Or how to tell Bonnie Boop that I'M THE ALPHA, NOT HER.
The girls just had a squabble (first one) and it was all because I had picked Maddie up first to snuggle with. Bonnie had her opinion about that and had a moment with Maddie by rushing her and climbing on her back, growling.. I'm sure there might have been a snap too, but no contact. This was NOT play.
Here's what I did. A LOUD "NO! BAD GIRL, BONNIE" She looked at me and at that point, I ordered her to sit and stay. Then I picked her up and flipped her on her back and held her, with a glare for about 30 seconds while I told her "No." I thought I used a pretty authoritated voice but really I was scared. I ordered her to sit and stay and then picked up Maddie to check her over. Maddie did not yip and there were no bites but I don't want this kind of behavior to escalate. It seems that Bonnie is more Alpha then Maddie is and gets jealous when I give attention to Maddie. I've been purposely picking Maddie up first and loving on her but today, while it wasn't terrible, I don't want to go through that again.
I thought I was doing the right thing but if I'm doing something wrong, please do not hesitate to correct me. Wondering if any of you sort of have a 3 step method for dealing with jealous aggression.
Other than that, Bonnie's a delight!
Yep, Bonnie's an Alpha. And, she owns you right now.
We have the same issues with Judy; but, we also have a friend that specializes in special needs doxies! Here's what she said and it worked...
Judy must follow you...out the door, in the door, on the leash...wherever you go, she goes after you and, if needed, after Maddie.
Whenever you pick her up, roller her on her back and keep her there very quietly, ignoring her, for at least 30 seconds. You can rub her belly (being submissive isn't so bad); but, she can't get up.
Don't use her name if you yell at her. And, a "ssshhh" works as good as "no".
Don't let up. If she greets you at the door, ignore her. You are top dog and she gets to be with you on your terms.
This worked great for Judy. I walked her on a short leash for about 2 weeks, just the 2 of us, with her held behind me. Wow! She caught on quick.
We still occassionally get a wrinkled lip from one of the girls; but, for the most part, it is peaceful.
Keep us posted.
Dianne
I think Dianne gave you some really good advice and pointers. Give them time Sandi, Bonnie and Maddie will work it out, but you have to do your part as well. You should rent The Dog Whisperer: Cesar Millan, thru Netflix, he will give you some great ideas on how to train Bonnie. You have to remember that Bonnie was in the rescue system, and its because she was unloved or had issues, or whatever. Please, please, give her time to adjust, and give your two girls time to establish ground rules.......with your guidance. You CAN do this!!!!
Quote from: PattyInAK on October 24, 2008, 10:15:26 PM
I think Dianne gave you some really good advice and pointers. Give them time Sandi, Bonnie and Maddie will work it out, but you have to do your part as well. You should rent The Dog Whisperer: Cesar Millan, thru Netflix, he will give you some great ideas on how to train Bonnie. You have to remember that Bonnie was in the rescue system, and its because she was unloved or had issues, or whatever. Please, please, give her time to adjust, and give your two girls time to establish ground rules.......with your guidance. You CAN do this!!!!
Pssst - Auntie Patty!
I hear Auntie Karen wants to have his children, but he is in love with his wife Ilusion! Auntie Karen plans to wait until the coast is clear and then have Eduardo Rodrigo Emilio Sanchez Buenaventure Colon de Murillo put the moves on her and then she can swoop in on Cesar! I think she is watching too many telenovelas - Spanish soap operas!
What do you think?
Dr. Emilio Estevez Leaky
It really doesn't sound like you did anything wrong. You showed her that you were the alpha and that you don't tolerate fighting. (however minor it may be)
Is there a reason you are making Maddie alpha hound? It may be that Bonnie is and Maddie would be just fine being her beta. If they aren't allowed to organize themselves into an appropriate order then there will be order scuffles for a long time.
Here, David and I are the Alphas, but Cajsa is the alpha hound to Gretchen. At first I wasn't sure which would win out, but Cajsa did ultimately. Gretchen will back off if she gets a little growl from Cajsa (no biting or anything) and that's how they are happiest. All the people are higher than the dogs in the pecking order, even if Cajsa likes to ignore the Elf! I just thought I'd mention that maybe Bonnie will turn out to be the senior dog and that the girls would be just fine with that. Either way YOU have to be over both of them and it needs to be very clear.