So it wasn't PMT now what ? :(

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Beatrice5

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Ages ago I posted about one of my girls being grumpy and snapping at the others I assumed PMT........ after much discussion with the vet we had her spayed that was months ago now and she is still a snappy unpredictable cow bag ............

HELP.

Incident one child sat on sofa with older dog on one side younger dogs jumps up to sit on other side of child older dog flys at younger dog and it's teeth brush childs hand - Child fine but shaken so now dogs aren't allowed in the lounge anymore :(

This morning dogs usual routine out for a wee / poo followed by breakfast. Older dog in her bed in the kitchen by utility room door, younger dog wanders in and older dog jumps out of bed pinns her to the floor snarling and munching at her. I was there and immediately scruffed older dog and put her in the garden to cool off. No shouting I remained calm but I acted fast.

2pm I was sat in my kitchen on my lap top. Older dog was somewhere behind me wandering about and younger dog meanders past older dog flew at younger dog pinning her down and really really set about her. Younger dog was on her back yelping and peeing everywhere obviously very scared. Again older dog scruffed and sent outside :(

I now cannot leave them and have to seperate them everytime I leave a room which they are in. So it wasn't PMT she has seen the vet recently for a check up and wormer and she is in tip top condition. They are well fed, well exercised house and obedience trained. We always eat first and they get fed afterwards. They do not rush through doors etc etc so why oh why is she being so horrid and nasty to the younger dog. She is 6 younger one is 2 but younger one very submissive and calm.

I am sick with dispair :(
 
Dogs don't really get PMT. The areas where it is happening are all pretty textbook - the sofa, the doorway etc. If you are 'sick with despair' the dogs are pretty likely to be picking up on this mood...it will make the younger dog even more stressed and more likely to be seen as weak by your older dog and the older dog more edgy and likely to attack.

Why are you scruffing the older dog? Just put her out. There's no need to add more stress and aggression to the situation. Scruffing doesn't work for every dog and it's not working for this one if she still keeps behaving that way. You need to be very calm, neutral and unemotional. Enough, out, isolate her. Take her by the collar or a house line rather than grabbing a bit of her skin.

You may also have to live with the fact that like not all people get on, not all dogs get on either, and whether this is something you can deal with long term.
 
How would you manage her long term? I try to stay calm but confident when she is laying into another dog I grab what I can to minimize damage to her victim - she drew blood today :(

I feel sick today because she seems to be getting worse. Before it has been isolated incidents. I cannot understand why she needs to excert her authority the whole time?
 
Put a harness or collar on her that you can put your hand on her and lift her out.

Long term, having had dogs that have not got on in the past, I would not force them to be together, if you have the facilities, keep them apart or supervise and watch them like hawks. It's not ideal and it would be lovely if all dogs get on, but it's not fair on either dog, one constantly on guard and the other constantly in attack mode, to force them to share each other's company. Crate one, have one out, rotate them, one outside, one inside, use stairgates, whatever.

If you know how she behaves and you can spot the signs and know when and were and how she is likely to kick off, don't let it happen in the first place.

Has she had a proper full check over at the vet's? Blood tests and such? To rule out a medical or pain result.

What breeds are they again?
 
No the vet didn't run bloods but this isn't a new problem she has always been one to have a go when she wants to. She is quite an oppinionated girl. I have always socialised her , we went to training classes and walk regularly with friends and family and their dogs and she doesn't try it on with Dads GSD or sisters Viz but anyone smaller gets a telling.

They are both Show type Cockers and I have known the old lady who bred them and showed her dogs prolifically. I played with her dogs as a child so know they are from lovely natured lines. I think baggage is just quite a dominant nature and she is very protective of her humans me in particular.

When we got her we had an older Cocker who kept her in line. Now she is the older dog and keeping the youngster in line but she doesn't just growl she hurls herself on her victim and gives them a right telling even when they submit which is what scares me as if I am not here to lift her off I do not know what damage she would do to the other dog. Most of the time they share a bed, lick eachother, play together and are lovely. In fact 99% of the time they are bestiest but every so often she has a right go at her and I wish I knew why. Yesterday twice in one day was concerning but today they are asleep by the Aga totally cuddled up.
 
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