Why do previously free-roaming dogs struggle when life suddenly requires boundaries? Two years ago when the couple were living in India they adopted a street dog – or she adopted them. After a few days, one at a time, she carried five puppies to them. Later they returned to England, Read more
It’s hard to see where the tension, eyeballing and snarling between the two dogs has come from. It seemed to be out of the blue – but was it? Both dogs had been happily living and playing together since they took on Poppy, now three years old, as a puppy. Tilly is ten years old.
Once an attack happens, its done. It can’t be undone, The clock can’t be put back. If nothing changes it can only go one way – downhill. With every incident it becomes more likely to happen again – rehearsed behaviour that becomes a habit.
Shar-pei Yoko had been in her new home for one day when she received a bad injury to her face from their Malamute Alaska, requiring many stitches. What a bad start. But it wasn’t a fight as such. A sad situation. It had started so well. Both dogs had been Read more
Both little dogs got on beautifully until Coco matured and then the conflict started – with a fight over a chew. Things escalated until tiny Mia was badly injured. They are now enemies.
Sascha is a beautiful two-year-old German Shepherd who lives with GSDs black Tango (10) and Annie (4). The couple who own them run a rabbit rescue and these dogs are incredible. Rabbits are free in parts of the house and run around the dogs who are completely chilled with them. Read more
This is Candy, a 2-year-old Boxer in her typical pose with tongue out! Up until last October her sister, Floss, lived with them also. Due to Floss’ bullying and dominating Candy who was the more sensitive and nervous of the two, they found a new home for Floss. This was Read more
Ruby’s owners wanted to rescue a dog that was very much in need of a home, so they chose Jojo, a 9-month-old Pointer mix from a rescue centre in Southern Spain.
Their new dog arrived last week. She was expected during the day but was delivered by lorry at 11 o’clock at night!
This immediately wiped out any plans they may have had for introducing the dogs in neutral territory in the park.
One dog will deliberately stand in a doorway – usually Peaches. Chelsea won’t have this so she too has to stand in the doorway. It’s now a stand-off about ownership of the doorway. This can only end one of two ways. Either Peaches will back down and move away, or there is a fight.
Whether it’s a fight or not depends upon how aroused the dogs are.
As disobeyed commands are a catalyst, the first thing to do is to find ways to get the dogs to comply non-verbally for now. Most commands, when analysed, are unnecessary anyway. People find it very hard not to give commands or to stop saying ‘no’. It can be a real challenge.