It isn't easy.. especially with cute dogs that have learnt just how to appeal to your soppy nature! :lol:
There are four rules, I've used the term "you" alot but I mean you and more importantly your wife.
Generally, when the pack structure changes your doggie will get a bit sulky for a few days... then she should just learn to relax and let your wife take the alpha female role.
You should treat both dogs the same, but I have to admit I've little experience get two dogs to get along, only with humans assuming alpha role over a single dog. I wouldn't want my advice to get in the way of seeking proffesional help.
Anyway... the rules
1. Ignore your dog
Sounds harsh and it's really tough. When you've been seperated turn your back on the dog, refuse to make eye contact. You're the boss and you interact on your terms. Make yourself a drink, watch TV, whatever. Once your dog has settled (and this could take a looong time) give it another five minutes (if she gets up and tries to bother you start again), wait til she settles and start the 5 minute count again. Then call her over, pat her and make a fuss.
This is gonna be really hard if you dog is big and jumps on the furniture with ya! The usual advice is "don't say anything and gently push it down". I hope you can make that work.
Don't ever go over to your dog. That puts her in charge.
If she come to you without being called, ignore her 50% of the time.
2. Eat before she does
I put my dog's food in a bowl and the put it on a table, I then eat a cracker, but try to make it look like I'm taking it from the bowl. Don't look at her, alphas eat first. When you've finished eating put the food down.
3. Alpha's lead
Try to stop your dog going in/out of the house before you. Training sit and wait (usually 10 secs) before letting you dog through the doorway after you've been with a simple "this way". This also applies to walks, try not to let you dog forge ahead (try a head control collar, but be careful that it fits right, if it doesn't then she might slip it, some ppl reinforce their head collar with a chain to the main collar incase it does slip).
4. Dealing with threats
When someone comes to the door. If your dog tries to frighten them away then she thinks she's the boss and it's her job to protect you. Warning you is fine, but it should be up to you/wife to do threat assessment! Dunno how to reinforce this but you may find as she learns you and your wife are dominant this may just change or reduce (some ppl pop there dogs in a another room, or train them to wait while you check out the disturbance).
Do the best you can and try to be creative in the way you enforce the rules. You should ber able to do rule 2 with no problem.
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"Outside of a dog, a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."
Venn
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