[cheryl54]

I have a Papillion chihuahua (Pixie) mix and she has always been very possessive with her food and toys. It has recently gotten worse since I just adopted a beagle lab mix. She is used to being the only dog. She does and tries to eat the new dogs food and then growls and snaps at him if he approaches. It's gotten to the point where I have to feed her in her kennel and shut the door while the new one eats. I have no idea of how to fix the problem. Other than these few problems she is the sweetest most playful thing ever.

I also have a problem with the new lab playing to rough with Pixie. She will play back but he is so much larger and he gets carried away. He will put his mouth around her, never bites down, playfully and it scares me. She entices him from time to time but when things get too rough she goes and hides underneath the bed. I just want to be able to stop worrying about things getting out of control.


oh yeah..she also licks uncontrollably haha not that big of an issue but annoying

[uncle polenta]

Check Cesar Milan's website. I think I've seen the dog with the same kinda
problem and Cesar worked on it and brought the great result. Lack of socialism
and that can be solved by simple training. What I remember is that he hasn't done any complicated thing but worked well.

[Bacis Dad]

With all do respect, in regards to uncle polenta's post, AVOID the techniques you see by the dog whisperer!!! I have been in the behavior field for a while and when ceaser milan became such a huge hype, I have seen more cases of aggression then normal. The problem is that people use his techniques without any expertise. Because his techniques are (in most cases) aversive, the training method actually creates an opposite effect and heighten aggression! Please avoid that at all costs! There has been multiple Ban attempts by many reliable and proffessional societies like the AVSAB, and is currently being banned in other countries across the world! Just google ceaser milan ban and you will get pages upon pages of bans due to his outdated and "inhumane" practices!

Any way this post isnt about him, its about your little guy that needs help coping with his new buddy. This is a hard post to respong to and give you insight on bc you Really need someone there Showing You what to do.... I would highly reccomend a book called "Mine A Guide to Resource Guarding" by Jean Donaldson. (I also recommend looking into a book called "Click to Calm".

-In the time being find a Positive Reinforcement trainer in your area,
-Feed them on a schedule (dont leave the food out all day)
-When feeding you must monitor and BLOCK (try not to use your hands or pick him up) the little one from going to the other dish (try feeding them at least 5 ft apart)
-Feed the little guys in partial portions and as he's eating continue to drop more food and goodies into his dish, rewarding him for staying there.
-If there is any particular toys (beds, bones etc) that he is protective over take them away til a professional can come over and help you.
-Keep an over abundance of toys (that hes not protective over out)

Good luck, but you really do need someone over there showing how to properly handle this. Dont do something bc you saw on TV!

[Lara's mom]

I agree 100%!! I've never liked Cesar Milan's techniques. I would avoid using them.

[Marco]

First things first, it seems as though it's not so much harming the dogs, but you. You say it scares you when the Lab plays with the Pap. Leave them to it! Your girl will stand up for herself if the Lab gets too carried away. Obviously stay and supervise the dogs while they're playing, because larger dogs can do allot of damage if they have the time.

Have you tried, putting li'l Pap in her crate, and then putting food down for the Lab so Pap can see? I've never had any food aggression problems, so I'm not sure if it would make it better or worse. Another option is keeping an eye on Pap when she eats. If she shows any sign of aggression toward Lab, pull her away from the food. I know that one will work, whether it works right off or you have to wait a year. :mrgreen:

Try walking them together, training them together, put their crates side by side. When you're stroking the Pap and the Lab comes over budging his way in, push him away, the same goes for if you're petting him and she goes over. Remember to call the guilty-of-attention pup back over once you've finished razzling with the other.

She has been a single dog for as long as she can remember, why would she accept a new dog? It's like putting a toddler who' never lived with another toddler in the same room and expecting them to drink from the same bottle. You've basically lodged this dog, and your Pap mix isn't liking it right off. Because you're the pack leader, you decide what happens in the house. Make sure to keep everything tight in order for the next few days.
Hope this helps.

[cheryl54]

thanks everybody for the amazing advice. its been a few days and everythings great. they are getting along and feeding time is easier. i still have to supervise but the aggression has decreased. i'm watching them play together at the moment and i'm not worried in the least bit. thanks a lot!

[Bacis Dad]

Thanks for the update!
I wish you continued success and happiness