Food and territory aggression
This week as a last minute favor I am watching my friends dog who is a 4 or 5 year old mixed breed dog with a fabulous temperament for 7 days. Her and Rigby have lived together for several weeks when I house/dog sat a few months ago at the other dogs home. However this time the dogs are together at my house in Rigby's territory. Rigby is not taking the adjustment well. At meal times I have to feed the dogs in separate rooms because Rigby will go after the other dog's food even though she has hers right in front of her. (food aggression surprises me because Rigby has never gone without food and most of the times she free eats all day instead of eating he meal all at once) There was also some popcorn crumbs on the floor (Rigby's favorite treat) which made her full on fight the other dog for getting some of the crumbs before she got them. I pulled her away from the attack, pinned her and held her down until her heart stopped racing. I then isolated her in a room to make sure the other dog was okay and coaxed her out of her hiding spot. My boyfriend then said he could watch the other dog for the rest of the 7 days so now the dogs are in separate houses. I know territorial behavior can be normal for a dog but I also know it is not okay for a dog to act like that. Does anyone have tips for making Rigby be okay with sharing her home and not going after other dogs food? I know Rigby is not mean at heart and I think her instincts took over that we had not had to face before. I have been socializing her with dogs since she was 8 weeks old and she has done a puppy obedience class. Dog aggression does severely concern me and upset me as I have been attacked by a dog myself. I think another stimulator in this situation is Rigby has gotten a bit spoiled and maybe I need to reassert myself and put her back in her place on where she stands in the house. Any help is greatly appreciated. I am also thinking I should reintroduce the dogs on a neutral territory so the other dog doesn't fear dogs and so Rigby can see the other dog again. |
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| I disagree with the holding the dog down, but I know your frame of mind as I've been there myself. Just to let you know others might react to that with less forgiveness. Anyway, yes, guess who has taken over? Go back to hand feeding, reward with a kibble or two until she remembers who is large and in charge......and it isn't her. Any beginning sign of aggression (you have to watch body posture, eyes, lips, etc is quickly and firmly stopped before it gets to growling.........if you are lucky. Of course when other dogs are around and food is an issue, you will have to stand guard..........we NEVER let the Magnificent Seven eat without upright supervision.....Sam would have been at others' bowls immediately. With us there, no problem. Yes, Rigby and the other dog must start walking together, you holding both on leash..........after awhile. When uprights eat or drink, both dogs are in down stays.........and apart from one another. Ultimately Rigby must learn you are the one in charge of all food.........and of everything else. Sure these guys are cute but they are ultimately dogs ruled by dog instincts of survival. If they deem the leader is weak, they will fill the void. |
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