aggression

i'm having a terrible problem with my Murphy. He is 6yrs., i got him as a pup, neutered, and has been the only dog until i "inherited" a small poodle girl 2 years ago.She is 14 yrs. and very calm and sweet. Murphy has viciously attacked her several times in the time she has been with us. Sometimes it's over "perceived" food, but lately it's been over nothing. It happened in the night while we were all asleep in the bed. Today it happened while he was being petted on my lap, Charlie at my side where she always lays, and out of the blue he starts ripping into her. He clamps on and i have to pry his jaws apart. It's terrifying to both me and Charlie. i think he would seriously injure her. So i am always on guard with the two of them and don't see this problem going away on its own. Does anyone have an idea for what to do with this aggressive corgi? Are there calming drugs? i'm at wit's end.

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on April 30, 2015 at 1:09pm

On a lighter note, your last comment made me laugh and reminded me of one on my favorite poems introduced to me many years ago by a Canadian friend:

Little bateese: https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/html/1807/4350/poem732.html

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Permalink Reply by Leih Cooper on April 30, 2015 at 10:49pm

ha ha, that is the sweetest poem! I've taken to calling Murphy..."Leetle Batisse"... love it!

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Permalink Reply by Leih Cooper on May 7, 2015 at 10:40pm

well...we've been to the vet and Murphy is healthy. she thinks it is all me not being "alpha" enough. So, per her suggestions, he no longer sleeps in the bed, and he has only limited access to me in the recliner. if he does anything threatening to Charlie, i am to immediately put him on his back. i'm still on guard most of the time, but at least i can sleep without threat of a corgi attack! thank you all for your ideas and suggestions!

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on May 7, 2015 at 11:29pm

I agree with the suggestions given by your Vet, except for putting him on his back, because this puts YOU at risk of a bite..... If the aggressive behavior is ONLY towards the poodle, I recommend keeping them separate when you are not home and when feeding them, crating one at night, and using a soft muzzle on him when you are all together. Then you could safely implement the putting him on his back technique. The soft muzzle will allow him to drink. It should fit fairly snugly so he cannot slip it off. Use some treats to get him used to it when the poodle is not around.

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Permalink Reply by Holly on May 9, 2015 at 3:39pm

Anna, would it make sense to keep him on a leash at times and remove him from the room for any acts of aggression. I am thinking it would be easier to lead him away on a leash than try to pick him up or lead him by the collar and it would be a non-violent intervention to teach him who is in charge. No?

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on May 9, 2015 at 6:17pm

Yes to the leash, but no to removing him. When you remove him he learns nothing. he must learn to be in the situation and not act aggressively. I would never pick him up. If the poodle is up to it, walks on leash together can be beneficial.