Tasha has a behaviour problem

[Vela]

To be honest I think she would be better off to start in a crate and not on anyone's bed, along with the NILIF. If she is that territorial it could end up bad for her if she continues that type of behavior. She can't ever be allowed to behave that way, and if she claims beds or other territories she could bite anyone at any time for getting in her "place". The crate would giver her her own safe place to be where she can be protected. Also by your father petting her and loving on her when she's being aggressive, that is reinforcing the behavior. Also, you taking her and letting her snuggle up to you after that behavior is another reward. I know you feel sorry for her because of her past, but your actions now could mean a future or not for the little girl. It's not mean to give them a crate, I think it would be the best thing and would help the situtation.

Edited to add: I hope you guys get it figured out and she responds well!

[Freedom]

Thanks for the good wishes, and for the ideas, Vela. I did think Dad's response was incorrect, did not recognize my own as such.

I will consider using a crate, have one her size. I've also thought maybe using the water squirt bottle will help. Need to think on it some and decide what to do for tonight.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm no behavioral expert for sure but.....that's exactly how Delilah acts when she has one of her toys and sees Daisy coming towards her. I have to take the toy and hide it from her. She acts like she wants to attack Daisy in a hateful way. I don't know if she's trying to protect/defend the toy or defend the area. Or, is she just wanting to be mean to Daisy at that particular time? That's the only time she gets aggressive with her sister. I always think D and D have issues with who has the higher rank between the two of them. Daisy was here first and Delilah is pretty bossy anyway. Maybe Natasha is trying to be the top dog of the Bichon pack?? I'm very illiterate with these things.

Best of luck with the situation, Sandie.

[K9soul]

You might cross-post this in the behavioral section as I know there are some people with a lot of behavioral interests who visit there that may otherwise miss it here.

My thought it is less to do with dominance and more to do with insecurity. She's been shuffled around and and had to deal with who knows what, and she is generally insecure. She found a spot where she felt comfortable and secure, and she immediately felt the need to defend this and keep it from being taken away. My thought would be along the lines of what Vela posted, in giving her own spot and setting her up for success in that she is not in a situation she feels she needs to defend her spot. When she is in her crate I'd leave her undisturbed, letting her come out when she wishes. Let it become her safe spot and haven, a place of her own.

I would avoid punishments if possible, i.e. the squirting, as it could serve to increase her distrust and insecurity. I think I'd keep a little treat pouch on me, and focus on rewarding good behaviors. Starting out simple, like saying her name, and when she looks at you toss her a morsel. Then maybe moving up to calling her, and if she comes giving her a treat. I'd take her out for little walks with just you and her, as I have found walking to really be a bonding experience for many dogs. I know my Tasha, who is very distrustful of strangers, tends to begin accepting and trusting people who have walked with us.

I'd definitely not let her have access to any beds of furniture for now in which she might again feel the need to claim and guard it. I would work on gently building a trusting relationship while doing the NILIF with any toys, food, and so on. These are some of my thoughts on the situation. I know there are others who might have some good ideas to try too.

[Freedom]

Thanks, I understand.

This rescue has a forum (only 24 foster homes, so it is a small group) so I posted on there as well.

Crate - while some mill dogs welcome a crate as a save haven, being it is what they know, most are happy in wide open spaces and never want a small space again. Tasha is like that, freaks out in a crate, so that won't work.

Water - not only is it "punishment," as you pointed out, but many millers use high pressure hoses to clean out cages -- with the dogs still in them! So water is generally a frightening thing for mill dogs.

We are going to keep her OFF the bed, and Dad will sleep with his door closed for tonight and until she can adapt. Meantime, I have lots of exercises to practice with her, to help her learn manners, which she never learnt from litter mates, mom, or a pack, due to her situation. Thing is, they warned me, she is like a puppy but has a mouth full of adult teeth! So the exercises are easy going things, lots of praise and treat rewards. We work UP to things like "SIT." (I never thought about how much a pup already knows when you start teaching sit, until I was reading on line!)

Interesting stuff!

[K9soul]

I didn't really think about the crate issue with her being a mill pup. I'm sure there are some special issues there with those dogs as you have pointed out. Maybe just make some area hers with a blanket that is always her spot and it's her choice to leave or stay there, etc. Sounds like you are getting some good ideas from the other board too. I hope she starts realizing she's in a good place and has no need to defend herself or her spot. She was probably never really allowed to develop any social skills with other dogs or people. I, too, am very fascinated by dog behavior and psychology

[Shelteez2]

Instead of a crate maybe you could use an x-pen. It is a lot more open feeling, yet may still create the feeling of a place that is hers. One other thing is to maybe have her drag a leash so that you can easily get control of her without having to get too close. Of course I believe in implementing NILIF from day one as well. Good luck!