Follow-Ups to Answer from Expert Cait

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BebeBorador wrote at 2008-07-29 23:28:03
Well, what's really going on is that Snow White feels her position as pack leader is being threatened.  She's been very comfortable being in this position all these years, not having been challenged by you or your mother for leadership.  Thus, she's never had the need to show aggression before now.  With the inclusion of Fiona into the family (and German Shepherds are natural pack leaders to begin w/), Snow White is feeling the need to assert her position.  It could be that Fiona stole some food from Snow White's bowl early-on, or perhaps Fiona has just automatically stepped into the role of pack leader.  Regardless, Snow White's food response is one of the classic signs of a dog feeling threatened.  Her loss of appetite is a stress-related response, and the accompanying lethargy would be a result of decreased nutritional levels.  



With the housekeeper being new, she views him as being at the very bottom of the pack.  Because of this lack of respect, and because she wants to ensure that the housekeeper knows she's still alpha, the natural response for her was to bite.  The growls toward you and your mother are, at this point, precursors to potential bites.  She has spent much more time w/ you, though you are still beneath her in terms of pack order, so she hasn't yet resorted to biting you two.  But, if this behavior is not curbed, she will.  Just a matter of time.



In order to stop this dangerous behavior which has every potential to escalate into other problems, you must go through the lengthy process of training from step one.  You're going to have to start establishing yourself, your mother, and your housekeeper as being alpha dogs, while Snow White is below you all.  Fiona should also be taught these rules at the same time, and even be taught that she is beneath Snow White in pack order.  This can be a long, agonizing process, especially considering that Snow White has been alpha dog for so long now.  She will naturally rebel and you're going to have a battle on your hands.  BUT, w/ consistency and patience, she can be taught where she belongs.  Once that happens, this aggressive food behavior will stop on its own.  The key, tho', is first establishing yourself and your family members as higher pack members.  Just trying to address the food issue on its own w/out reconditioning her mindset will not work.



Your best bet is to buy a book that addresses understanding canine behavior and how to establish leadership.  Cesar Milan has published a book that addresses these things, specifically.  I know everyone talks about him, but he really is fabulous, so I have no problem plugging him here.  You'll be much happier, and believe it or not, so will Snow White.

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