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GWolfe's avatar
GWolfe
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014

New Puppy Woes

So we have a new addition to the family, Yogi, a Chihuahua-min Poodle mix. He is great and gets along well with Bender, a Chihuahua-Beagle mix. Bender was a little jealous at first but things are good now, until Benders sister shows up. When Bender came along he was with his sister Etta, someone had dumped them in the backyard of a friends neighbor. Bender came home with me and Etta went home with a close friend, they got to get together once or twice a week since and have never had any issues. Now with Yogi in the mix Bender gets very upset whenever Etta is around, growling and snapping at Etta. He does this with other dogs as well, it's like he is wanting to protect Yogi or something. When Yogi isn't around Bender is fine with the other dogs.

Is there anything I can do to help Bender get over this?

8 Replies

  • GWolfe's avatar
    GWolfe
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2014
    Resource guarding, I have never heard of that thanks for bringing it to my attention. I have been doing some reading on it and it sounds very similar to what Bender is doing.
  • xteacher's avatar
    xteacher
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2014
    He is resource guarding, and you are wise to stop it in its tracks every time it happens. Dogs will resource guard nearly anything. Ours will sometimes fight over a certain toy. When it happens, both dogs are corrected (usually a strong word works, but sometimes a tap on the rear is needed to get their attention), and the toy is removed for at least a week.

    You will learn to analyze the dogs' body language and know when it's about to start before it actually does. Then you can distract the offender (call him to you and treat and praise). Prevention is the key here.
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2014
    GWolfe wrote:
    I probably do the wrong thing. I will firmly tell him no and usually he will chill out for a little bit but if not he gets removed from the room for a little bit. I'm sure that probably makes things worse but he seems to respond to it being on better behavior when he comes back.

    When Bender is alone with Etta or any other dog for that matter he is fine it is only when his new little brother is around them that he gets all defensive.

    Thanks for the responses, I'll get this figured out.


    You might have found the thing that works. It is real important at this time to be consistent. If a nose tap works, do EVERY TIME the situation occurs. If you are not consistent what you will end up with is a confused dog. With all training, consistency, (such as using the same words every time) is super important.

    Good luck.
  • GWolfe's avatar
    GWolfe
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2014
    I probably do the wrong thing. I will firmly tell him no and usually he will chill out for a little bit but if not he gets removed from the room for a little bit. I'm sure that probably makes things worse but he seems to respond to it being on better behavior when he comes back.

    When Bender is alone with Etta or any other dog for that matter he is fine it is only when his new little brother is around them that he gets all defensive.

    Thanks for the responses, I'll get this figured out.
  • TugCE's avatar
    TugCE
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2014
    I posted a couple of days ago about a problem with my Macy Growling at her little sister. Well, I will admit that I did give her a light tap on the snout when she did it with me holding her. Since that time any time that Sandi has got up on the bed she has been fine. I make sure that I praise her every time Sandi jumps up on the bed and say that's a good girl.

    When I had to Lightly hit (I hate that word) Macy it really killed me to do it but I also could not let it continue as Macy is 45 pounds and Sandi is only 12-15 pounds and I was afraid of what would happen if it escalated. In the past as with this I try to use positive reinforcement / praise.

    I hope that you can get it settled out.
  • Code2High's avatar
    Code2High
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2014
    The short answer is yes.... you might need some help from a behaviorist, though.

    How do you respond when this happens?
  • GWolfe's avatar
    GWolfe
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2014
    We go to the vet next week for our last round of shots for Yogi, I will talk to them then, thanks.
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer II
    Jan 06, 2014
    Aggression is a difficult and complicated issue. It can be overcome, but you will need a professional trainer.

    But first have the dog thoroughly checked by a vet that knows the situation.

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