Dangerous dog?

[steve_in_spain]

Originally Posted by jojo

It did happen a couple of times in Spain, altho its definitely worse here in the UK - I think thats something to do with the doors being open there and closed here????? We're trying to work out why they do it. I think its something to do when the westie barks and wants to go outside, the campo dog sees him as being aggressive and attacks him????

Jo xxx

Maybe! Although, if one dog wants to correct another dogfor something that is against the rules (in their eyes) such as barking they will usually do it with a bark or a nip. When dogs are engaging in fighting to that level then there is usually something to do with dominance going on.

It's possible that with all the changes in your life recently (preparing to move, moving) the dog is sensing tensions and in their eyes unsettlement and just needs a bit of firmer leadership. What often happens when 2 dogs fight is that the owners (trying to help) go hysterical and panic… been there, done that. If something happens such as a scrap the important thing is that you remain calm (easier said than done i know!).

Dogs live for the moment and the past is forgotten and the future is not something they worry about, just what is happening now. This means that if a dog senses weakness in you they may feel that a new pack leader job is available. Then there may be fights when one dog thinks he is up for it but the other dog thinks its his job. Then, a simple bark for a door to be opened can be taken as a challenge from the other dog and in a flash they are locked onto each other in what looks and sounds like a fight to the death!

Once they both know that there is NO vacency for a new pack leader and you are up for the job this kind of competativness stops and no more fights!

Although its my interest, i am no expert and even with my doggy experience I wouldnt want to say whats going on without seeing them but get hold of some info form Cesar Milan (books, videos etc) or look at his website ( cesarsway) because he addresses some of these issues. Theres clearly a simple problem in one (or both) of their heads and once you find that you will stop the fighting.

When I got my rottie one of my huskies (the softest most stupid one) used to attack him as a pup. Serious blood baths. This is what got me interested in doy psychology. I thought that the husky had a problem, but it turns out he was literally trying to calm the rotty down as he was a bit too bouncy for my packs liking. A bit of calm assertive and consistant reminding them of who is boss soon put a stop to it and now they get on like a house on fire!

Where are you in the UK? If its London or Kent area I know the best dog behaviourist ever, hes great and would fix that problem in a day!

[jojo]

Originally Posted by steve_in_spain

Maybe! Although, if one dog wants to correct another dogfor something that is against the rules (in their eyes) such as barking they will usually do it with a bark or a nip. When dogs are engaging in fighting to that level then there is usually something to do with dominance going on.

It's possible that with all the changes in your life recently (preparing to move, moving) the dog is sensing tensions and in their eyes unsettlement and just needs a bit of firmer leadership. What often happens when 2 dogs fight is that the owners (trying to help) go hysterical and panic… been there, done that. If something happens such as a scrap the important thing is that you remain calm (easier said than done i know!).

Dogs live for the moment and the past is forgotten and the future is not something they worry about, just what is happening now. This means that if a dog senses weakness in you they may feel that a new pack leader job is available. Then there may be fights when one dog thinks he is up for it but the other dog thinks its his job. Then, a simple bark for a door to be opened can be taken as a challenge from the other dog and in a flash they are locked onto each other in what looks and sounds like a fight to the death!

Once they both know that there is NO vacency for a new pack leader and you are up for the job this kind of competativness stops and no more fights!

Although its my interest, i am no expert and even with my doggy experience I wouldnt want to say whats going on without seeing them but get hold of some info form Cesar Milan (books, videos etc) or look at his website ( cesarsway) because he addresses some of these issues. Theres clearly a simple problem in one (or both) of their heads and once you find that you will stop the fighting.

When I got my rottie one of my huskies (the softest most stupid one) used to attack him as a pup. Serious blood baths. This is what got me interested in doy psychology. I thought that the husky had a problem, but it turns out he was literally trying to calm the rotty down as he was a bit too bouncy for my packs liking. A bit of calm assertive and consistant reminding them of who is boss soon put a stop to it and now they get on like a house on fire!

Where are you in the UK? If its London or Kent area I know the best dog behaviourist ever, hes great and would fix that problem in a day!

I'm in Worthing, West Sussex and would gratefully receive any help with this. I've been reading a lot on the internet, but it mainly seems to be about female dogs and/or top dog power struggles. My husband thinks that the campo dog is trying to protect us all and sees the westies barking as a threat to us. Also it seems to happen if/when we have viewings on our house (its on the market). I shut the dogs in the garden when people come to the house and this unsettles them, so when they come back in, their anxiety levels are heightened

I must add that while I'm typing this, I have one dog laying on his back under the duvet with his head on the pillow and the other one is sort of on top of him - they're generally lovely soft, fluffy and cute little pooches, but it shows that even the most loveable dogs have a switch and can change

Jo xxx

[steve_in_spain]

Originally Posted by jojo

I'm in Worthing, West Sussex and would gratefully receive any help with this. I've been reading a lot on the internet, but it mainly seems to be about female dogs and/or top dog power struggles. My husband thinks that the campo dog is trying to protect us all and sees the westies barking as a threat to us. Also it seems to happen if/when we have viewings on our house (its on the market). I shut the dogs in the garden when people come to the house and this unsettles them, so when they come back in, their anxiety levels are heightened

I must add that while I'm typing this, I have one dog laying on his back under the duvet with his head on the pillow and the other one is sort of on top of him - they're generally lovely soft, fluffy and cute little pooches, but it shows that even the most loveable dogs have a switch and can change

Jo xxx

Ill send you a PM!

[Pesky Wesky]

Hey Steve, (or anybody else for that matter)
Have a slight problem with Kala. I think you probably know all about her coming from a home, getting lost, getting seriously injured, making a great recovery???
Well, she's started peeing in the house, but when we're here - sometimes going off to do it somewhere semi secret, and sometimes when she's with us, but chooses the moment when we're not actually looking at her. It's not to do with not being able to get out as she may do it pretty soon after she's been out.
My theory - she's more and more comfortable with us and doesn't yet recognise the boundries and/ or she doesn't know how to ask to be let outside??
How can we teach her not to do this?
Just when we think it's ok, she does it again.
Thank Goodness there are no rugs/ carpets in my house!
Signed
Desperate not to have a pee smelling house, worried dog owner.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Pesky Wesky

Hey Steve, (or anybody else for that matter)
Have a slight problem with Kala. I think you probably know all about her coming from a home, getting lost, getting seriously injured, making a great recovery???
Well, she's started peeing in the house, but when we're here - sometimes going off to do it somewhere semi secret, and sometimes when she's with us, but chooses the moment when we're not actually looking at her. It's not to do with not being able to get out as she may do it pretty soon after she's been out.
My theory - she's more and more comfortable with us and doesn't yet recognise the boundries and/ or she doesn't know how to ask to be let outside??
How can we teach her not to do this?
Just when we think it's ok, she does it again.
Thank Goodness there are no rugs/ carpets in my house!
Signed
Desperate not to have a pee smelling house, worried dog owner.

I think dogs pee to mark their territory. Its kinda like us bringing our bits and peices into a house to make it home!!?? Apparently, dog pee contains scents of their emotions too (I read that on t'internet), but only other dogs can sense this - so no, you dont need to go a sniffing to find out how doggie is feeling rofl!!!! But it sounds like your dog is simply saying "this is home now" or maybe he can smell a previous doggie???

My westy fortunately does this in the garden, he pees on every bush, plant, wall, tuft of grass.... followed by the campo dog who sniffs each one and then pees on top of it WTF??!!

Jo xxxx

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by jojo

I think dogs pee to mark their territory. Its kinda like us bringing our bits and peices into a house to make it home!!?? Apparently, dog pee contains scents of their emotions too (I read that on t'internet), but only other dogs can sense this - so no, you dont need to go a sniffing to find out how doggie is feeling rofl!!!! But it sounds like your dog is simply saying "this is home now"

My westy fortunately does this in the garden, he pees on every bush, plant, wall, tuft of grass.... followed by the campo dog who sniffs each one and then pees on top of it WTF??!!

Jo xxxx

Yeah, but I thought that was more of a male thing and Kala is a you know what, that will get censored if I write it.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Pesky Wesky

Yeah, but I thought that was more of a male thing and Kala is a you know what, that will get censored if I write it.

A "lady" dog lol!!!! I dont know about those having only "boy" dogs. As much as we love em, they are more trouble than they're worth sometimes

Jo xxx

[steve_in_spain]

Originally Posted by Pesky Wesky

Hey Steve, (or anybody else for that matter)
Have a slight problem with Kala. I think you probably know all about her coming from a home, getting lost, getting seriously injured, making a great recovery???
Well, she's started peeing in the house, but when we're here - sometimes going off to do it somewhere semi secret, and sometimes when she's with us, but chooses the moment when we're not actually looking at her. It's not to do with not being able to get out as she may do it pretty soon after she's been out.
My theory - she's more and more comfortable with us and doesn't yet recognise the boundries and/ or she doesn't know how to ask to be let outside??
How can we teach her not to do this?
Just when we think it's ok, she does it again.
Thank Goodness there are no rugs/ carpets in my house!
Signed
Desperate not to have a pee smelling house, worried dog owner.

Ufff… well, if this is something that has jsut started then its one of 3 things (in my humble opinion, and i am no expert)…

Either
She seems to think the rules have changed and is confused over where she can do it, or
She is nervous (you say she seems to run off to hide), or
She is sick and cant wait.

First thing I learned about housetraining a dog is not to punish them when they make mistakes. Dogs never do anythin gto intentionally upset you. By this I mean that sometimes a child will "play up" but dogs dont do that. Sometimes owners give a smack on the bum or scream when their dog has an accident. Although negative energy it is still affection (attention) you are giving the dog and this can reinforce the behaviour.

In my opinion you need to start as a pup and watch her closely. If she looks like she is going to "go", or starts to scurry off somewhere quiet then you need to get her outside asap. If she is mid flow when you see her then literally pick her up and put her down outside. Say nothing - zip squiddly - and remember to be calm.

When she goes outside, lots of fuss and love and a treat.

See how you get on with this. This will reinforce what she already knows but obviously if there is another underlying reason you need to get advice form an expert, and as I said don't forget that it could even be something medical - incontinence? How old is she?

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by steve_in_spain

Ufff… well, if this is something that has jsut started then its one of 3 things (in my humble opinion, and i am no expert)…

Either
She seems to think the rules have changed and is confused over where she can do it, or
She is nervous (you say she seems to run off to hide), or
She is sick and cant wait.

First thing I learned about housetraining a dog is not to punish them when they make mistakes. Dogs never do anythin gto intentionally upset you. By this I mean that sometimes a child will "play up" but dogs dont do that. Sometimes owners give a smack on the bum or scream when their dog has an accident. Although negative energy it is still affection (attention) you are giving the dog and this can reinforce the behaviour.

In my opinion you need to start as a pup and watch her closely. If she looks like she is going to "go", or starts to scurry off somewhere quiet then you need to get her outside asap. If she is mid flow when you see her then literally pick her up and put her down outside. Say nothing - zip squiddly - and remember to be calm.

When she goes outside, lots of fuss and love and a treat.

See how you get on with this. This will reinforce what she already knows but obviously if there is another underlying reason you need to get advice form an expert, and as I said don't forget that it could even be something medical - incontinence? How old is she?

Steve, she's young only about 1 and a half yrs.
I really don't think it's a medical problem - it's not an everyday occurance. We don't know her past history, but apart from weeing herself with pleasure when we saw her in the morning when we first got her, this hasn't happened before. She came to us a month before her (estimated) first birthday. Given her quite dramatic past (abandoned in the country, possibly from birth, taken to dog's home, adopted by us, lost in another town in Spain for 5 days, hit by car, losing one eye and over a month's recovery) she's quite possibly confused. But why has she started doing it now, when she's happy and contented again?? She has great walks with us, runs like the wind (seriously quicker than 98% of the dogs we meet up with) despite having only one eye, is sociable with people and dogs - a little wary sometimes, but not always.
Answers here please - or on another thread??

[steve_in_spain]

Originally Posted by Pesky Wesky

Steve, she's young only about 1 and a half yrs.
I really don't think it's a medical problem - it's not an everyday occurance. We don't know her past history, but apart from weeing herself with pleasure when we saw her in the morning when we first got her, this hasn't happened before. She came to us a month before her (estimated) first birthday. Given her quite dramatic past (abandoned in the country, possibly from birth, taken to dog's home, adopted by us, lost in another town in Spain for 5 days, hit by car, losing one eye and over a month's recovery) she's quite possibly confused. But why has she started doing it now, when she's happy and contented again?? She has great walks with us, runs like the wind (seriously quicker than 98% of the dogs we meet up with) despite having only one eye, is sociable with people and dogs - a little wary sometimes, but not always.
Answers here please - or on another thread??

If she used to have a weak bladder when she was excited, perhaps she is getting the same when she is scared.. i mean.. can you tie up any links between when she does it and what happens in the house… things like… arguments, workmen, bangs, anything at all?

What times of day does it happen if it does? Is there any pattern to the behaviour? Anything like that?