Help any ideas?

[mattilda]

I have 3 dogs, 2 Rotties and a RR. Matty (RR) is 9 and has always been top dog (apart from me), Sage is 2 1/2 and Dexter is 18 months. Both bityches are spayed. They have always got on together. Over the last few weeks Matty has started growling at Sage now and again and last night Sage attacked her abd bit her on the back. She bit me as I was trying to split them up. Usually they are all very sweet laid back dogs so this is a nightmare. Nothing has changed in our lives so I am at a loss why this has suddenly started happening. Today they are still grumbling but so far no fights. I have contacted a dog behaviourist but wondered if any of you guys have had similar problems.

 

[CAYLA]

If it was my dogs...I would probably look towards ruling out a physical problem...if your older dog has got an underlying medical problem this can commonly affect their behaviour esp toward other dogs...it's unlikely for the balance to change esp if the younger dog is not pushing for higher statis, or receiving any extra attention from yourself, I would get her checked over by the vet and maybe try a dap diffuser to help clam the situation, but obviously always step into to reprimand to show her it's not acceptable, and take care when leaving them unsupervised until u can shed some light.

 

[mattilda]

Thanks Cala. They are fine when left on their own the problem seems to be when OH and I are arouind so it may well be a jealousy thing. I will get her checked by our vet on Monday that makes sense to me.