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HELP.... ASAP

Rating: 8
Posted on 2008/02/14 by User
Max
Max

My boyfriend and I have been together for a little over 2 years. When we moved in together he had 2 Lab/Sheppard mix neutered dogs, I had 1 un-neutered Lab/Boxer mix and we also have a Jack Russell that we got together. His ex-wife has been coming to pick up the 2 Lab/Sheppard mix dogs for visitation (approximately a night or two about once a month or so). After his ex brings the dogs back it takes us a week or more to get the aggression out of what we call the dominant one. The last time she took them one of them got injured and had to have staples put in his leg and was also prescribed antibiotics. Since they have been home there has been CONSTANT aggravation. The unfixed Jack and the unfixed Lab/Boxer have been trying to mount the injured dog... The one we call the dominant one is constantly growling, snipping, acting as if he's protecting the other one. This always happens after they come home, but not THIS bad.

Could the injury or medication (amoxicillin) be putting of a scent or something that could be causing the unfixed dogs to want to mount him? Could the fact that the two dogs that have visitation with his ex have to re-establish "pack leader"? Maybe they are confused? Can you please give me advice on a direction to go for this situation? I'm afraid that the dominant dog’s aggression or protectiveness is going to cause one of the dogs or himself to become seriously injured.






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Bosely, Sheila
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 11:22 AM
To: Melton, Margret
Subject: RE:



Cesar,

My boyfriend and myself have been together for a little over 2 years. When we moved in together he had 2 lab/shepard mix neutored dogs, I had 1 un neutored lab/boxer mix. His ex-wife has been coming to pick up the dogs for a night or two about once a month or so. We also have a jack russel that we have gotten together. After his ex brings the dogs back it takes us a week or more to get the aggression out of what we call the dominant one. The past time she took them one of them were injured and had to have staples in his leg and put on antibiotics. Since they have been home there has been CONSTANT problems. The unfixed jack and the unfixed lab/boxer have been trying to mount the injured dog... The one we call the dominant one is constantly growing, snipping, acting as if he's protecting the other one. This always happens after they come home, but not THIS bad.

Could the injury or medication (amoxicillin) be putting of a scent or something that could be causing the unfixed dogs to want to mount him? Could the fact that the two dogs that have visitation with his ex have to re-establish "pack leader"? Maybe they are confused? Can you please give me advice on a cure for this situation? I'm afraid that the dominant dogs aggression or protectiveness is going to cause one of the dogs to become seriously injured or himself.

One Response to “HELP.... ASAP”:

  • Experienced Advisor Rosie Barclay says:

    February 14th, 2008 at 08:38 PM

    Hi Sheila

    This is quite a complicated situation you find yourself in and it would not be wise to try and answer it without seeing how the dogs are interacting and also to understand where you and your partner fit into the group structure.

    Dogs in groups do sort themselves out into a loose hierarchy but this is fluid and not fixed and is prone to change depending on many factor such as other dogs becoming older, the needs of each dog, the introduction of a new dog or puppies, hormone changes and any weakness usually due to a dog becoming ill and less likely to be able to match up to a challenge. Some dogs also work together to increase their status within a group and it’s far more complicated than some books and TV programmes lead you to believe and may also differ between males and females.

    You will need some one to one help with this as the group dynamics are ever changing with dogs disappearing and having to re-establish and once strong dogs suddenly showing weakness etc and smelling odd. Mounting does not necessarily mean a sexual act but can be viewed as a challenging behaviour. Added to this is the fact that some of your dogs are neutered whilst other are not. Perhaps it might make sense to neuter the lot and give them a fair playing field and then see how they pan out. It is also very important that all the dogs view you and your partner as decision makers and this is where a qualified behaviourist will be able to help you. Your vet should be able to recommend one.

    Good luck and all the best

     

    Rosie Barclay.

     

    Current Rating: Rating: 8
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