Penny Lane and Leo had a huge fight!!!

[tikeyas_mom]

dont worrie about your dogs, it isnt as bad as it looks , penny probably stepped out of line with leo and he got mad. Then she fought back, it is whatr dogs do, Tikeya and Oscar get into small fights . but it isnt seriouse. Dogs will do this sometimes, it is part of figuring out who is The alfa dog in the house. it is NORMAL!!!!

[clara4457]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I am currently keeping them separated while I am gone and keeping a close eye on them otherwise. The problem is that Penny Lane also suffers from separation anxiety and goes a little nuts when she is left by herself - she was fine when she and Leo were left together. Things seem to have settled down a bit, but I am still a little nervous when they get too close to each other which I am sure I am telegraphing to them It is definately fear aggression with Penny Lane - she growls and shakes at the same time. I just got a little freaked (okay a lot freaked ) when Leo turned so vicious on her. Leo has never acted that way before. I am going to enroll her in obedience classes and keep working with her socialization. Wish me luck!!!

[clara4457]

Well I posted on the Great Pets board and got a response from Sarah Wilson. (I had no idea she posted personally! That was very cool) She has recommended we consult an animal behaviorist. Since this is a holiday weekend, I am going get some recommendations from my vet, trainer, SPCA on Monday. I want to make sure I am using a reputable one.

I think I may have contributed to the situation by not establishing the pack hierarchy like I should have. I think I let Penny Lane get away with alpha behavior because of her medical problems. Isn't it amazing that as much as we love our dogs, we unknowingly don't always do what is best for them.

Right now they are both "grounded" having to work for everything! No pets, food, attention, etc. unless they are doing a required behavior. If Penny Lane is the least bit snippy, she is immediately put into a down - stay.

Needless to say - I am commited to doing everything I can to make this work! Wish me luck.

[anna_66]

GOOD LUCK!!!

[micki76]

Good Luck and don't worry, most of us have been there! You'll all make it through and come out just fine.

[lizbud]

Originally posted by clara4457

I think I may have contributed to the situation by not establishing the pack hierarchy like I should have. I think I let Penny Lane get away with alpha behavior because of her medical problems. Isn't it amazing that as much as we love our dogs, we unknowingly don't always do what is best for them.

Very well done clara4457. That was very wise of you to seek
out expert advice to help indentify the problems & get guidence
on how to go about correcting them.That's a BIG step forward.
It really shows your deep commitment & love for Leo & Penny
Lane. I do wish you the very best of luck & think you have all
the right instincts to make this work out well.

[clara4457]

I made an appointment for an behaviorist/trainer to come to my house next Wednesday. I thought it was pretty reasonable - $75 for a 2 hour in home visit. She is going to observe the two dogs together and suggest a behavior modification program. I have a feeling the behavior modification is more for me than the pups!

We haven't had any incidents since the last one, but I keep pretty firm control over both pups now.

Anyway - I'll let you know how it goes.

[lovemyshiba]

I believe you are doing the absolute best thing for all 3 of you, and I commend you for doing so. It's not always easy, and it may get frustrating, but I know how much you love your dogs, and I know you will be able to make it work.
I will be anxiously waiting to hear what the behaviorist had to say--maybe we could get some pictures to tide us over??