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Post by sibemom on Jul 7, 2006 7:14:40 GMT -5
I have been working my butt off trying to get Brody to be more tolerant of Raven and I think I am just fighting a loosing battle. I have done everything known to man to fix this WEIRD ISSUE that has come up with him. Now the behavior has been directed at WILLOW For what EVER REASON, he has decided that HE does not like either of the girls, and shows this on a regular basis. The other day he tore into Willow for no apperant reason and at first she just ignored it, but then when he did it again, SHE EXPLODED not typical for her what so ever but I suppose she had ENOUGH He was one lucky dog because I was out there when it happened and because Willow listens without even a blink, I saved his furry little butt I have since had to change who gets to go out in the kennel together. Now Raven and Willow are allowed in the kennel and Brody is in the yard or hangs out with me, OR IN HIS CRATE I just do not know what I am missing here. The girls get along exceptionaly well, no growls no tussles VERY GENTLE PLAY. Now I understood from the beggining that Brody was not THRILLED AT ALL WITH RAVEN and we dealt with it. I never expected him to be her best friend because that was not going to happen because he dispised her from the day Luke and Em brought her home, but I did expect him to tolerate her, and that was working well as long as I was present, but this new aggresion towards WILLOW, I swear he must have a death wish, because as gentle as she usually is if pushed to far, she can cause some serious damge. I JUST DO NOT GET IT I have worked with the e collar similar to the crittering tecnique and that did help but it still is not enough because now this is directed at Willow. ANY HINTS? Nothing has changed here. I have always kept the order the same, Willow first, Brody second, Raven last. Now I am thinking that because he is going to be 19 months old he is just having a troubled TEENAGE PHASE Still this dog is the sweetest thing, you could not ask for a better companion or family dog. He LOVES CHILDREN of all ages and is SOOOOO TOLERANT of anything a child might throw at him. So once again INSIGHT from all of you would be appreciated
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Post by Aussienot on Jul 8, 2006 18:30:40 GMT -5
Ok, let's review the basis of aggression to see if you've missed anything.
The dogs are on a NILIF program.
The rules of behavior are clear and consistently enforced.
All dogs are obedience trained to a high standard.
All dogs are well exercised.
Brody has been checked for medical conditions that create aggression. (Willow's not sick, or off color, is she?)
Pack structure might be an aspect to consider. No doubt all dogs know you are the alpha, but the positions of the dogs relative to each other may not be as clear cut as you believe. Brody may be a climber, or he may actually be number two and see himself as a contender for top dog.
Dogs are fed appropriately, and chemicals are minimized.
Flash points, such as contested bones, contests for toys or fights for attention are not created. Displays of aggression are dealt with strongly.
You are a good dog handler, and I don't know that you've missed anything or could do anything differently. I'm of the belief that not all dogs get along. It's great that Willow and Raven do, but I don't know the magic formula that prevents pack fights. My two cannot be left along together unsupervised- it's been years since there was an actual fight, and Finn's not the thug he used to be, but I just don't trust them together - a complete personality mismatch.
So my two cents: You may have to consider a two dog/one dog management strategy in future, at least in the short term. Brody may well outgrow the terrible teens. He could just be trying out what he can get away with and will be more tolerant as he matures.
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Post by sibemom on Jul 9, 2006 9:31:04 GMT -5
Thanks Aussie Yes everyone is in GREAT HEALTH, Willow is not sick or anything like that. Brody is healthy TOO HEALTHY I do think this is just striving to move up in the order with the girls. I have started to do what Loey had suggested to me and that was only letting two dogs in the yard together under supervision and letting them work it out unless it gets out of controll. I have also continued to take THE OFFENDERS on walks together that would be Raven and Brody, BRODY MORE SO I MAKE them tolerate each other, and that has been working better. Poor Willow is just unsure of what is going on, because like I said she gets along with BOTH of them very well, except when Brody starts his crap. Yep so it's just one of those weird QUIRKS we are working through and I know that he and Raven will probably never be PERFECT with each other but all I want is some BALANCE and we are getting there slowly
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