Expert: Susan Downes - 1/28/2008

Question
I have a 12 year old dachshund and an 8 year old Peek-a-poo.  We just got 12 week old German short haired pointer.  The dachshund has always been the dominant dog since day one.  She has also been very very spoiled.  I feel she has been trying to adjust as much as she can.  We kennel puppy when we leave the house and we we go to bed.  We left the house for a few hours and came home and our dachshund had torn up our couch.  She is older so we never have a problem with her tearing anything up anymore she just mainly sleeps and eats all day.  I am at lose on what to do and how to discipline her when she acts out like this.  I also have no clue how to make all the dogs happy and content with each other.This is the dachshunds first episode since we brought the puppy home.  Please help we need your advice

Answer
Dear Marnie, I have a few questions. Have you properly socialized the dogs when you are home? You can pick up the puppy, and let the older dogs smell her behind. You need to be the calm pack leader of all the 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. If the dachshund has been "dominant and spoiled", you need to show her that you are a fair, and assertive pack leader and she has nothing to worry about, whether you are home or not. 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