Expert: Cassie - 1/7/2008

Question
We have a 11 month old silky terrier who is a very smart, good dog. She was completely house trained with very few accidents. We recently got a 6 month old Yorkshire terrier who is house trained. He has done wonderfully since the day we brought him home. Our older dog started going to the bathroom everywhere as soon as he arrived. We don’t know what to do. She knows it’s wrong and she knows better but she just keeps doing it.

We need help! I am sure she is just adjusting and acting out, but is there anything we can do to help her get back to her trained ways.

Thanks for your help.

Jennifer


Answer
Hello Jennifer,

    The reason your older dog is acting this way is due to her instincts. It's not her fault--it's not like she knows better and is "acting out". Dogs don't do that. One of the problems is that you're thinking with human, child psychology, not canine psychology. You are right about her adjusting, however. There is a new dog in the house, and your older dog needs to establish her dominance to stay the leader of the pack, otherwise known as the alpha. One of the ways she establishes her dominance is by marking her territory, while another is mounting your new dog. They may both mount each other for quite a while, but they'll get over it after they find out who's the boss. During this time, they may growl and snap at one another. You'll think the bickering will never end, but eventually it will. If you have any other questions, be sure to click on "add a follow up".