[Superdan]

We have 2 Puggle's. One is 11 months (Avery) and the other is 19 months (Nellie). We got Nellie about 2 months ago from a person that couldn't afford to keep her any more and the two of them get along great. They play wrestle and play tug of war all the time and they even sleep together. The problem that we are having is whenever we pick Avery up Nellie jumps up at her which then sets Avery off and they start fighting big time. They're fine after we break them up. It even happens if we try to put Avery's harness on. Nellie keeps getting into Avery's face which Avery hates I'm guessing and that's why she freaks and it causes a fight.
Does anyone have any suggestions for us to help with our crazy fight'n puggle's?

Thanks,

Dan

[cigwyllt]

Nellie as the older one probably sees herself as superior to Avery and does not want you to give her attention - it's fine for her to play with Avery but she doesn't want you to do it.

On the one hand dogs tend to get on better if they are allowed to sort out the pack order for themselves but on the other hand you need to be able to do simple things such as put the harness on without Nellie interfering.

For the time being why not try to separate them before putting the harness on - put Nellie in another room while you sort Avery out. It would probably do them both good to have some one to one time without the other and it would help to reinforce your position as boss as well.

[Superdan]

Thanks cigwyllt for the suggestion.

How would I go about letting them sort things out for themselves? Do I just let them fight? Cause I have heard that before but I don't know how far to let it go.

[Lara's mom]

I tried the "let them sort it out for themselves" thing. The result was $300 worth of damage to my elderly dogs face and my having to rehome a 9 month old male JRT. You need to take control NOW, before something similar happens between your dogs. I could kick myself for listening to everyone who told me that they should work it out themselves. I should have been enough of a leader to prevent it from ever happening. I wasn't and I ended up with one dog injured and one who I had to find another home for.

[Lunareclipse]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I tried the "let them sort it out for themselves" thing. The result was $300 worth of damage to my elderly dogs face and my having to rehome a 9 month old male JRT. You need to take control NOW, before something similar happens between your dogs. I could kick myself for listening to everyone who told me that they should work it out themselves. I should have been enough of a leader to prevent it from ever happening. I wasn't and I ended up with one dog injured and one who I had to find another home for.

I agree with Lara's mom. Whenever our older saint gets cranky with one of our other dogs, I nip it in the bud right them.