jr bitch going for older dog

M

margaretb

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 October 2009
Messages
291
Visit site
Holly is a 12 month old JR bitch. My three other dogs are male neutered. Holly has on several occasions gone for the old sheep dog (15 yrs) and brought him down by his back legs, his weak point. On each occasion it is as they are being let out together after being inside. Prior to this they could well have been curled up on the dog bed together!

She is being neutered this afternoon .
Any thoughts on what could make her do this? She is reprimanded each time she does it.
 
If it's in a narrow doorway it could be that the dogs are competing over who gets out first, so I'd try keeping hold of one while the other one goes out first, then letting the other one out. If you let her out first, make sure you don't allow her to stand and wait for the older dog to come out - get her to move off so she doesn't try to hold him inside the house or anything like that. Similarly, if you let him out first, make sure she isn't allowed to come screaming out after him and chase him or anything.

ETA if it continues, you might need to get a trainer or behaviourist to visit - it's hard to say what might be happening without seeing it, and I am obviously only speculating in my post. :)
 
It could be when she is in hyper/excitement mode (terriers) can get a little nippy, my bosses plumber terrier is a git for it:rolleyes: I would hazard a guess she tends to direct this towards the older slower weaker member and in a pack of dogs it would generally be the bigger (as we so commonly see) being the more placid and easily pushed about one.
As spudlet suggests, always let the older boy out first (nothing to do with making him higher in the pack malarky):p its just basic curtesy as he is an old boy, and make her wait till she is a little calmer, even distract her back with a positive association (treat) for waiting and taking her focus of the older boy.
Keep up the reprimand wherever else she displays the behaviour as obs in your eyes she needs to know it is no acceptable and will be met with a consiquence.
"TIME OUT" in the way of hauling her from everyones company and spending 5 mins out could prove effective, quick as you like then over and chance to settle back in. (this would be for example if she suddenly turns on him on the settee)

Bitches, called that for a reason:D
 
Last edited:
I've had a similar incident/s recently and also posted on here. Since then I've not had any problems, although Skye (the one who was attacked) won't come upstairs at bedtime now.
 
Thank you everyone for your help. I will put into place your suggestions.

I have to say Holly is looking very sorry for herself having not long come back from the v.e.t. tucked up by the rayburn poor sausage.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top