dobe8

Hi all,

Since Zeus had his surgery, He has needed more attention, tending to his wounds and comforting him from pain. I am still giving Sierra attention but when I do, Zeus growls or barks. He has formed a good bond with me and is getting possessive of me and bullys Sierra around. I disciplined his growling and put him in a downstay for 40 minutes, but I don't know what else I can do to prevent this behavior. Sierra is being quite pissy as well, she torn everything out of my purse and chewed on my wallet. I really am giving them both attention, but Zeus obviously needs more tending to right now. I don't like him pushing Sierra around, she is already scared of everything.

h.e.l.p.

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Love the Nub.

Dobeman

I like using crates. This way I can manage who is out and who is doing what and when. You could even put the two crates in different rooms. They are fantastic for time-out as well.

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Cornelia Grabichler
www.bavarienburg-dobermann.com
www.USADobermann.net
Int. CH Cameron Capone dei Dohse BH, AD, CD, WAC, CGC, VC, RE, TDI Eval., HOT
Syria von der Horringhauser Höh BH, VPG 3, RN, AD, WAC, HOT
Ferrara vom Excalibur BH, VPG 1, AD, WAC, HOT
Verona von der Horringhauser Höh
Havanna vom Excalibur
Faro von der Bavarienburg

Lexxsmom

I have to ask...if Sierra is afraid of everything already, why did you get a second dog that you already knew would be a potential problem? ( from previous posts where you stated possible possessive issues with your boy)

I think crating is a good idea. Also, i think as the "parent" you need to realize that you need to give BOTH dogs extra attention if this is becoming a problem. Place one in a crate and spend time outside playing with the other and vice versa. If zeus needs time for post op work, then you'll have to make the effort to give sierra some extra time too, even just some extra cuddles!

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Leanne and Lexx


Dragon Slaying Dobermans Incorporated, member #001, President.
" I don't need to sit for the cookie, I hunt dragons all day dammit!"
Lexxington's blog: http://lexxslife.blogspot.com/

Dillon427

Positively reinforce Zeus when he doesn't growl or bark when your attention is focused on Sierra. First, if he doesn't already know, teach him what "growling" is. That's the foil of the desired behavior of not growling. Name and explain. When he growls, say, "Zeus, that's growling," and mark the behavior however you see fit (clicker or voice - my marker is a hard "X" sound). Zeus needs to know what you don't want before he can understand exactly what you want. Then name and explain the desired behavior. You can call it whatever you wish, "being nice," "not growling" or some made-up term. Then, when Zeus exhibits this behavior, even for a second, praise him and reward him with great enthusiasm. Start with short intervals, maybe 3-5 seconds, and work your way up. As you're offering attention to Sierra, keep a close eye and ear on Zeus, and if he successfully keeps quiet for the 3-5 seconds, throw a big party for Zeus, praising him and giving him high-value treats. He will soon learn that when Mom is giving affection to Sierra, good things happen to him - if he behaves himself.