Expert: Susan Downes - 1/29/2008

Question
We adopted two 9 wk old Shih Tzu’s. They are 8 months old. About 2 months ago, they have started growling and biting each other.They don't do this with humans. After they fight, or we pull them apart, they seem better and fall asleep together. We separate them, hold them firmly around the back oh the neck and say NO!!!  They don't listen. This happens about 2-3 times a day and sometimes not at all. They are very sweet and precious. They do play well together and like to be near each other. They are not fixed yet.
Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer
Hi Lee,You need to be the calm pack leader of both dogs and show no favoritism (even if you do have a favorite). This will help them know that you and the other humans in the house have it under control and that they are safe and secure with your leadership. Take them for walks together at the heel (slightly behind your knee) on regular leashes, every day for at least 45 minutes. Walking together will help them form a better pack relationship, exercise their minds and bodies, and give you greater leadership. Walk them as often as you can and walk them together. You need to show them that you are a fair, and assertive pack leader and they have nothing to worry about. When they are aggressive with each other, calmly lay them on the ground (on their sides preferably) with your hand holding them down by the neck. This does not hurt them. Try to have them facing each other with you staring down at them. Stare at them until they look away and do not let them up until you feel their bodies relax. Watch them closely, you may find one is the instigator and picks on the other. When you do, focus on that dog and promptly discipline her with a quick and meaningful touch to the neck.  Do not allow dominant behaviors among the dogs, such as tug of war, one mounting another, growling, snapping, or bearing teeth. Watch closely for these behaviors and stop them before they happen. Look for raised ears and tails, place your body between them, and make a noise "SHH", or "no" if and when you see it. If they escalate, simply touch them in the neck, using your fingers as a mother dog would nip her pups to discipline them. This socialization should begin right away before anything further should happen. Hope this helps. Please leave me some feedback, and follow up with me if you run into any problems or need more advice. Thanks for writing. Regards, Susan