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Comment by Beth on October 6, 2009 at 6:48pm

Sounds like Daphne is being a bossy girl!

I am honestly still getting a feel for maintaining a multi-dog household, but one thing I do know is that I decide who gets to be in my lap, who gets petted, who gets brushed etc. If one is in my lap and the other tries to barge in, on the floor that dog goes. I will allow the second one to sit next to me, but not if it's going to be a pest about it. Jack is pretty tolerant of Maddie, but one thing that makes him give her the evil eye is if he's up on the couch for some attention (and he rarely does come for cuddles, but as it gets cooler he does get more prone to be on a lap) and she tries to jump up too. So I try to avoid letting her provoke him. I also don't allow toy-stealing and if one does steal from the other, I remove the toy from the thief.

I agree that NILF should help a lot, as will enforcing a rule that the dogs don't jump up unless you invite them (which is really part of NILF). Good luck!

Comment by Debby on October 6, 2009 at 3:24pm

I think the Cesar Milan method would be best! I follow his advice and I find that the problem is usually the human (mine) and not the dog! She has become the pack leader and you need to take it back.

Comment by christy fry on October 6, 2009 at 3:07pm

I'd take away all of her high value spots and teach her she has to be invited to go to them anymore. I think thats along the NILF system that is used by so many here. Also do walk them seperate?? maybe walking each one by themselves once a week will help.
Good Luck

Comment by Sarah C. on October 6, 2009 at 1:25pm

I think a good way to address this problem is that whenever the little one tries to act posessive over your lap, you put her on the floor. That way she will learn that being possessive doesn't get her what she wants, being close to you. So far if she fights the other one and he backs down, she's been reinforcing the behavior every time she wins and gets more time on mom's lap. That is my opinion as a lay person. As for the fights with the other dog, I think that the more she finds that her behavior doesn't get her more time with mom, the less she'll have something to protect and that behavior may resolve itself.

Comment by Apollo & Daphne on October 6, 2009 at 12:15pm

Thank you! We both tell her "no!" and try to separate her from him before anything gets out of control. But, she likes to provoke him. And she usually starts the fight when we're just out of reach.

Comment by Jane Christensen on October 6, 2009 at 8:40am

Yes, it needs to stop now.I think Bev has some good advice.My little tri isn't aggressive but tries to jump up on any dog on my lap and she immediatly gets told "down" and is put to the floor. Yes...she needs to be removed immediately I think at the 1st growl with a strong "no". You need to take back your pack leader title!

Comment by Bev Levy on October 6, 2009 at 7:34am

Well it is time to stop this! Cesaer Milan has done a few segments on this type of behavior if you can rent his DVD. My Sparty over the years has tried to own me but we have nipped it before it got too far. Obedience classes are the best way to go. Do you and your husband both feed the dogs? The Nothing in Life is Free plan should help a lot. You can goggle it and it is pretty easy. I would have her trail a short rope or leash so you can immediately remove her in the event of an attack. You should start right away because this will only get worse.