Advice For Aggressive Older Dog?

Cindy

December 21, 20100 found this helpful

Ashley, this is a complicated situation that deserves more than a few posts, but let me give it a shot. I understand your problem as we had a similar situation with an older dog and a new puppy. At first they were great buds, then the older one started getting irritated about the younger one thinking he could do whatever he wanted to do. The older one got more territorial and chaos started to prevail. We had to learn it was a power struggle for dominance between the two dogs and (treating them like older children trying to "be the boss" of younger children) had to take steps to remind both who was in charge.. Us, adult humans!

Dogs have a instinctive, pack mentality. If you don't take on the role of the human alpha, leader of the pack, one of the dogs will! Again, it's instinct on the part of the dog to take charge if he or she doesn't perceive another to be an effective leader. The dog shouldn't be "punished" for trying to take the lead, but you, the true human alpha of the pack, must remind the more dominant dog who is actually in charge. (The humans.) Honestly, once the dogs know how much you want to be in charge, most are happy and willing to let you take the lead.

When our older dog got snarly or snarky with the younger dog, we would take him into another room and make him go through a series of "sit, down, stay" commands to remind him who was the "boss." (Us humans!) We would do the same with the younger one when he got a bit cocky.

We still have the occasional spat between the fur boys, but for the most part we all get along. It's important to remember that, skin or fur, all get miffed on occasion and a simple break can sooth a few rattled nerves.

I know this is not nearly detailed enough, but I hope the general idea helps you with your situation. Seriously, I think your older dog is having a few issues with sharing time with the younger one, and the younger one is just pushing the limits, as all youngsters do. I wish you the best of luck.

Connie Eiceman

December 23, 20100 found this helpful

It is a difficult situation. I believe your lab is getting more frustrated with the presence of the Husky and being less tolerant. It may be that he is in some kind of discomfort, i.e., arthritis, that is making him grumpier. I would have him checked out by a vet who can give him something for any joint pain which will make him happier or give him something to make him a bit more relaxed.

jilliebean9700

December 23, 20100 found this helpful

I agree with kansas cty cindy, but I think another thing you might want to do is take the older dog to the vet. Maybe he is having some pains and isn't feeling his best as he is aging and the little guy is getting on his nerves because of that.

DEBY

December 25, 20100 found this helpful

Make sure that equal attention is being paid. Also try to get one on each side of you and pet at the same time and talking to each one softly with lots of affection. This will also assure your lab that the husky isn't any more important than she /he is.