jealousy

[jody]

please help!
my female schnauzer (both my dogs are shelter dogs) is extremely jealous of my male.
i got duncan first from the kill shelter (he's 2 and extremely laid back)
bella is 8 months and a typical terrier. (i got her about 4 months after i got duncan, same shelter)
the problem is, she "will not" let him get near me. she jumps on him chases him, and just will not leave him alone
if i want to spend time petting duncan, i have to put her in time out. (i secure her by a leash to the door knob where ever i am).
i don't think it even bothers her much anymore, she just lay's down and goes to sleep. i have tried spraying her with a water bottle, but she started liking that too. i always say "no" when i correct her, but i know if she could, she would just stick her tongue out at me.
she is making me misserable, not to mention poor duncan.
i can't bare the thought of giving her up, i do love the little bully.
if anyone has any ideas, or has been thru this themselves, please let me know.
thanks!

[bckrazy]

It sounds like Bella is the boss here. She doesnt really respect you or Duncan at all, and a lot (8-16+ weeks) of positive Obedience classes are definitely in order!! Also start NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free) with Bella. Here's a good link about NILIF: http://www.goletavet.com/nothingfree.html

NILIF works because it forces Bella to earn everything she gets, which will help to push her down in the pack structure. YOU need to be her leader, and she needs to listen to you at all times.

[Bogey]

Having a schnauzer I know what you mean. We rescued all three of our schnauzers (different time frames)... I would not give up yet. Has her behavior improved any since you adopted her?

[jody]

no, in fact it has gotten worse.
she does have her sweet moments though.
it's her dominance over duncan thats making me nuts.
i realize i need to be the pack leader and believe me i'm working on it.
i won't give up on her because i know it's me that needs the training......she just needs rehibilitating.
have you watched the "dog whisperer" on the nation geographic channel.......he is absolutely wonderful. a real miracle worker.
thanks for your input.

[jody]

i just read the website "nothing in life is free".
it was just great.
it makes so much since.
thank you, thank you!