Expert: Kaza - 3/20/2008

Question
I have two bishons, an eleven year old male, and a eight year old female.  We got the male when he was a puppy and three years later, introduced the female into the family.  He was older, so therefore the boss, everyone was OK with that. just about 2 years ago, the female has started attacking the male over food and toys.  We have had to do away with all toys and they have to eat in their cages and sleep in there.  They used to be able to run free of the house, not now because we never know whats going to spark her to attack him and if no ones around to stop it(which is not the smartest, i know) we fear she would kill him.  She is a very hungry dog, all the time, and food is of the utmost importance to her.  She ALWAYS scroungs for food, any and every where.  We've been told that she is now the alpha dog and we must treat her as such.  but i feel no toys and living in your crate half of the time is no way to live.  Is there any solution other than giving her to another loving family so they can live better lives?

Answer
This is much more than dominance, you say she is always hungry, what diet is she on, no dog should always be hungry.Are these intact dogs
whoever told you that she is alpha dog is a fool, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE ALPHA DOG , as such you must treat her as subserviant dog or second ALPHA .
When is she wormed etc, how much water does she drink, what exercise does she get, how big is she, I can help you but you will need to give me a list of what she does daily, what she eats, drinks, etc
Thanks