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OK, so we've had Skippy since he was 3 months old (he's going on 2 years). He is our indoor dog. When we brought him home, we had 2 adult labrador retrievers (Rex & Cooper). Rex passed away in December so we made Cooper an indoor dog along with Skippy. Things were great. They did VERY WELL. No problems. My husband decides that he wants another lab. So we rescued Mack at 11 weeks of age. Since bringing him home, Cooper is now back outdoor with Mack and Skippy stays inside. GOT THAT SO FAR?
In the beginning (3 weeks ago), everyone did well. Skippy was very "on guard" when in the yard playing with Mack and Cooper but no problems. He did "mark his territory" on Cooper to show his displeasure but overall no problems. The last week HAS CHANGED! Mack is obviously still a puppy and likes to play. When he plays with Skippy, Skippy growls, barks, bites and pins Mack into a corner. Then I've got 1 dog showing his attitude and another scared out of his wits. I keep thinking that in a few months when Mack is larger than Skippy, that Skippy will back down. ?????? In the meantime, I run outside and separate them reprimanding Skippy, saving Mack from the horrors. Skippy seems to be extremely jealous. How about over jealous.
When coming back inside Skippy won't settle down. If one of the family goes back outside or comes inside, he barks and pounces after us acting like he's going to bite our heals.
WHAT DO I DO????? It's like a little kid throwing an absolute horrible temper tantrum. I don't want this to get out of control anymore. Skippy sleeps all night then waking up at 6AM with us to go outside. This morning he ran around the bedroom going balistic, jumping on the bed at 1:30AM until I finally got up to let him out. He didn't even pee! He came back in 15 minutes later, slept for 2 hours then did it again! This time, he stayed out for 1 1/2 hours - he had no interest of coming back in so I went back to bed and left him out (we have a huge fenced yard). My labs are in a 12x12 kennel inside the fenced area. Usually if he wants to go outside he'll sit by the back door whimpering.
By the way, Skippy and Mack are scheduled to be neutered in April. Will this help? I just really don't like what I'm seeing after Skippy gets back into the house.I'm My Shiba's Pet
How much socialization has Skippy had with other dogs? Has he played with dogs other than your labs in his yard? What kind of classes has Skippy attended? Have you consulted with your trainer?Jessica “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace.”-Milan Kundera
Socialization - we had the 2 labs prior to getting Skippy. He got along with them fine. When Skippy is out, they are out. Both neighbors have dogs. 1 side he likes, they other, NOT. Played with others - never had the opportunity outside of the neighbor dogs. They are separated however by chain link fence. Classes? Small rural town of less than 5,000 - our nearest "training" is 2 hours away. I've been very consistent with our habits, training, commands, etc. with our labs for over 20 years and now with Skippy. He's done well until now.I'm My Shiba's Pet
Well I would say neutering should help for everyone.
Did Skippy do this to Mack in the house?. It sounds like Skippy is bullying which is not uncommon, but (keeping an open mind here) may not necessarily the case. Often we humans get actions of the dog completely wrong. It could be Skippy is over correcting the pup if Skippy does not have a good set of socialization skills to know when to handicap in specific situations with a younger dog. It also could be pup is pushing Skippy's buttons not knowing when to stop certain behaviors, or even a combo. of both between Skippy and Mack. You will have to closely monitor and not allow charging or pushing around to escalate between them. Maybe resource guarding toys or yard guarding is an issue. However, it is hard to determine from merely text on a forum....context is everything in looking at the big picture.
hum...The other factor, it could be that by now separating the dogs you have set up boundaries and your Shiba is taking it upon himself to hold an area or expand that letting pup know where he stands. However, it also sounds like Skippy wants so be with the other dogs too and is bored, so he is waking you up so he can go check on what they are doing (Hah... so typical of nosy Shibas (LOL)!!). I think probably there is some confusion on Skippy's part as to why pup is outside now, and why he is inside. Also where he fits in hierarchy in addition to knowing how to negotiate that in yard vs. house.
Sorry to say, what to do specifically in this case is a tough call without being there. I think probably you will have to work some obedience focus skills for each dog and then use that to your advantage by working the dogs together hubby with one leash and you with another. Also maybe a trainer (one that does NOT use aggressive, shock, corporal or punitive methods) can come out to help you.
Having a bungee leash belt can be useful and have Skippy tied to you as you work around the yard might ease things so he is not tackling the lab. However, do not put Skippy in the position where the lab can be rude to him it will only make matters worse if skippy decides to defend himself. The give and take can be difficult to work out, but barriers or boundaries sometimes set up dogs not to share as well as you would like. Catch 22....Need a balance but not too much isolation between dogs as the get to know each other.
WOW, thank you for the insight. Mack has never been allowed inside, just Cooper prior to Mack coming. From what you explain it does sound like Skippy is trying to teach Mack what's right and what's wrong. Cooper is extremely laid back and Skippy has never had another dog be "playful" around him. To clarify about the isolation, the labs are in their outside kennel, when I let Skippy out of the house, they get let out also so they are together in one large yard. I guess we'll monitor it, get them neutered and see what happens in a few months after Mack is much larger than skippy. Maybe he won't think it's fun to "correct" the new puppy anymore. LOLI'm My Shiba's Pet
Honestly the issue sounds like it is really coming from Skippy's lack of socialization. Because he has not had very much interaction with new dogs he never learned how to behave with new dogs, and is kind of king of his castle.
I would encourage you to bring a behaviorist in.Jessica “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace.”-Milan Kundera
Unfortunately, there are no behaviorists or trainers within over 2 hours. We live in a small rural community. For the time being, I will continue to monitor the yard while all of the dogs are together and make sure that Skippy knows it's OK for Mack to be there. It could also be that he just doesn't like Mack being so playful with him since the other dog could care less about anything. I'm hopeful and confident that with time, age, athome obedience training and neutering, Skippy will adjust. The only "playful" time Skippy gets is in the mornings and evenings around the family. Now with introducing Mack, a 3 month old playful lab, we'll just have to teach Skippy, it's OK.I'm My Shiba's Pet
You state: Skippy has never had another dog be "playful" around him
Based on this and what I know of Shibas this can be of issue. It does sound like socialization conflict with Skippy. Dogs learn from each other. The last thing you want is to have is the puppy feel it needs to defend itself or Skippy continue to feel he has to be hall monitor. Having a professional come in for a one day consultation can be a big big help. It is worth it to have an assessment done so you guys are on the right track.
Call the closest contact to you from the link below and explain where you are located, most trainers understand , and if they can't help they may know of someone in that area that can. It never hurts to reach out find out more. Some do travel from place to place...
I understand that you are 2 hours away from trainers and/or behaviorists. Getting someone to come all the way out to your place could be hard to do, not the mention the expense. I'm not a shiba expert but from having many dogs and cats in the past I've noticed if you bring home a dog AFTER the animals that already live there, there is an acceptance and understanding from the new kid on the block.THOSE DOGS WERE THERE FIRST. He won't try to be bossy. Then a NEW animal comes into the house, which can sometimes cause acting up, marking of territory, fights and all the other behavior us owners hate. Especially a dog that has that alpha personality trait. I guess he's letting the puppy know whose territory it was first. Maybe there is some jealousy now because your other Lab is back outside again with the new pup and he's still an inside dog...and maybe bored and feels left out? When he first came home, he was used to the 2 Labs being outside. Then that changed and he had a buddy. Now his buddy is with the NEW kid. I think Skippy is acting out, somewhat like a spoiled kid looking for more attention. It's hard to know how a dog's mind works. Maybe he just needs some more attention from you guys? Play with him more and try to make him feel special. I also think time will eventually iron things out. The testosterone doesn't help either. Neutering will solve that a little bit.
StaticNfuzz: thanks for the input however based on those trainers, the closest is 6 hours away. Don't think that's going to happen. D&M: You hit the nail right on the head with the situation! When Skippy was outside last night I played moniter. Things went well and Skippy only once tried to correct Mack. I told him that it was OK. and we all played together in the yard. Afterwards we came inside and took a bath together - boy was he in need after such a long winter! He cuddled in a blanket next to me and we watched TV while he stayed warm. He slept all night and then when he went out this morning - so far no problems. I think you're right...I just need to spend more time with him showing him that "he's the special one" and that it's OK that Mack is around and being with Cooper.
how is it going with Skippy? Is he a contented shiba knowing he is the center of your universe now? LOL I gotta tell you..MoJo does get downright mischevious and spiteful when he's got energy to expel and we are not into playing with him at the moment. That's when he goes off sulking and does something awful like chewing on my shoes or the couch or my purse...the list goes on. They seem to know how to fix your wagon, lol.
Skippy is doing GREAT now that we took the time to hang out in the yard with all the dogs while they are out together. He stills gets a little "snippy" when the new dog pounces on him, or when Skippy wants to come inside and Mack still wants to play. However, overall, we have a happy household. Thanks for everything! We got them to play tug of war with each other which is absolutely hilarious! We just don't let them do it without someone around to make sure "they play nice". LOLI'm My Shiba's Pet
so glad to hear the happy household is good! They are like little kids, right? Attention is attention...even negative attention is attention, lol. :) Skippy :) :) :)