I have a 5 yr old, spayed Mountain Cur and a 2 year old spayed Mountain Feist. Callie, the Cur, weighs 90 lbs and Roxy, the Feist, weighs about 12 lbs.They have always been best buds and are inseperable. They play together, eat together and even sleep together. when Roxy was a tiny puppy, she would literally climb inside Callie's mouth while playing. However, recently Callie has started attacking Roxy for no reason. If the neighbor's cat or dog or any other animal comes in my yard, the dogs will bark from their large fenced in yard. When this happens, Callie will suddenly attack Roxy. I don't know why or what I need to do about it. Why would she start doing this now? Nothing has changed for them. It's unreasonable for me to leave one dog inside all day but I fear for Roxy's safety. Callie did attack the neighbor's Doxie a few years ago but I assumed it was because the dog would come up to our fence and show it's teeth and growl. My daughter left our back door open and Callie got out and bit their dog twice. Prior to this, I took Callie to dog parks all the time and she was everyone's bff. Any ideas are GREATLY appreciated.
Susan
need advice/help!
-
slvrwhispr
- Posts: 1366
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 11:48 pm
- Location: Canton, MI
- Contact:
Re: need advice/help!
Can you describe the attack in detail? The exact behavior of the dogs will help determine what advice we can give you.
I've only seen one attack but have heard several of them from inside. Callie will be barking and then all of a sudden just try to bite Roxy. Roxy runs away whining, usually into the house. Callie doesn't pursue her except maybe 2 steps, So far, no serious injuries. They are fine every other second;inside and outside.
It seems like Callie just gets 'caught up' in the moment but I don't know why it would start now, after 2.5 years. I will say that they haven't been getting the attention that they are used to because of my work schedule lately. I work in the medical field and it has been crazy. Things should start settling down very soon though.
It seems like Callie just gets 'caught up' in the moment but I don't know why it would start now, after 2.5 years. I will say that they haven't been getting the attention that they are used to because of my work schedule lately. I work in the medical field and it has been crazy. Things should start settling down very soon though.
-
slvrwhispr
- Posts: 1366
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 11:48 pm
- Location: Canton, MI
- Contact:
Re: need advice/help!
Are you sure it's an aggressive bite? It might be Callie trying to protect Roxie, telling her to get back so she doesn't get hurt. It could also be a dominance thing, Callie saying hey, this is my place to defend, get in line.
Regardless, the way to nip it in the bud is to establish that YOU are the dominant one, and that Callie doesn't need to protect Roxie because you're doing that. Or that she doesn't need to keep Roxie in line because you have it covered. If a "defending the property" situation is the only time when there's aggression seen between the two dogs, the best thing you can do is keep them in a low-stress environment until you have the free time again to work with them.
The best thing for them is to go on walks together, where you make both of them walk beside you, neither in front nor behind. That establishes that pecking order again with you in charge, and all the other elements SHOULD fall in line after that.
Regardless, the way to nip it in the bud is to establish that YOU are the dominant one, and that Callie doesn't need to protect Roxie because you're doing that. Or that she doesn't need to keep Roxie in line because you have it covered. If a "defending the property" situation is the only time when there's aggression seen between the two dogs, the best thing you can do is keep them in a low-stress environment until you have the free time again to work with them.
The best thing for them is to go on walks together, where you make both of them walk beside you, neither in front nor behind. That establishes that pecking order again with you in charge, and all the other elements SHOULD fall in line after that.
Re: need advice/help!
This is a situation that you'll need to nip in the bud immediately. In the interim, it would probably be best to keep them separated while you're gone during the day. If you have kennels outside (that they can't escape from), keep those kennels separated.
Callie has a natural instinct to protect and defend, and will defend against the most vicious opponent, whether human or animal, even if that opponent is not in her best interests to fight. While I agree with all that slvrwhispr pointed out, I'm not sure that Callie's behavior can be considered as protecting Roxy. More like, Callie is being the dominant, agressor.
Callie also needs "something to do" with her time, because it's in her breed. Generally, these dogs are bred to hunt or work, but if she doesn't have a "job". she'll get bored and focus on protecting her turf, at all costs, which could be very dangerous for herself, Roxy, you, the neighbor dogs and the neighbors.
The fact that she attacked a neighbor's dog: you will have to take special care in preventing Callie from ever escaping, check your fence line for any openings or areas she could get out of if she's in protect/attack mode. Do not undermine the situation, if her current behavior persists, both she and you could be subject to angry neighbor complaints, and if she attacks someone's dog or a human, she could be confiscated from animal control.
Roxy is also a natural hunter, so do not encourage her to bark at, chase, at squirrels, cats, or other small animals or neighbor's dogs etc.
The way to address this is as slvrwhispr described. You have to take control, and establish yourself as the leader of the pack. Left unchecked, Callie will establish HER role as leader of YOU. Both dogs need opportunity to run and exercise, go for walks (preferrably long walks so they can feel as if they are utilizing their skills - tracking, exploring etc, but at all times, on a leash attended by you). Likewise, you have to teach them that any other animal in their sights is off-limits entirely.
When time allows for you, spend as much time as you can with walking, exercising, playing and encouraging fair play in the yard. In so doing will re-establish your role as leader, and be consistent about it. If you don't have that time right now, best to keep the dogs separated during the day, and make time to walk them, exercise etc when you're home. Put a focus on this before considering going back to dog-parks etc, Callie needs recondition training before she's in the company of other dogs at this point. (for her safety and that of others). The sooner you address this, the more likely it will work and her behavior/actions will change for the better.
Since you also have cats, you have to be careful and supervisory. If Callie is in a "mood" so to speak, her relationship with your cats, or Roxy, is going to be lost on her. They all look up to you as their protector and leader. Both dogs have a natural tendency to hunt, so when together and one or both have a behavioral issue, your cats are at risk. Don't let that happen.
Callie has a natural instinct to protect and defend, and will defend against the most vicious opponent, whether human or animal, even if that opponent is not in her best interests to fight. While I agree with all that slvrwhispr pointed out, I'm not sure that Callie's behavior can be considered as protecting Roxy. More like, Callie is being the dominant, agressor.
Callie also needs "something to do" with her time, because it's in her breed. Generally, these dogs are bred to hunt or work, but if she doesn't have a "job". she'll get bored and focus on protecting her turf, at all costs, which could be very dangerous for herself, Roxy, you, the neighbor dogs and the neighbors.
The fact that she attacked a neighbor's dog: you will have to take special care in preventing Callie from ever escaping, check your fence line for any openings or areas she could get out of if she's in protect/attack mode. Do not undermine the situation, if her current behavior persists, both she and you could be subject to angry neighbor complaints, and if she attacks someone's dog or a human, she could be confiscated from animal control.
Roxy is also a natural hunter, so do not encourage her to bark at, chase, at squirrels, cats, or other small animals or neighbor's dogs etc.
The way to address this is as slvrwhispr described. You have to take control, and establish yourself as the leader of the pack. Left unchecked, Callie will establish HER role as leader of YOU. Both dogs need opportunity to run and exercise, go for walks (preferrably long walks so they can feel as if they are utilizing their skills - tracking, exploring etc, but at all times, on a leash attended by you). Likewise, you have to teach them that any other animal in their sights is off-limits entirely.
When time allows for you, spend as much time as you can with walking, exercising, playing and encouraging fair play in the yard. In so doing will re-establish your role as leader, and be consistent about it. If you don't have that time right now, best to keep the dogs separated during the day, and make time to walk them, exercise etc when you're home. Put a focus on this before considering going back to dog-parks etc, Callie needs recondition training before she's in the company of other dogs at this point. (for her safety and that of others). The sooner you address this, the more likely it will work and her behavior/actions will change for the better.
Since you also have cats, you have to be careful and supervisory. If Callie is in a "mood" so to speak, her relationship with your cats, or Roxy, is going to be lost on her. They all look up to you as their protector and leader. Both dogs have a natural tendency to hunt, so when together and one or both have a behavioral issue, your cats are at risk. Don't let that happen.
..........Traci
Re: need advice/help!
I also feel that Callie's behavior isn't one of protection. Why would this start out of the blue after all this time? Why does Calllie only show aggression when barking at other animals? They play with toys and still act like best buds. Roxy is very good about being passive towards Callie when she should be. I always take extra precautions to keep Callie in the fence. I was more upset (and still am) about Callie attacking the neighbor's dog than they were. I've been working with her on walks and she's been super about just walking by other animals, even dogs that are loose. I NEVER let either dog outside without a leash. Besides long walks, how else can I make them feel like they're 'working'? I will definitely take them on more walks but I was just thinking ahead to colder weather. I've looked online and mostly what I've found is the toys that have a place for treats that the dogs have to work to get to. Under the circumstances, I don't think that adding food to the mix would be a good idea. I feed them in seperate bowls facing away from each other in the evenings but they swap/share bowls with no problem. I also read a long time ago that I should ALWAYS give Callie her treat before Roxy get hers so as to reinforce Callie's dominance. Is this true? I usually just give the treat to whomever sits first and is calm. I don't really have any way of keeping them apart during the day unless I keep one inside in their crate all day. I gave Callie extra love last night and she seems calmer and more responsive to me today. Is that just a coincidence? I really appreciate all the advice!
Re: need advice/help!
As for why Callie is displaying the new behavior, you're the only one who is familiar with her environment, routine, etc. Perhaps your working hours are longer, you're more tired, or the days are getting more cooler where the dogs are not wanting to be out longer.
I don't think toys with food inside them for long outdoor routines are a good idea, since most of those type toys can be chewed, and can eventually be abused to the point of pieces getting ingested. Indoors, however, when you can supervise, not so much a problem (unless you have a chewer).
Just my idea, and if I had dogs (which I don't right now), and depending on the size of my yard, I'd attempt to make an exercise course (with tunnels, ladders, short hurdles etc) just to keep them busy and entertained - of course you'd want to engage yourself in such activity with them - wouldn't go overboard, just keep it interesting). Otherwise, you can't control much of what their days are like outside if you're not there.
Every dog on earth will bark at the neighbor dogs or any dog passing by. It's territorial, and for some dogs, it's a greeting (or warning). Some dogs are out in the yard nearly 24/7 so sometimes it is simply a social thing where they clamour for attention. That isn't so much concerning as your own dogs' agressions toward each other. Callie, when she nips at Roxy, might also be saying "I've got this handled, go away", because she's establishing both leader and alpha female. She's also much bigger than Roxy, so she has an advantage either way. When you teach her YOU are alpha female, YOU are leader, she will be less likely to nip her sister with agressive tactics.
No, it's not necessary, in my opinion, to determine which dog should get the treat first. In a harmonious relationship between the dogs, there should be no whining or agressiveness over who gets the first treat. Everything should be equal as much as possible. Having said that however, personality, size, breed etc all play factors when dogs are vying for attention, treats, etc, and sometimes you just can't change that structure. The important thing is keeping all things equal as much as possible and getting them to associate that you are the leader above all.
I'm not sure how else you can encourage play and exercise and walks, until you actually have more time to invest with them. Hopefully you'll find more time soon, and whether it's outdoors or indoors in cold weather, the winter might help calm them anyway (shorter daylight hours, warm house, lazy days when it's too cold to play outside. Walks however, should continue, at least short, brisk walks, depending on the weather. Keep in mind, most dogs love to play in snow, so if your area has snow in the winter, they should enjoy that, and will enjoy the warmth and calm environment indoors when they're done (hopefully).
I don't think toys with food inside them for long outdoor routines are a good idea, since most of those type toys can be chewed, and can eventually be abused to the point of pieces getting ingested. Indoors, however, when you can supervise, not so much a problem (unless you have a chewer).
Just my idea, and if I had dogs (which I don't right now), and depending on the size of my yard, I'd attempt to make an exercise course (with tunnels, ladders, short hurdles etc) just to keep them busy and entertained - of course you'd want to engage yourself in such activity with them - wouldn't go overboard, just keep it interesting). Otherwise, you can't control much of what their days are like outside if you're not there.
Every dog on earth will bark at the neighbor dogs or any dog passing by. It's territorial, and for some dogs, it's a greeting (or warning). Some dogs are out in the yard nearly 24/7 so sometimes it is simply a social thing where they clamour for attention. That isn't so much concerning as your own dogs' agressions toward each other. Callie, when she nips at Roxy, might also be saying "I've got this handled, go away", because she's establishing both leader and alpha female. She's also much bigger than Roxy, so she has an advantage either way. When you teach her YOU are alpha female, YOU are leader, she will be less likely to nip her sister with agressive tactics.
No, it's not necessary, in my opinion, to determine which dog should get the treat first. In a harmonious relationship between the dogs, there should be no whining or agressiveness over who gets the first treat. Everything should be equal as much as possible. Having said that however, personality, size, breed etc all play factors when dogs are vying for attention, treats, etc, and sometimes you just can't change that structure. The important thing is keeping all things equal as much as possible and getting them to associate that you are the leader above all.
I'm not sure how else you can encourage play and exercise and walks, until you actually have more time to invest with them. Hopefully you'll find more time soon, and whether it's outdoors or indoors in cold weather, the winter might help calm them anyway (shorter daylight hours, warm house, lazy days when it's too cold to play outside. Walks however, should continue, at least short, brisk walks, depending on the weather. Keep in mind, most dogs love to play in snow, so if your area has snow in the winter, they should enjoy that, and will enjoy the warmth and calm environment indoors when they're done (hopefully).
..........Traci
-
slvrwhispr
- Posts: 1366
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 11:48 pm
- Location: Canton, MI
- Contact:
Re: need advice/help!
They make doggy backpacks that you can put keys, a couple of water bottles, and little things in so that the dog can carry them and feel like they have a job. As long as she doesn't have any back or hip problems, this might be beneficial. Good, brisk walks with something to carry is how we broke my dog of a very nasty hole-digging habit. My dad used to train german shepherds in the army, so I learned all my tricks from him.
Re: need advice/help!
How long since the last vet check-up? Sometimes a dog will "blame" a new pain or discomfort on another creature: a hip or a paw or a lump or something "inside" begins to ache or twinge (or even just itch) in a way it doesn't usually, and the sufferer reacts to the nearest suspect, just as we humans often do... 
So: Close observation, perhaps temporary separation, and professional exam of both animals... sort of 'cover all bases' - right? (Sorry, I'm watching the playoffs.)
So: Close observation, perhaps temporary separation, and professional exam of both animals... sort of 'cover all bases' - right? (Sorry, I'm watching the playoffs.)
Re: need advice/help!
Both dogs were just at the vet for a check-up and shots at the end of August. I will look into the obstacle course idea. I bet they would really like that. Where do I find the dog backpacks? My hours have increased drastically over the last month but I think they will go back to normal very soon. It was mentioned that I need to be sure to keep the dogs next to me and not in front on walks to show them that I'm the leader. Is there anything else I can do in addition to this?