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I need help!

2K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  natenqen 
#1 ·
Emma & Lola have never been the best of friends. The first time I brought Emma home she attacked Lola. Now the rolls have flipped. Lola is getting increasingly aggressive with Emma. It's only when I'm eating, or when they are riled up barking at the mail main. For example: this morning I was sitting on the couch eating and Lola was sitting next to me. She just leaped off the couch and went at Emma. Emma was surprised so she didn't do anything to Lola. I grabbed Lola and put her outside. Emma was really upset after it happened and she ran around whining. I guess my question is, is it at the point where I need to hire another trainer. I've been putting it off because Emma's trainer (which I loved) moved so I don't really know where to begin.

I'm really frustrated with Lola...I don't know what her problem is. Neither one of them get table food. But, I'm afraid it's just going to keep escalating and eventually Emma is going to fight back and it won't be good for Lola.

Advice?
 
#2 ·
I'd hire a behaviorist. From your short description it could be many things, including possibly Resource Guarding (you being the resource). It would help to have a trained person evaluate the situation, and best to do so sooner rather than later. ;)
 
#3 ·
Okay, I just checked on hiring a behaviorist. The closest one to me is 2 and half hours away. I haven't contacted her yet.
 
#4 ·
It's only when I'm eating,
resource guarding - have you read the sticky?

or when they are riled up barking at the mail man.
redirected aggression- "can't bite the one you want, bite the one you're with" I would check out the barrier frustration/reactivity sticky for this as the barking at mailman can be treated like you would treat other reactivity, separately then together
sorry for brief post I am on phone and it's a pain to type a bunch out
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#5 · (Edited)
resource guarding - have you read the sticky?


redirected aggression- "can't bite the one you want, bite the one you're with" I would check out the barrier frustration/reactivity sticky for this as the barking at mailman can be treated like you would treat other reactivity, separately then together
sorry for brief post I am on phone and it's a pain to type a bunch out
Posted via Mobile Device

My thoughts exactly!

Normally I wouldn't say this but, if this only happens when you are eating or when the mail man comes then you can probably handle it just by better managing your dogs, Lola in particular.

However, if you feel in over your head or just want someone to work with in person, then please find professional help!
These links should help you!:)
For a trainer: http://www.apdt.com/petowners/ts/default.aspx
For a behaviorist:http://iaabc.org/

Lola attacking when you are eating sounds like a case of resource guarding.
This sticky thread may be helpful!
http://www.dogforum.com/dog-behavior/resource-guarding-causes-prevention-modification-7511/
You can likely solve the problem just by crating them when you eat!

As for Lola attacking Emma when the Mail man comes, I agree that it sounds like barrier frustration and Lola is redirecting onto Emma. Its pretty common...
Basically, like Cali said, they can't get to the one they want so they go after who they are with.;)
If that is the case then this sticky should help!
http://www.dogforum.com/dog-behavior/reactivity-leash-aggression-barrier-frustration-12538/
If your mail man is predictable then you could crate the dogs during that part of the day. You could also work with each dog, one at a time, like described in the sticky thread, to resolve issues. You could even turn the mail man into a cue to go to their crates or do something else you would like!
 
#6 ·
Thank you for directing me to those sticky's. I'm going to start training with her immediately.

Also, would you recommend that I crate all of the dogs while I'm eating? Or just Lola?
 
#7 ·
I forgot to mention this. I could give Lily food right off of my plate and Lola will do nothing to Lily. I don't know if she just doesn't see Lily as a threat or what. I also forget to include this, a couple of weeks ago Lola was laying on the couch (I was in the kitchen and had a direct view to the living room) and Emma walked by and Lola leaped off the couch at her. This incident was the only full on fight they have ever had. It took me and my husband to get them separated. It hasn't happened since, and had never happened before.
 
#8 ·
I'm wondering if the couch might also be a type of resource guarding?
 
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