About Beth Adams Expertise I have 10+ yrs rescuing Cairn terriers. Ask me about rescue work and re-homing rescued terriers. I am also proudly owned by a Jack Russell Terrier rescue. I am also keenly aware that terriers are significantly different from other kinds of dogs, and often not the best choice for some owners.
HOWEVER I AM NOT A VET! PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME IN-DEPTH MEDICAL QUESTIONS THAT SHOULD BE DIRECTED ONLY TOWARDS MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. I WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST WITH BASIC MEDICAL QUESTIONS/NEEDS THAT I CAN OFFER MY PERSONAL OPINION ON. If you ask me questions about breeding, please expect me to be direct about my opinion on this topic.
Experience 10+ yrs owning and rescuing cairn terriers. Proudly owned by a Jack Russell Terrier rescue. My JRT is active in being a foster brother, and earthdog and agility events and we're having a blast
Question Our 7yr old female Cairn Terrier has recently been seriously aggressive towards our 10 mos. old female Cairn/Westie puppy. They have gotten along just fine since we brought Taffy home last august. We have not seen any signs of Taffy trying to gain dominance, so these episodes seem unwarranted. Harmony has always been a good natured, much loved, mostly well-behaved dog, so we are very worried and shocked by her behavior. Is there anything we can do to stop this? We have yelled 'NO!' STOP, Harmony!" but have not, nor would attempt to get between them. Would you have any insight on why she would just now start being aggressive? I hate to even ask someone about this, as it makes Harmony sound so mean and she isn't normally. Any suggestions or information would be helpful. We researched breeds before choosing a Cairn, and I feel confident that we understand their nature even though she is the first Cairn we have owned.
Answer Fran -
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I was going through the process of having my aunt pass away, and I was the only family member in the area.
Anyway, my very first suggestion is to have Harmony examined by a vet. When sudden or out of character behaviors pop up, it's well worth the money for a trip to the vet in order to rule out anything medical. Medical changes are the absolute most common reason for new significant behavior changes.
If medical things are ruled out, I am a little unsure what to say. Perhaps it is because Taffy is reaching adulthood ? Has she had her first heat or is she spayed ? If Taffy's coming into heat, that might change the dynamics between them.
You don't mention whether or not Harmony is actually attacking Taffy or just making a big ruckous. If there has been, or you think there might be, please put a leash on Harmony (or better yet, both of them) and just let her drag is around 24-7. This will give you the ability to get in close and break up a fight without the chance of being hurt by accident. Just grab the leash and pull steadily backwards. She will soon attempt to get a "better" grasp on Taffy, which will give you the chance to pull her away. If they both have leashes on, and there are 2 of you, you each pull steadlily but not harshly in opposite directions until Harmony tries for a new grasp.
Then immediately, and without saying anything to her, crate Harmony for about 20 minutes. Completely ignore her no matter how mad you are. They just hate being ignored. In fact, if you can catch Harmony giving Taffy "the eye" or showing any significant body language leading up to her nasty behavior, just crate her for 10 minutes right off the bat. Again, don't say anything to her.
Now, without being actually present to watch the body language between them, I can't tell you any more. I sure hope this gives you someplace to start.
