresses all the issues. Thanks for sharing your information, and give Peaches a hug from me. :)

- posted by:Kelly

First of all, I think it is wonderful that you adopted this puppy. He has probably lost out on a bit of socialization, but it's not too late to catch up on it.

Based on what you describe, it sounds as if your puppy doesn't really intend on hurting anyone, and Shepherds can certainly look ferocious when they show those big teeth. Your pup is probably just trying to figure out where he fits in with his new family pack.

Taking your pup to the park is great for exercise, but I think he would benefit more from some controlled socialization in the form of a puppy class at your local dog training facility. At class, your pup will learn acceptible ways of socializing with other dogs. The traininer will also watch your pup to evaluate his behavior and let you know if it is truly normal or whether he is at the beginning of developing aggression problems. Once puppy class is finished, you can move on to basic obedience training, and this will make your pet an even better family companion.

Overall, I think everything is going to be alright, but the trainings I've mentioned will really help your pup become the best he can be. Good luck. :) - posted by:Kelly

First let me commend you on adopting a seven-year-old dog. Many people would have preferred a puppy, and it's difficult to find a home for a retired breeder.

I can't say for certain, but I'm guessing your dog's behavior problem is due in part to her life with her previous owner. The fact that the breeder wanted to get rid of her once she couldn't breed anymore is a strong indication of the exact value this dog had to him/her. Based on that, your dog may not have been properly socialized.

Terriers are notorious for being feisty, and if you don't assert yourself with calm, authoritative leadership, they will try to assume the leadership position themselves. Your dog may have decided your son is beneath her in the family pack order decided she can amuse herself by giving him a bit of flack. The situation with your grandson is of more concern, so do make sure you assert yourself if the dog makes a move toward the child.

As for the situation with your son, I'm going to suggest a simple solution to help your dog view him as her leader. Your son needs to begin taking your dog for daily walks on leash. This puts him in charge of her, and she has to learn to accept his authority. She may resist or behave naughty at first, but she'll eventually wear down. If necessary, the three of you can walk together, and you can eventually hand your son the lead and let him walk your dog. Repeating this exercise on a daily basis will reaffirm the notion that your son is also your dog's leader, and it should eventually eliminate the aggression. In many cases, if "you" feel like you're the dog's leader, the dog will accept you in the position. You just have to really believe it yourself or the dog won't buy it.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope this advice helps. - posted by:Kelly

I've learned with Terriers that they can be voracious chewers as puppies. Most don't pass this initial phase until they are nearly 18 months old. The good news is that the situation does get better, but even as adults these dogs will sometimes have an ornery moment and tear something up. Living with a Terrier is never dull.

That said, there are some things you can do right now to lessen the damage being done. First, it may be helpful to confine your dog to one area when you can't be there to watch him. This could mean confining your pet to the kitchen or wash room, or perhaps confining him to an adequately sized crate or kennel run. This will greatly reduce his ability to reach things to chew.

Second, you need to provide him with enticing toys he can either play with or chew, and you need to try to put all other chewable items out of his reach. Of course, you can't put all your furniture out of reach, but if he chews it, you can try spraying table and chair legs, etc., with a product called Bitter Apple. The taste is usually enough of a deterrent to keep a dog from putting his mouth around an object that has been treated.

Nuisance chewing is usually a sign of boredom, anxiety or a combination of both. So, you'll want to take your dog out for daily exercise to help releash anxiety, and supply him with interactive toys as well as acceptible chew toys and treats to keep boredom at bay.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope these suggestions help. - posted by:Kelly

A certain amount of aggression is to be expected from Terriers. They are usually rather territorial about their turf, and sometimes even feel the need to guard their people. It's not uncommon for a Terrier to challenge another dog if it invades the Terrier's space. Although it sounds like your dog has been a fairly mellow character up until now, at five-years-old, he's certainly mature and may finally be displaying the typical temperament you'd find in many Westies.

Still, there could be an underlying cause for the change in his behavior, and you shouldn't ignore this possibility. For example, your dog might have an underlying condition that's causing him pain and making him cranky towards other dogs because he's trying to protect himself. This is common in dogs that feel they are vulnerable to an attack. Any loss of eyesight could result in the same type of behavior. As you can see, there could be any number of reasons along this line of thinking that could cause your dog to behave aggressively.

For now, it would be a good idea to schedule an exam for your pet. Be sure to talk to your vet about the recent and significant change in your dog's behavior. This will give the vet more info to go on. Hopefully there is nothing physically wrong with your pet, but it would be better to find that out as quickly as possible in case he needs treatment. If he gets a clean bill of health, it would be a good idea to enroll the two of you in obedience class so you can gain more control over him. This would be quite helpful when he's showing aggression toward another dog. Your trainer can even work with you one-on-one to teach you how to check your dog's aggressive energy right when it first begins.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this information points you in the direction of resolving the situation. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

It sounds as though your dog is having a false pregnancy. With some females, they simply develop some of the signs of pregnancy like a slightly fuller abdomen and larger teats. Some actually produce milk. These changes tend to fade within a few weeks. However, some females experience a more intense false pregnancy that causes them to develop an attachment to toys or other objects and treat them like surrogate pups. Although the behavior can be a little puzzling to us, it's basically harmless. This also clears up within a few weeks, and there's not a lot you need to do about it. For the time being, allow your dog to mother her toys because she will likely stress if you take them away. Just ignore that mothering behavior, and continue to take her out for fresh air and exercise. Giving her some fresh perspective may lessen her anxiety and shorten the amount of time she ultimately devotes to her "litter", and she should be back to her normal self in a few weeks.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this information sets your mind at ease. :) - posted by:Kelly

You've pinpointed the heart of the matter; your dog needs to accept your husband as part of his family pack. Right now, it sounds as if your dog views your husband as an outsider.

Let me go back a bit and ask how your husband felt about adopting this dog in the first place. Was he excited about the prospect, or was he somewhat reluctant to add a dog to the family dynamic? If he was a little reluctant, your new pet may sense this. That doesn't mean your husband isn't treating the dog well, but dogs are incredibly sensitive to our moods, so he may be picking up on your husband's feelings. If your husband was happy about the adoption but has since become disappointed because of the dog's attitude toward him, this could also perpetuate the situation. It's certainly worth a discussion to see if this could be the case.

So, the question remains of how to help your husband and your dog bond together. One of the best ways to begin establishing that bond is for the two of them to take long daily walks together. This puts your husband in the leadership position. He should keep his energy level calm yet friendly. As the walk progresses, your husband should feel the dog begin to relax, and the two of them will develop a comfortable rhythm together. Your husband can occasionally tell your dog what a good boy he is, and the praise should show your dog there's nothing to fear from your husband. Hopefully this will lay a foundation for these two to build a strong, positive relationship. If you find you still need more help, your husband can enroll your dog in obedience class and go with him as his trainer. This is another was to establish your husband's role in a very positive situation.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this advice proves helpful. :) - posted by:Kelly

If you're talking about a female in heat, it's typically an invitation to breed. However, when one dog gives another dog the rear end posturing like that, it's usually because that animal is trying to establish dominance. Dogs will also take up this posture during episodes of aggression because it keeps the vulnerable neck area away from the other dog's teeth. This can be done in all seriousness, but some dogs do seem to "mock" fight during play. Watch these two dogs together to try to determine which behaviors you can attribute to the action. As long as the dogs don't erupt into a real fight, it's probably better to let them deal with it on their own. If one of the dogs looks like he's had enough, call them to you and try to redirect them into doing something else. This is a good time to offer a chew treat, take them for a walk, etc.

Thanks for your question. :) - posted by:Kelly

There are many reasons why a dog develops a compulsion to lick, but your vet will need to help you sort out the reason behind it. For now, let me just offer a few suggestions.

• First, at ten, you dog has entered his senior years, so there's a possibility the licking could be related to a burgeoning senility issue.
• The compulsion could also be related to a condition called Pica. Pica involves licking, chewing or even eating inappropriate items. Some believe it can be caused by a mineral deficiency, but your vet can offer more info.
• Is the licking constant, or does is seem to come in episodes? There is such a thing as a psychomotor seizure that presents as spells of repetitive odd behavior rather than the typical body spasms witnessed with a regular seizure. This is yet another possibility for your dog's behavior, and his licking at the air is what made me think of it.

I'm going to suggest you keep a diary of when and what your dog licks, and approximately how long it goes on. This may help your vet see some sort of pattern to the licking that may lead to a diagnosis.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and please let us know what you find out. We do get questions from other visitors on this topic, and what you learn may help others. - posted by:Kelly

You're doing well to supervise these two dogs' time together. You new puppy is going to grow very quickly and will soon seem like a giant compared to your little Chihuahua. The new puppy is bound to become more boisterous as he grows, and this does present a certain amount of risk to your smaller dog. I'd advise enrolling the puppy in a puppy socialization class now in preparation for obedience class as soon as he's old enough. This will give you more control over his actions.

The time of most concern is while your Bernese/Lab is still a puppy. Most dogs settle down quite a bit as they mature, so this first year will hold the biggest challenge. A consistent training program should go a long way toward helping the situation.

Thanks for your question, and I hope it all works out well. :) - posted by:Kelly

I'm curious to know how long you've had your puppy, how old she is and where you got her from.

Puppies circle repeatedly like this for a number of reasons. Here are just a few, but I can't be sure what might apply to your pup.

• Brain damage- A pup that remained in the birth canal too long might have suffered some oxygen deprivation. Resulting brain damage could affect motor skills.
• A puppy that was raised in a small cage becomes conditioned to spin because that is the only oppportunity for exercise it ever had. This is sometimes seen in pups that come from pet shops, puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders who are raising dogs in overcrowded conditions.
• An inner ear infection can affect a dog's equalibrium, and this could also cause the circling.
• There may be another type of brain abnormality involved.

As you can see, you're going to need your vet's help to evaluate your puppy's unique situation, but at least these ideas might give you some direction towards identifying the cause of the circling. I truly hope there is nothing seriously wrong and that your dog recovers or outgrows this habit. Thanks for your question, and best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

I understand your concern, but it would be extremely difficult to discourage your dog from burying bones. This is an instinctual habit left over from your dog's canine/wolf ancestors. You can read more about it in our article Why Do Dogs Bury Bones.

That said, it would be easier to modify what you are to doing to prevent the opportunity for your dog to bury bones and dig them up later when they have spoiled. First, make sure your dog has a fresh bowl of dry kibble each morning before you leave for the day. Be sure to place it where it won't get wet if it snows or rains. Next, only leave your dog one biscuit. This should be sufficient to keep her satisfied. I recommend offering a baked biscuit like a milk bone rather than a frozen chicken wing. This way if she buries it, it will likely break down in the soil before she digs it back up again. That's really all there is to it.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this suggestion helpful. :) - posted by:Kelly

Right now, your male dog's hormones are in overdrive. These dogs have already had more than enough breedings to produce a litter if both are healthy and fertile. I recommend you keep each one confined in turns for the rest of the heat cycle. Once your male dog no longer has the female to dominate and "protect" his attitude should calm down a bit. Poms do have a tendency to become little dictators, so it's important for your family to re-establish their leadership over him. You should each take turns taking him out for walks on leash. This offers him an opportunity to get out of the house and exercise. It also provides a much needed change in perspective that requires him to take the submissive role to his human leader.

All together, these measures should help you regain control of the situation and help both dogs through this stressful time. Good luck. :) - posted by:Kelly

Well, it sounds like you have a big problem on your hands, but unfortunately, keeping your dog crated will only make things worse.

Staffs are high energy dogs that require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and sound minded. I can't recommend enough taking your dog out for long brisk walks each day. If you can jog with her, so much the better. If you really want to work her, let her pull you along on roller skates/blades. She'll love having a job to do. She needs to work off that pent up energy, otherwise it just stays bottled up until you let her out of her crate, and then she explodes in a lot of undesirable activity. You should also enroll her in obedience training; this will provide you with more control over her. Imagine how nice it would be to give her the down-stay command and have her obey. Obedience training is really worth the time and effort.

The toys you give her can also stimulate her mind if you choose the right ones. First, I recommend black Kong dog toys for durability. These are made from the strongest rubber available, so they hold up much longer. Many Kongs also have an opening to stuff with a dog biscuit or some other kind of treat. Your dog has to work on them to get the treat out, and this makes her work her mind. There are also other interactive toys that dispense treats and even allow you to record a message to your dog that transmits when the toy is moved.

At two years old, your dog will naturally begin to settle down a bit, but I believe that if you give her a daily work out and follow through with obedience training, she is going to become a much calmer companion. It may not seem like it now, but you really can improve this situation if you're willing to work with her. Best wishes for a successful outcome. :) - posted by:Kelly

Honestly, it just sounds to me like your puppy feels very secure with you, and he was fascinated to meet someone new. You can actually take heart in the fact that he greeted your friend so welcomingly. It shows he has a wonderful companion temperament. Some Terriers can be a little snippesh with visitors, but your dog handled it nicely.

I don't think you should look at this as your dog rejecting you. I'm sure that wasn't the case. Just realize that Terriers are especially curious, and new people with new smells will always require thorough investigation. If your friend was friendly to your dog, he was simply taking him/her up on the invitation. All things considered, it sounds like you have a great little canine ambassador. Be glad you can share the happiness he brings you with others.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this eases your worry. - posted by:Kelly

Good question. In most cases, the mother will only eat the placenta sac once the puppy is born. Sometimes, a first time mom will cut the cord far too close to the abdomen or even chew the tummy open by mistake. This is unfortunate, but thankfully it's fairly rare.

That said, there are some females that do not seem to have the mothering instinct, and they will eat their young if given the opportunity. One of my Chihuahuas did this. We thought it might have happened because she'd had a C-section and didn't recognize the pups as her own. It was quite a schock. We gave her one more try the following year, under careful supervision. At two weeks post delivery, she seemed to be doing well with the pups and caring for them. We made a quick trip to the grocery store, and the mom partially ate one of the pups while we were gone. Needless to say, that was the end of her breeding career. Her co-owner kept the surviving female pup, and I later heard that she too ate pups from her first litter. So, it could tend to run in families.

So you see, it is possible for this to happen, but it really is rare. The best thing anyone can do is pay close attention to how the female interacts with the pups, and make sure she is amply fed. Bathing the pups and cleaning up their excrement is perfectly natural, but the pups should be removed and fostered if their mother shows any aggression toward them.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you never experience any of these problems. :)

- posted by:Kelly

It is difficult to say exactly why your dog feels compelled to snatch the food from counters and cupboards, but the problem is a fairly common one with larger dogs. Perhaps her food issues stem back to her previous living situation before you took her in. If she wasn't fed properly on a regular schedule, she may have had to resort to snatching in order to get a meal. This is just one theory, but it could provide an explanation for why she developed the behavior.

That said, it sounds like you are making progress since her separation anxiety is milder than it was when she came to you. I commend you for your patience and dedication to rehabilitating this pet. It sounds like it is time to teach your dog the "leave it" command. Pick an item to use during initial training. Let's use a red bandana as an example. Be prepared with a pocketful of small dog treats to use as rewards. You are going to begin by conditioning your dog to understand that "leave it" results in a reward. Hold the bandana in front of her to catch her attention and draw her to it. When she goes to investigate, give her a firm yet calm command to leave it. If she backs off even a little bit, immediately give her a treat and tell her she's a good girl. Dogs make immediate associations, so the treat has to be instantaneous when she follows your command. You'll need to repeat this conditioning exercise a number of times until your dog is consistantly following the leave it command with the bandana. Once she seems to have it, you can set up a temptation area for her in your kitchen. Leave a food item on the counter, but set the bandana next to it. Give your dog some time and space to discover the food and become tempted to approach it. When she gets close, give the firm but calm command to leave it. Immediately reward her if she complies. You can repeat the command if she doesn't.

Repeat this exercise a couple of times at intervals throughout the day, always beginning with the conditioning exercise to associate "leave it" with a reward, and always rewarding the successes. If she has a failure, don't scold her or become angry. Just give her a firm leave it command, and take the item from her. Put it back, give both of you a moment to regain your calm and try the exercise again.

I won't kid you. This is going to take some time to train your dog and correct the problem, but it should work if you are calm and consistent. Thanks for sharing your situation, and good luck. :) - posted by:Kelly

I understand your concerns, but this sounds like normal puppy behavior for the most part. Your pup is trying to figure out if she can gain dominance over your older male, and although he plays back, it doesn't sound like he's inclined to show her who's the boss. As she grows, your pup may become the leader in that relationship. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it is time to start curbing some of her more aggressive behavior and establish yourself as her leader. The first thing to do is establish daily walks to help burn off some of that excess energy and put your pup in the right frame of mind. Bring your Malamute along so the entire pack can walk together as a unit and everyone gets to know their place.

Next, have you taken her to puppy socialization classes yet? This would be a good place to begin training for basic manners and how to be a good canine citizen. After that, move her right into obedience training. Here she'll learn the basic commands that will give you greater control over her behavior. The "down" and "stay" exercises will give you a way to settle her down when the play fighting becomes too rough. You can review all the exercises with her anytime she begins to get out of control. Obedience training is a tool you can use for life.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope you find these trainings useful. Good luck. :) - posted by:Kelly

Welcome to the wonderful world of Labrabors! This is a high-energy breed bred for sporting. Many Lab owners report their dogs are still quite boisterous even as they begin to enter their senior years. Chances are you'll never be able to describe your dog as "sedate", but there are a few things you can do, even now while he's a pup, to gain a little control over him and help him burn off excess energy.

First, this dog needs more exercise than the average canine. Take him for long daily walks. Ride your bike and let him run beside you on leash. Take hikes in woodland terrain if you can manage it, or play frisbee with him for half an hour each day. This breed needs lots of activity.

Second, mental stimulation is almost as import as physical exercise. I'd recommend providing your pup with some Interactive Dog Toys to help challenge his mind.

Third, it's definitely time to begin obedience training. For all of their exuberance, Labs are also quite intelligent, and they really do want to please their people. Obedience training covers essential commands that will help put you in the leadership position with your pet and gain necessary control over his behavior. You will need to practice with your pup about fifteen minutes each day to reinforce what you learn at each lesson, but it will be time well spent when you begin to see results.

As you are already coming to know, Labs can be a challenging breed, but the love, entertainment and loyalty they shower on their families is worth the effort. Good luck! - posted by:Kelly

I totally understand your concern for your family. However, it may not be necessary to part with your dog if you can get his behavior back under control. There are several ways to go about this.

First, it would be a good idea to have your vet give your dog a physical exam. This way you find out whether or not some undiscovered physical ailment is behind your dog's behavior. He may indeed feel more intimidated by the men of the house and so he acts out more as a defense.

Once your dog's health status has been established, you can move on to correcting the behavior if this is simply a pack order issue. You must be the one to discourage your dog when he behaves aggressively toward your husband and older son, since your dog seems to think you now belong to him. You have to take up the position as his leader and be firm but kind.

Enrolling your dog in obedience class would also put you in the leadership position in a very structured yet fair environment. Once your dog is trained, you can teach all the family members who are old enough how to run your dog through his exercises, and this will teach your dog he is also below them in the pack order.

All of that said, if the situation between your dog and your older son truly seems serious, you might want to go straight for a canine behaviorist for help. You should be able to locate one through your nearest dog training facility. A behaviorist will come to your home to observe your dog's actions in his usual surroundings. Based on these observations, the behaviorist will offer advice on what triggers your dog's aggression, as well as ways to correct the problem behavior.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and I really hope you find these suggestions helpful. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

It's difficult to know exactly why your dog hoards bones, but you're probably right to think it might be connected to her life prior to when you adopted her. The instinct to bury food is a very old one, but your dog seems to feel especially compelled to do so. You may find it helpful to read our article Why Do Dogs Bury Bones for more background info.

Since the bones seem to produce so much anxiety, I recommend you stop giving your dog new ones. Let her keep what she has now, and gradually try to reduce the number stored around the house. I don't know how long you've had your dog, but you may see this behavior diminish with time once she feels completely secure that you'll always provide her with food.

Thanks for your question, and I wish you a long and happy life with your pet. :) - posted by:Kelly

I'm glad you decided to ask this question, and I want you to understand it's not too late to bond with your Aussie. This breed can be headstrong, but they are also extremely intelligent and devoted. Yes, you'll need to establish yourself as her alpha, and taking her to obedience is the perfect way to do it. The first lesson in obedience teaches a dog to pay attention to her leader. From there, the training sessions shared between the two of you will help to form a bond of trust. If you follow the instructor's directions and train your Aussie with a fair and even hand, she will become devoted to you. From that point forward, you can reinforce the training by putting her through some of the basic exercises anytime you feel she's becoming a bit too strong-headed. Offer praise and affection when she performs well, always treat her fairly, and you'll have a friend for life.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a long and happy life together. - posted by:Kelly

I must apologise. I accidentally deleted your question after posting my answer, so I do hope you see my reply.

There seems to be a lot of changes going on in everyone's lives right now, and it will definitely take some time for the new family to gel. Let me offer a few thoughts that might help.

First, let's address the most important issue about the Pekingese's biting. At age ten, I wonder if this dog is suffering any hearing or sight loss. What you're describing sounds comparable to the way a deaf or at least partially blind dog behaves when startled. The first reaction is often to strike out in defense. It would probably be worth it to have the Peke examined by the vet to be sure whether sight or hearing is becoming an issue.

That's not to say this dog might not have a simple behavior problem. I suspect that she feels dominant over everyone, not just the other dog. Being on her own for much of the day, she probably assumed the pack leader position a long time ago. When she got away with snapping the first time, it likely emboldened her to continue. Both you and your wife need to reclaim your positions at the top of the household pack. If possible, take both dogs for walks together on leashes. You and your wife should take turns walking both dogs every day so each comes to understand that you are their leaders. If you can establish control on leash, it will help establish more control in other situations. Be sure to remain calm and in control. You not only need to establish your place in the home, you need to show these pets that you are trustworthy and will not harm them. Being calm and assertive will help you establish proper relationships with each dog.

Now for the bed issue. If the Peke can't get onto the bed on her own and the stool is not available, it's more likely the other dog or one of the cats that is doing the urinating in an effort to reinforce a claim on the territory. As the pack leaders, it's alright to make certain territories off limits to the animals. Buy the pets their own beds to sleep in, and keep the bedroom door closed so they can't have access. The cat's don't operate on a pack system, so closing the door is the easiest solution for them. Establish your boundaries and stick to them. And yes, gating the dogs in the kitchen during the day is a good first step toward eliminating the house accidents. Provide paper or puppy pads for them to use. If possible, you might want to consider adding a doggie door and just fencing a small area directly outside of it for the dogs to use. Many electronic doors come with special collar tags that will only open the door for the dogs who are wearing them. This would help keep the cats from escaping.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful. It may take some time before you see the changes you want, but things should begin to get better if you remain consistent. - posted by:Kelly

It's definitely time to teach your dog some better manners. She needs to learn boundaries. One of the first lessons in obedience training teaches your dog to ignore distractions like food and toys until you allow them to have them. This lesson can also be adapted to teach your dog that food plates are off limits. The additional commands taught during basic obedience will give you better control of your dog in all situations, so it is well worth enrolling your pet as soon as possible so you can begin reaping the benefits. You can locate class schedules at your local dog training school. You can even ask your instructor for specific tips to keep your dog out of the trash at home.

Good luck with the training. I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience. - posted by:Kelly

A little wariness of strangers is alright, but your dog is exhibiting some decidedly anti-social behaviors. You're right, you'll want to tackle this behavior now before it could one day escalate into more serious behavior.

The good news is that it is not too late. I highly recommend that you enroll your pet in a puppy socialization class at your local dog training facility. The purpose of this class is to accustom your dog to meeting other dogs and people in a friendly manner. Your puppy will learn that he has little to fear from such encounters, and his manners and fearfulness should greatly improve. Your instructor will also offer advice to improve your dog's current behavior. Once puppy class is completed, I also recommend that you follow up with a basic obedience course. This will help ensure your pet respects your postition as his leader and responds to your commands. I think you'll be very pleased with the results of both these trainings.

Thanks for visiting the site, and I hope this advice helps. - posted by:Kelly

My first inclination is that although Annie does sound happy at your home, she may miss her previous owner from time to time, and she likes to pay her a visit.

My second inclination is to ask if you're really sure about Annie's age, especially since she was a stray when the previous owner adopted her. It could be possible that she is older than estimated, and she may have a senior moment now and then that makes her think she still lives with her former owner.

All of that said, how does Annie know how to find her way between the former owner's house and yours? Three miles is a good treck, but is it possible you have made the walk together in the past? Really, dogs are amazing creatures.

The main problem with this situation is that Annie could become injured on one of her journeys. I would try to keep her contained to your yard to keep her safe.

Thanks for sharing you situation, and please give Annie a snuggle from me. She must be quite a girl. :) - posted by:Kelly

There are a lot of things you can do to help ease this situation. Keep in mind that this is just a very young puppy. She hasn't learned the rules yet, but she is young enough to begin learning proper behavior before biting and scratching becomes an ingrained habit.

First, let's begin with those nails. My advice is to visit a groomer who can grind the overgrown tips down smooth with a nail grinder. This is much more effective than trimming them with a standard nail clipper that still leaves sharp tips. This way, the nails won't scratch the children and other surfaces in your home.

Now, let's talk about training. It's important that you begin establishing boundaries for proper behavior. I believe your best option is to begin by enrolling your pet in puppy class. Here, she'll learn how to socialize in a positive manner, and the instructor can show you how to dissuade the puppy from wild behavior and encourage the kind of calm behavior you really want. When your pup reaches six months old, you can enroll in a basic obedience class to finish the job.

It's also important to talk to your grandchildren about how to behave around the puppy. They need to understand that the puppy will react to their own excitement, so if they stay calm, the puppy is more likely to settle down. It will be up to you to tell the puppy "No" when she begins chewing on hands, remove her from the situation and offer her a chew bone so she can work out her teething urges in a positive manner. Be sure to praise her calmly when she uses the chew bone so she learns the right behavior.

In time, your puppy will grow up and settle down. These are just the early days, so you need to establish your expectations and be consistent so your little Chi learns one set of rules.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful. - posted by:Kelly

There are basically two things going on here. First, your dog doesn't respect you as his leader and this is why he doesn't return when you call. He obviously does view your mother as his pack leader, so he's willing to come to her when called.

Second, it's not so much that your dog is running away from you as much as he's running toward something else that has peaked his curiosity. I have three JRTs myself, and there is likely no breed that is more curious and more determined to explore.

I think the answer to your problem is for the two of you to enroll in obedience training. Your dog will learn to respect and respond to your leadership, as well as learn a variety of commands that will make life easier in every aspect. Besides that, the classes are a fun way to spend time with your pet.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this suggestion helpful. - posted by:Kelly

To me, it sounds like your dog is bored and creating her own entertainment. To top it off, she doesn't feel like you're leading her, so she has decided to try to lead you in order to force the issue.

Bored dogs can get into all kinds of mischief, and they will choose whatever is easiest for them to get to. To begin addressing this problem, keep all of your shoes and other clothing in the closet with the door firmly shut. Next, close the bedroom door and make the room off limits for the time being. This eliminates this particular problem, but you'll still need to address your dog's boredom and leadership challenges or she'll just find something else to entertain herself with.

Exercise works wonders for adjusting a dog's attitude, and being a Beagle/Lab mix, your dog has a lot of energy to burn, even at age seven. She needs at least one good daily walk with you in control of the leash. This burns energy as well as re-establishes your position as her leader. Adding obedience class to your weekly routine will also serve both of these purposes. Finally, keep an assortment of dog toys and chew sticks on hand. You can rotate which toys you offer your dog each day so she doesn't get bored with any one toy.

Providing your dog with more exercise, mental stimulation and daily structure will go a long way toward rehabilitating her current behavior. If you're consistent, it should work.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and good luck! - posted by:Kelly

Taking on a Pitbull dog is a very big responsibility, and one that you should carefully consider. Although many of these dogs turn out to be wonderful family companions, many do not. The reports you see on TV about Pitbull aggression are not complete hype.

These dogs tend to become more aggressive after they reach maturity around 18 months old, especially toward other dogs. You need to establish loving dominance over them before this time in order to ensure their proper place in your family pack. This also means that every member of your household also needs to rank above the dog. Otherwise, you could be in for future challenges. Given the strength of these dogs' jaws, it could quickly turn into a dangerous situation.

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of indiscriminate breeding going on to provide animals for the fight trade. In my opinion, this has lead to uncertain temperaments in some bloodlines. I would be more suspect of a dog that came from the ocassional breeder who is only concerned with having animals for sale. Since you are being offered this animal for free, it's a good idea to ask why. Did no one else want the dog? Was it returned to the breeder due to temperament or training problems. These are just a few examples of the kinds of questions to ask before you decide to bring this animal into your home.

As for media perception of the breed, I have seen many reports of Pitbull attacks on the news. Most of these involve fighting animals that have escaped their owners and wound up attacking random strangers. However, there have been a few reports of Pits suddenly attacking an owner when the dogs have previously showed no sign of aggression whatsoever. Every situation is unique, but it does give you pause.

My best advice is to consider whether you'll be able to provide the socialization and obedience training this dog will need to have for the best chance of succefully fitting into your family. Additionally, I'd recommend having it temperament tested through your vet clinic or local dog training facility. In the end, only you can decide if this breed will be the right fit for your family.

Best wishes that things work out, no matter what you decide. - posted by:Kelly

This behavior is concerning, but just how normal it might be depends on exactly how old the puppy is. It sounds as though Nippy doesn't enjoy motherhood, and may even feel discomfort when the puppy nurses. This presents a definite problem if we're talking about a new born puppy of less than two weeks old. However, if we're talking about a puppy of four to five weeks old, this could be Nippy's attempt to encourage weaning.

How well does Nippy take care of the pup overall? Does she allow nursing furing the day? Does she clean the pup and snuggle it close? If she's not doing any of these things willingly, she may be on the verge of rejecting the pup, and it may be wise to begin bottle feeding if the puppy is very young, as well as planning on weaning a little early.

My advice for now is to move Nippy's whelping box into your sister's bedroom at night. This will probably make Nippy feel more secure, and may help everyone make it through the night. My biggest worry is that Nippy might harm the puppy if left alone with it. I once had a Chihuahua bitch that didn't turn out to be a very good mother, and she actually savaged her puppy one day when left alone with it. I'm hoping my suggest will save your sister from the same type of heart break.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything turns out alright. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not vet, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. The behavior you're describing sounds like a series of mini psychomotor seizures. The fact that you're able to distract your dog out of them would indicate they are very mild. Psychomotor seizures vary from typical Canine Seizures in the way they present. The event usually involves odd or unusual behavior, such as repeated circling, staring and barking at nothing, and even the kind of behavior you're witnessing in your puppy.

My best advice would be to keep a diary over the next two weeks, recording each event you witness by the the date and time, how long the episode lasts, and a description of the behavior you observe. Schedule an appointment with your vet, and take the diary and your dog in. The diary will show your vet the behavior is more than random, and the details may help your vet form a diagnosis and treatment plan, if indeed one is necessary.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the situation doesn't turn out to be anything serious. - posted by:Kelly

It can be tricky adding a new pet to the household, especially when there is already a pet in residence that has a strong personality such as your cat has. It's difficult to gage whether the new dog will be an alpha or a beta personality until you have had a chance to observe it for a while. An alpha will try to take control, while a beta is more passive and will usually just try to fit in without making waves.

As for your cat, she isn't bound by the same pack behavior we see in dogs. She will likely view any dog you bring in as a interloper on her territory, and this will definitely irritate her. She may respond with extreme aggression, or she may become very unhappy and hide away as much as possible. Neither situation is ideal.

If you have your heart set on getting a dog at this time, I would suggest that an older puppy or an adult Sheltie could withstand your cat's aggression better than a young puppy. There would probably be less chance of an injury. However, if an adult Sheltie wasn't willing to put up with territorial behavior from you cat, your cat could be seriously injured by the dog.

As you can see, this could turn out to be a very delicate situation. My very best advice would be to delay getting a dog until your cat has passed on. This way you can avoid upsetting your cat and still enjoy it fully. Afterward, you can have your pick of puppy or adult Sheltie without having to deal with any of these problems.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes that everything works out, no matter what you decide. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry your family is experiencing this difficulty.

A sudden personality change can be a sign that a dog isn't feeling well. Dogs do instinctively try to mask illnesses as long as they can. Sometimes an undetected vision loss makes a dog feel startled when touched, and it may snap in response. Internal pain could also make a dog reflexively snap when touched. My best advice is to take your dad's dog for a physical to find out exactly what the state of her health is. You can also discuss the sudden behavior change.

Aside from any medical issues that might be in play here, from what you describe, the behavior seems attached to this particular chair. I would remove the cushion and check to see if your dog has some sort of treasure tucked away that she feels she's guarding. It could be a biscuit, a bone or a toy. For whatever reason, the dog seems to feel dominant over your father when she's in this chair, so you might want to make it off limits to her. It's important that your dad maintains his position as top dog in this pack. He needs to firmly give your dog a vocal "NO" command when she tries to buffalo him in this way. If he behaves fearfully and backs down, the dog will take it as a sign he has relinquished control to her. Under no circumstance should this dog be physically punished because it will only encourage more aggression. Even though she's being corrected, she still needs to be able to trust her humans won't harm her.

I know this seems like a very difficult situation, but I do believe it can be addressed without putting the dog to sleep, and that either through medical intervention or behavior modification your family can have their trustworthy companion back.

Thanks for your question, and best of luck. - posted by:Kelly

To be sure, Terriers are naturally feisty, and they will scrap with each other from an early age. Sometimes these episodes can seem more severe than they truly are. Has anyone broken skin yet? If so, this make the behavior a bit more worrisome, although still not that unusual for Terriers. I have three myself, and it's not uncommon to find someone has a small sore from a skirmish.

Still, in order to evaluate exactly how serious your problem is, it would be good to ask a seasoned Terrier breeder to come observe your litter all together. An experieced Terrier person will be able to watch your puppies' behavior and let you know if it is more aggressive than normal. If so, I would continue to separate the pups, and consult your vet about what can be done.

Thanks for your question, and I truly hope your males don't have excessive temperament problems. It would truly be a shame to have this occur in otherwise healthy pups. Good luck. - posted by:Kelly

This isn't the first time I've heard of this behavior, and in fact, I had a dog long ago that would roll in poop from time to time. Basically, many dog authorities tend to believe the behavior is a left over instinct from the dog's wolf ancestors. Wolves typically roll in feces and dead carcasses for several reasons. One theory is that it masks their own scent so they can sneak up on prey easier. Another theory is that by rolling in the scent, they can use it to communicate to the rest of the pack that they've found food. There's also a sort of reverse scent theory that rather than trying to acquire the item's scent, the animal is trying to lay claim to the item by rubbing his scent all over it.

I won't kid you, this is a difficult habit to break. In my own case, I had to make it a practice to clean up immediately after my dogs were exercised. Not just on a daily basis, but each time they went out. Taking away the lure eliminated the problem. If your dog also rolls in feces when you take her out for a walk or to the dog park, you'll need to keep her on a leash for better control. The most delicate part of correcting this problem lies in the fact that you have to be very good at distinguishing whether your dog is sniffing around looking for a place to go potty or if she is about to roll in something she's found. A "No" correction given at the wrong time could confuse her and lead to house breaking problems later on.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this information helpful in getting the problem under control. Best of luck. - posted by:Kelly

Ah Terriers, don't you just love them? I happen to have three Jack Russell bitches myself, and life is never dull. Most of the time they get along quite well, but it is a Terrier's nature to be feisty, and scraps do break out occasionly. This has led to a few nips and accidental punctures, but this is actually typical for Terriers, even though it is disturbing for us.

Here's what I recommend. First, you must be firmer with Tilly when she becomes aggressive. Firmly tell her "No" so she gets the message that you neither like or approve of her behavior. Afterward, give her a time out away from everyone. She must get the message that her aggression is not acceptable. My next suggestion is that you begin having the entire crew spayed/neutered, and begin with Tilly. The lowered hormone levels will help mellow out the entire pack, but just remember that Terriers will be Terriers, and you won't eliminate the scrapping entirely.

Best wishes, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful. - posted by:Kelly

There seem to be a number of factors that are affecting the way your dog is behaving. Let me address them one by one.

First, puppyhood is fun, but it doesn't last forever. By two, your Cockapoo really should be settling down from those rambunctious puppy days and becoming a more mature companion.

Second, although she may be more reserved than she used to be, I think the change seems more prominent because you have the young puppy in the house. Try not to compare the behaviors of these two very distinct age groups too closely. Your Cockapoo is an adult now, so there's no harm in acting like one.

Third, it wouldn't be unusual if your dog was toning it down because of your pregnancy. Dogs are wonderfully intuitive, and your bitch can probably sense that you have a "litter" of your own on the way. The extra cuddling is her way of watching over you, and in her mind, of keeping you safe. You can learn more about this in our article Dog Behavior and Human Pregnancy.

Finally, there is a chance that an undetermined health condition could be making your dog feel reluctant to move. Dogs can develop joint problems such as arthritis and dysplasia. An early decline in activity, stiffness after laying down and refusal to jump and climb are early indicaters. That said, this isn't necessarily your dog's problem, but if you notice a combination of these signs, it would be a good idea to have your vet examine her.

I hope this has given you a better understanding of the changes your dog is going through. Try to accept her for the dog she is now, and enjoy her companionship.

Thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

Honestly, I don't think hands should ever be used to poke, prod or suddenly grab a dog. Anyone who does this is asking to be bitten. I also believe it's a passive/aggressive way to interact with an animal. There's no good reason to whip a dog into a whining frenzy. Try to make it very clear to your son-in-law that his behavior distresses you and ask him to stop it. There's really no reason he shouldn't comply. If you can't work it out, simply confine your dog to your bedroom whenever your son-in-law comes to visit.

Thanks for your question, and I truly hope you can regain some harmony in this situation. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

I think you've done well with the training so far, and I completely agree about putting the dog away when children come over. Some children don't know how to read a dog's signs, and both kids and dogs can become overly excited in that type of situation.

Let me ask, does your niece have a dog or cat of her own? Your dog may actually be a little uncertain of your niece if she's carrying the scent of an unfamiliar pet. The story of your dog nipping at your niece does give me cause for some concern, but it sounds like your husband handled the situation well, and did not let the aggression go unchecked. To be fair to your dog, many dogs will turn and snap when startled from behind. It's an instinctive reaction, although it certainly can't be allowed.

My opinion is that this was just a one time mishap, but you may want to discuss what happened with the training camp, and see if they have any specific suggestions for you.

Thanks for your question, and hopefully there won't be a repeat of the event. - posted by:Kelly

I truly feel your frustration, so let's see if we can figure this out. First, I think you need to enroll these dogs in obedience class right away. They definitely need to learn the sit-stay exercise. A basic obedience course would help you teach them better manners, and it would give you firmer control over their actions. I believe you'll enjoy the dogs more once this accomplished. I don't know exactly how many dogs you have, but it would be better to recruit helpers and take them all to class at the same time. This way they'll all be on the same page, and the untrained dogs will be less likely to drag the trained ones back into the unwanted behaviors.

Now for the nuisance barking. Since your dogs are completely ignoring your efforts to quiet them, dog shock collars may be necessary to get their attention and quiet the barking. These collars are very useful, but they absolutely must be used according to directions to be safe and effective. They come in different styles and you can choose from static stimulus or citronella sprays. Collars are even available in multi-packs.

I do want to caution you that these collars should not be used on dogs with health or mental problems, such as deep fear or anxiety issues. In such a case they would actually be abusive. From what you're describing to me, it sounds like your dogs are simply out of control, but if you are sure any of the dogs do have deeper problems, refrain from using shock collars.

Thank you for your question, and I really do hope that these suggestions are helpful to your situation. I would be interested to hear from you on how you progress with the training. Good luck! - posted by:Kelly

This isn't the first question I've had about a senior dog suddenly developing a compulsion to lick everything in site. The behavior might be related to a condition known as pica that might indicate a mineral deficiency. In some cases, the behavior is a sign of the onset of senility. Since your dog still seems normal in other respects, I think you may want to discuss pica with your vet.

As for the snow eating, I have younger dogs that can't resist doing that too, and it also makes them throw up. Try giving your dog fresh water right before you take her outside to see if she still goes after the snow when she's not thirsty. This habit could also be related to the pica.

In any case, a sudden personality change such as this is always a good reason to have the vet give your dog a check up.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

You're dealing with two breeds that I am very familiar with. As a rule, Lhasas find it difficult to get along with other dogs in the home. They are quite territorial, and they will also challenge their human companions for the alpha position in the family pack.

To begin, I suggest you begin obedience training with the Lhasa right away. This should firmly establish you as "top dog" in her eyes. This should also make her mind you better when you scold her for her aggression.

If this doesn't bring about an improvement in her attitude, you'll want to consult a canine behaviorist to observe your Lhasa in her home environment. The behaviorist will figure out what is setting off the aggressive episodes and offer tips for changing the Lhasa's behavior.

Both of these suggestions will take time to carry out, but you need a more immediate solution to keep your Shih Tzu from getting hurt. I suggest purchasing a crate that is large enough for the Lhasa. You can let both dogs out together when you can fully supervise them, or take turns crating one of them when you can't. When you are busy, or you want to give one of the dogs one-on-one attention, you can confine the other dog to the crate with a nice chew toy.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful. - posted by:Kelly

Since your new puppy is a Pitbull mix, you're going to need to watch for increasing aggression. This has been bred into Pits for generations now, and it makes them a bit unpredictable with other dogs. The aggression seems to become expecially pronounced from about 18 months old forward.

The "mine" stage never really seems to end, although some dogs do lighten up a bit. Others retain the possessive trait all of their lives. I suggest you pick up all the toys when someone is hoarding.

The best thing you can do in this situation is to continue to discourage rough play, and enroll both dogs in an obedience class. This may help you control the situation in the future should the aggression elevate to a problematic level.

Best of luck and thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

You may never know what your dog's life was like before he came to you, but the roots of his current behavior are probably back there somewhere.

I believe the quickest route to a solution would be to sign your dog up at a training facility. Be frank with the instructor that your dog is aggressive toward other dogs. As part of the initial evaluation, your instructor will decide exactly which type of training will benefit your dog the most. Socialization with other dogs will surely be part of that plan.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the training takes care of the problem. - posted by:Kelly

Please don't think this too intrusive, but how well do you and your sister get along? If there is any animosity between the two of you, the dog may be picking up on it.

On the other hand, if you are very close, the dog may be expressing jealousy.

I'd also like to ask how your sister reacts when her dog is aggressive toward you. Does she step in and command the dog to stop it and behave? She is this dog's pack leader, so it is up to her to make the dog understand that the behavior will not be tolerated.

Once your sister lays down the law, you might be able to make friends with the dog by giving it some of its favorite treats. This will help Saba to begin associating you with good things. Hopefully when the dog relaxes you'll feel less fearful. Saba can sense this in you, and it probably makes her feel more aggressive.

Thanks for your question, and I hope these suggestions help. - posted by:Kelly

I think your dog is a bit confused by your actions. Dogs are rather protective of their necks by instinct. When fighting, this is the area they seem to go for, the jugular so to speak.

Although neither you nor your husband meant any aggression toward your dog, it seems that the animal perceived your action in this way, and it frightened him. Coming from you, it also confused him because he obviously loves you.

Since he spent the previous two years with someone else, you may never know what caused him to become overly protective in the first place. It's possible another dog had attacked him around the head and neck in the past, or that a former owner disciplined him improperly.

I'm going to suggest that you refrain from the actions that cause your dog to become frightened and protective of himself. In dog language, one dog "posturing" over another dog on the ground in a submissive postion is basically perceived as agression. When you and your husband are above your dog with your head in such close proximity, it triggers much the same reaction. Try avoiding this position and see if it helps your situation.

Adoptive dogs often come to us with past issues, but they can be overcome with love and patience. Good luck. - posted by:Kelly

This actually sounds like fairly normal behavior. The male only growls at the female over the toy, correct? No biting? If this is the case, a stern "NO" from you should be enough to remind him not to go any further.

It's also quite natural for your dogs to feel a bit possessive of their toys when other dogs come over. I suggest you pick up the toys and put them away while you have guests. This should eliminate that problem as well.

As for obedience classes, I am quite in favor of them. You and your dogs will learn all sorts of useful commands and exercises, plus, you will establish a healthy dominance over the dogs and become their natural pack leader. It's all good.

Congratulations on your double adoption, and I'm sure you're going to enjoy hose dogs for many years to come. - posted by:Kelly

It certainly sounds like you have your hands full. Shiba Inus aren't your typical family dogs, and they aren't the ideal companion for a two year old child.

Of course you need to protect your child from being bitten, but to be fair to the puppy, it's only natural to retaliate when she feels attacked or threatened, even though your child doesn't understands he/she is doing any harm. It's a precarious situation.

Here's what I recommend.

• You need to keep your child and your puppy separated unless you can actively supervise them together. It would be helpful to gate the puppy into the kitchen or bathroom. You can let the puppy out for one-on-one time during your child's naps, after bedtime anytime he/she is occupied doing something else.
• I also recommend that you enroll your puppy in a socialization class right away. This will put the two of you into a situation where you are the one in charge, and this should begin to teach your dog that you are the Alpha in the pack, and someone to be obeyed.

It will take a while to teach your little one how to be gentle with the puppy, but if you are consistent both your dog and your child will learn to get along.

Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

It sounds like the puppy's temporary presence upset the delicate truce your dogs had made between themselves. Every time a new dog is brought into the pack, even for a short time, it sends everyone else jockying for position.

It sounds as though you are trying to do the right thing by establishing your authority over your dominant Dane, but that she isn't quite buying it.

Since the fights have already progressed to blood-letting, I'm going to skip my usual advice and recommend that you bring a canine behaviorist into your situation. This is a dog training professional that is also well versed in canine psychology. His or her job is to observe your dogs together in your home environment and pick up on the cures that cause the aggressive behavior. Once this is accomplished, the behaviorist will work out a plan to modify the behaviors into something more acceptible.

I think this would be the surest and quickest way to a solution in your case. You should be able to find a canine behaviorist through your closest dog training establishment or phone directory.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

No, I don't think this is due to monthly hormonal surges. She's already been spayed and regardless of that fact, dogs don't have monthly cycles like women do. They typically only come into Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding once or twice a year.

If her misbehavior really only seems to take place at the beginning of the month, perhaps you should take a look at your own schedule. Do you have a job or other activities that require you to be extra busy at the end of the month, or perhaps at the beginning of the next month? You may inadvertantly be paying less attention to your dog during this period and she may be acting out to get your attention. Try tracking your own schedule against her episodes and see if there is some sort of correlation between the two. If there is, you'll need to make a little extra time to spend with her even when you're busy.

Thanks, and I hope you find this suggestion helpful. - posted by:Kelly

Let's address the issues one at a time. First, your dog views himself as dominant over your daughter, and that is why he is offering those challenging growls. This could turn into a serious problem if the situation isn't corrected. I recommend that you enroll your dog in a puppy socialization class at the nearest training facility. Let the instructor know about the behavior toward your daughter. He/She will probably have your daughter do some on leash exercises with the dog to help establish her position over him in your family pack.

Now for the head issue. There could be a number of reasons why your dog pulls away when your hand reaches over his head. It is possible that someone hit him before he came to you. That would naturally make him a bit head-shy. He might also have a small vision problem that makes him feel nervous. This is something you should bring up to your vet at your dog's next regular check up.

Thanks for your question, and I'm sure you can work out this situation. - posted by:Kelly

You are on the right track by correcting your dog when she mouths you. Her vocal protests mean she's aware of your correction, but she doesn't want to accept it. So, this is a small dominance issue in play.

Seven months of age is a good time to begin obedience training. Even if your dog is otherwise well behaved, she'll be an even better companion once her training is complete. This will help you establish your place as the unquestioned pack leader in the house, which in turn should make her listen to your command about the mouthing. You can also rest easy knowing you'll have far more control over her actions when the grandchildren come over to play.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this advice helpful. - posted by:Kelly

My best advice is to watch your dogs closely. The Rotweiler's behavior is very worrisome, and you and your dad will need to continue to reinforce Pugs' good behavior around the pup. This includes scolding him when he even offers to growl at the puppy. Otherwise, he may loose control and attack him. I'm not sure how old you are, so perhaps it would be best to let your dad handle this so you don't get caught in the middle of a dangerous situation.

Thanks for your question, and best of luck. - posted by:Kelly

I understand the Shepherd is showing his teeth to the Boxer puppy, but is he taking other aggressive actions? So far, it sounds like the normal behavior of an adult dog that is annoyed with a boisterous pup.

What I actually suggest is giving the Shepherd a break from the Boxer so his patience isn't taxed to the limit. The good news is that the puppy is just about old enough to begin basic obedience training. This won't totally curb all of his excess energy, but it will give your son a little more control over him, and it could certainly help the situation between the two dogs.

All in all, this situation does have the potential to work out if your son can devote the time to training. If it doesn't, at least the Shepherd has a loving home to return to.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the situation works out for everyone. - posted by:Kelly