Expert: Jill Connor, Ph.D. - 10/7/2008

Question
Hello Jill,

This is my second question to you regarding my 2 Shih Tzu's, Chicco (pure bred male, 7 years old) & Cookie (pure bred female, 3 years old).

I adopted Chicco in 2006 from our local animal shelter. I then decided to adopt one more (Cookie) in 2007.

Ever since Cookie came to join our growing family, I have noticed changes in Chicco's behavior, moods, and so on.

For example, before I adopted Cookie, Chicco would engage in playing with me and his toys. Now, whenever Cookie sees Chicco trying to play with his toys, she'll attack him by biting his ears and chase him around the room. She has bit him hard enough that has left scars on Chicco's ears, and also resulting in a shaken dog.

Cookie is a very loving dog, whom loves to cuddle any chance she gets. She also socializes well with Chicco, except when he wants to play. Now, whenever I try to initiate playtime with Chicco, he literally sulks, and hides in his kennel.

Do you have any suggestions in terms of how to get Chicco back to his old 'playful' self again, and how to stop Cookie from attacking him when he wants to play?

Thank-you Jill.

With Regards,

Tina, Chicco & Cookie
Canada  

Answer
Cookie is definitely the "bitch" in this dog family (pun intended!)  She has taken over the role of First Dog very well.  Poor Chicco is a gentleman, much softer in temperament, and not fighting back (which would have put her in her place.)  You need to get control over Cookie ASAP.  Using positive reinforcement training (go to karen Pryor's web site or buy Patricia McConnell Ph.D.s book on the subject), teach Cookie ONE strong behavior (will take approximately three weeks of short daily sessions).  The easiest behavior is "sit" but use a unique word for her, one Chicco will not recognize (although if he's watching, he'll learn it too.)  Once she is performing 100% of the time with NO failures, institute a Nothing in Life Is Free (NILIF) regimen ONLY for Cookie.  Make her EARN every interaction with you, every game, every going out/in, every feeding, etc.  Put this in place and keep it there for at least two months.  While doing this, put a house leash on Cookie.  Do NOT allow her on the furniture or on your bed. Use the lightweight leash to remove her with a softly spoken "off".  She will soon learn the command and the signal (a point down, which occurs when you use the leash to remove her.) She doesn't seem to be suffering form any dominance factor toward humans but toward Chicco she certainly IS obtaining a dominant position and this is NOT her place to choose.  It is YOUR place to choose.  If you choose to play with Chicco, Cookie must NOT interfere, and the only way to prevent this is to promote yourself and demote Cookie.  The NILIF will do that very well.

Chicco will slowly perceive that Cookie's rank has changed (dogs read body language VERY WELL and he will recognize what's going on, over time.)  When you show Chicco individual attention, if Cookie approaches to interfere, give her an "alpha snarl"..this involves raising your upper and lower lips (to show your upper and lower teeth) with a growling "Nah!" and a stare.  She WILL back off and quickly learn to respect YOUR choice.  Most likely, after only one or two of these demonstrations by you she will require nothing more than a frowny stare from you for a few seconds.

You might also want to read McConnell's book on multiple dog households. Any further problems or if something develops further, please repost.