Dog Bites

[misong]

I have two 14 year old mini poodles. Nikki has always been an alpha dog and territorial, and now it's getting worse. From the time they were young, Nikki has intimidated Jeti. She takes Jeti's food, bites Jeti if she tries to eat something wants, won't let her pass or get on the bed if she is there first (actually she can no longer take the doggie steps to the bed, so she sleeps on the floor close by & Jeti sleeps on the bed). She also bites people if they put their hands on the floor to pick something up; and today she tried to bite my neice on the leg as she walked down the hall near Jeti. Aside from this behavior, Nikki is very loving and approaches everyone for scratching and petting.
Nikki is almost blind (I think she may have some periphial vision) and appears also to be deaf. She is overweight, sleeps a lot, has arthritis and difficulty in walking, especially when she first gets up.
I have become disabled and can not care for them. I depend on my son, who lives with me, to do what needs to be done, except I do give them their medications. My condition may not be permanent. I'm hoping to be able to care for them in the future.
But my son says Nikki is viscious and should be put down, especially because she could bite and hurt someone. I don't know what to do. I am someone who believes that all creatures deserve to live the life they've been given. I'm a semi-vegetarian for that reason.
Nikki is part of the family. I've had her since she was a baby. I love her. But I also need to be responsible for the safety of visitors and for Jeti.
Does anyone have any ideas? I would very much appreciate any input i can get. My son is going on a four day weekend trip and I'm having someone in to stay with me and help out. Thanks for your time.

[Karen]

What kind of training have you done with her? She is not too old to learn, no dog is. Are they fed separately? They should be. You - and I guess this means your son, has to reestablish control over the situation, the sooner the better. Is she at all crate trained? Is it possible to keep her on a leash with you whenever visitors are around?

[misong]

Karen,
Thank you for your response. About seven or so years ago, I hired an expert to come to my home for one visit. She told me to use a water spray and/or to throw a rattle, or something that makes a loud noise, on the floor. The noise maker doesn't work now, because I believe she doesn't hear it. The spray works somewhat, but, of course, AFTER she is already trying to bite. That seems more like a bandaide to me. I'd like to prevent the attempt to bite in the first place.
Nikki's and Jeti's bowls are at opposite ends of the kitchen. When I was able I sat between them when they ate. Nikki waited until Jeti and I walked away from Jeti's bowl, then she finished it. My son will not try anything that takes a lot of time. He is convinced that Nikki is viscious and needs to be put away. Another son once told me the same thing. When I asked my vet, she told me that Nikki is not viscious.
I have used the lead to keep Nikki in check when people come, that is, when I know they're coming. I can't very well control her when the home health aide, or nurse or physical therapist come and are working with me.
I guess it boils down to the fact that I must depend on my son for help in this and I don't believe he's in a mood to do that. Even to put her in a room with a gate at the door requires effort on someone's part. I used to do that too.
Thanks, again for your response. Mary

[Freedom]

I am glad that as the owner you are searching for ideas.

An older dog who can neither see well nor hear well can easily be startled. This "may" account for some of what you described - someone walking past and she goes for the leg. She is relying mostly on scent -- which also diminishes with age -- and she thought it was Jeti when it was your niece.

I know Karen suggested training, but having a dog w/ cognitive impairment now, as well as another who has gone deaf with age, I'm not sure how much can be done as a proactive training sort of thing I think that at this point it is more of anticipating situations and setting things up so things don't happen.

The person staying w/ you for the 4 days should always have a baggie in a pocket with high value treats - cut up hot dog, boiled chicken breast, or bits of cheese. These can be used any time, any place.

If I think of other stuff, I'll come back to this thread.