*** Please Read - Dog Sitting Is Not Going Well - Need Advice ***

[Pawsitive Thinking]

While you are with them keep the poodle on a lead at all times even if you have to attach it to you! It will learn that you are pack leader and will not tolerate any attacks on Fenway.

Separate rooms when you're not there?

[elizabethann]

I can't leave Fenway with anybody else because everybody said I shouldn't dogsit the poodle after he bit me the last time. So I know they'll be mad if I ask them and they'll say "I told you so". I think I will just keep them separate from now on like some of you suggested. I just hope it'll work out. It really is a shame because when they first met (when the poodles owner was there) they played & played. It's like a whole other poodle now....a poodle from hell.

P.S. I do have to say, I love having Fenway at work with me. It's a shame it can't be always.

[finn's mom]

I agree with what lv4dogs said...put up all things like food, toys, bones, etc. There's not much you can do in a short period of time to work with such ingrained behavior issues. I'd even go so far as to muzzle a dog that was endangering my own dog. I wouldn't leave them together unsupervised for any length of time, not even a minute or two. I would crate the poodle and/or Fenway. Or simply keep Fenway upstairs and the poodle downstairs or vice versa. Good luck! And, I certainly wouldn't offer to watch the poodle again.

[K9soul]

Try not to think badly of the poodle. You have to look at things from his point of view. Things were a lot different when Fenway was just a visitor while the poodle's pack leader (his owner) was home. Then he knew the leader was home and in charge and he could just romp and play with this visitor. Now his owner and leader is gone and suddenly he sees this as a new situation, perhaps a new pack, and Fenway is now a threat. This intruder is sniffing HIS bone and running out the door ahead of HIM. Plus Fenway is yours and kept with you so he probably sees him as favored, and that he has to fight to keep from becoming the bottom of the pile. It's all unfamiliar and threatening to this poodle and he feels he must defend his home and territory against being taken over by the newcomer.

I think if you try and see it from his point of view a bit better, it might help you in dealing with it. I'd definitely keep them separate during eating, and take them out separately to avoid any problems. Try not to be angry or distressed around the poodle because he will pick up on that and it could make him feel more threatened. If they are both treat motivated, keep treats on you and reward when they are doing well. If Fenway gets scared try not to baby him which will encourage him to be more fearful, and again send more red flags out to the poodle.

I am hoping some of these ideas can help you and Fenway.

[Aurie]

This is always a good fall back for any problem situation. I would use the technique on BOTH dogs. This is NOT a punishment. It is just letting the dogs know that they are dogs and you are not and you are in charge without being agressive, mean or dominanting. It will work for you over the next few days. Good luck!

http://www.mysmartpuppy.com/ask-us/a...-grounded.html

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Thanks for that link Aurie. Its got some great tips

[elizabethann]

Thanks for all the suggestions everybody.

A miracle has happened! I was getting sick of carting Fenway's butt up & down the stairs & having to shut him in the master bedroom. And I think Fenway was getting sick of it too. So yesterday was the breakthrough day. I took them both on a 2 mile walk. Fenway's leash was longer & the Devil Dog's leash was shorter. I let the Devil Dog in the house first, Fenway second. Then I let them both outside in the back yard. The Devil Dog & Fenway played & played. The Devil Dog chased Fenway all over the yard (Fenway runs VERY fast). It was cute to watch. At the end of the day, I took them for a 3 mile walk. Again, I let the Devil Dog in first, Fenway second. Then they played & played & played. Fenway even went over to the bowl & ate some of the Devil Dogs food and the Devil Dog let him.

At night I still shut the door to the master bedroom & use the baby gate at the stairs.

This morning I walked them real quick (it was pouring). They both peed and then when they got inside, they both wanted to play ball. They played for about 5 minutes but then I had to leave for work. I put Fenway in the master bedroom with the door closed & the baby gate at the stairs & the Devil Dog has the whole downstairs.

I'll go & let them out at lunchtime and if it doesn't rain tonight (it's supposed to), I'll take them for a 2 mile walk again & then let them play.

So miracles do happen.

[jackie]

Glad to hear they are improving!
Animals almost always seem to make an agreement between themselves.