Re: [PyrNet-L] 2 dogs instead of 1

["kdbooth" <kdbooth@mindspring.com>]

Tania,

I agree with your advice.  I experienced this same sort of behavior when I
brought home a new pyr.  It was very rocky going for the first couple of
weeks but I think what resolved many of the problems was me establishing
myself as alpha.  My female, the resident pyr, is very aggressive and very
alpha.  She tried to bully us when we first brought her home.  At the advice
of Janet Ingram (NCAGPC Rescue), I read a great article called, "Who's In
Charge Here: A lesson in becoming alpha," by Vicki Rodenberg De Gruy.
Here's the internet address:
http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/alpha.htm.  It was up to me to
establish the pecking order in the house.  Eventually, my two settled in,
the female still being a rung above NewDog, but me calling the shots
overall.

To get over the food aggression business, we started feeding both dogs in
their crates, letting them out when they were finished, and then latching
the doors closed so that neither dog could go in the other's "space."  Also,
the crates were at opposite ends of the room, with a blanket draped over
each for privacy.  The other thing we did was enforce basic obedience from
GirlDog.  She didn't get a treat, a pat, her walk, ... anything ... until
she obeyed sit/stay.  She got sharp verbal reprimands for being mean.  We
still have the occasional skirmish over a toy or a crumb dropped on the
floor, as if she has to remind him that she was here first, but this is all
bark and no bite and he backs down without a challenge.  Eventually each dog
finds its place in the "pack" and harmony returns (well, sort of!).

Kim

----- Original Message -----
From: Xerri, Tania (2318) <txerri@baycrest.org>
To: <pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2000 10:30 AM
Subject: RE: [PyrNet-L] 2 dogs instead of 1


> Hi Jenn - what you are seeing is normal..............they will be fine.
> Buddy is an adult dog and has very little understanding for a pup - unlike
a
> bitch. He needs to be shown how to behave.
>
> Do not feed them together - where they can see or smell each other -
> especially Buddy. Remove the food after 20 minutes or when the bowls are
> empty.
>
> Crate the pup when you are not home and cannot supervise - you are
obviously
> doing this - this will shield the pup from Buddy - just in case.
>
> If Buddy shows any behaviour towards the pup which you do not approve of -
> growling, aggression - crate him. He must be shown how to behave and that
> any behaviour you do not approve of will not be tolerated.
>
> Become more alpha - when the pup and Buddy are together - stand
straighter,
> give less affection, make Buddy work for his affection, show them both you
> are the boss and you are in control. When my bitch and her half brother
> start a disagreement - I just have to show my face and they stop in their
> tracks and sulk away.
>
> Is Buddy neutered? Will the pup be neutered? You will have a better chance
> with two neutered males.
>
> All the best , Tania
> Txerri@baycrest.org <mailto:Txerri@baycrest.org>
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe, send a message to esquire@pyrnet.org with
> unsubscribe pyrnet-l
> as the BODY of the message.  The SUBJECT is ignored.
>