Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 12/17/2007

Question
we have 2 dogs, a 2 yr old lhasa apso, and a one yr old poodle, both which we have had since they were 2 mo old , in the last few months our lhasa has been severly agressive with our poodle, I thought this would change once they were fixed (both are female) however we now have to separate them at all times during the day - our lhasa will knaw on the poodles back and when we go to separate them she goes on an all out attack - what does this mean, what can we do?

Answer
Dear Lori,
Thanks for writing. It means there is a sort of imbalance. Dog-dog aggression is a complex subject. There are volumes of books about the subject. I can offer some generic tips but you'll still need help from an on-site trainer.

First, prevent the Lhasa from chewing on the poodle. Attach a leash so you can quickly pick it up and lead her away - before she starts chewing.  

Is the Lhasa anxious or nervous?  Does she have any compulsive behaviors associated with foraging like  sniffing, licking? Is she afraid of storms?

Teach both dogs a few basic obedience commands using rewards. Work with each dog alone, then practice sits, downs and stay with one dog while a helper walks nearby with the other one on a leash. Trade places so each dog gets plenty of practice remaining calm when the other passes.

Then work on each dog sitting politely while you pet the other. Again, switch places so each dog gets plenty of practice in each role.

Do you take them for walks? If not, start an exercise routine. A couple of 20 minute walks each day would be good for balance. Walk them one at a time if you can't control them. Teach each one to walk next to you. Once they will do it well alone, have a helper walk one while you walk the other  - side by side.

Do they get fed at certain times or is there food out all day? It's best to place the food down, allow 10 minutes for the dog to eat, then remove the bowl and any left over food.

Unfortunately, if left untreated, these types of aggressive behaviors usually get worse, not better.

There are many other things you can do to balance their environment, but I'd need to write a book. ;)  That being said, invest in a book. Patricia McConnell has a good one- Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy a Multi-Dog Household.

It's likely that you'll need additional advice - outside the book - ask your vet for the name of a good trainer or go to http://apdt.com and search for a trainer near you. Good Luck - thanks for writing.

Alan J Turner

http://howsbentley.com