A Serious Training Issue

Since losing our Old Dog, Monty, we have taken in a rescue Springer Spaniel, Oliver. He has been shuffled from foster to foster,but the last few reported he was submissive to a dominant female (our situation exactly.)

I was prepared to deal with Lilliput potentially guarding her toys, or her treats, but she has pulled a new one on me. Lilli is guarding ME from the new dog. How do we deal with that? Oliver has attached himself like a velcro spaniel to my husband (as expected), but he is cautious around me because if he gets too close the corgi may come charging in snarling to chase him away from me.

Any suggestions on this one? At least Oliver has someone to cling to, but I wish he could feel more comfortable with all the humans in the house.

Julia

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on November 20, 2010 at 8:06am

When we addded Misty (my son's dog) Sparty guarded me, toys, anything from her. I just put a leash on Sparty for a few days and said No when he growled at her or went for her. He still does not like her but at least now he is willing to let her live. She can play with toys and sit partially on my lap without repercussions from him. That was 2 years ago now and he will glance over at me sometimes when he is thinking about going after her (I can tell) and I just say no and he stops. They do not always like every dog and sometimes the other dog lets off a "vibe" that invites trouble. I think it is all about making it clear that you get to decide who lives in your house. It is possible that you are showing some weakness due to remaining grief that Lilliput is picking up on. Show that you are strong and she may relax. Here's to peace in your home...

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Permalink Reply by Beth on November 20, 2010 at 11:11am

I agree that this particular sort of aggression should be corrected immediately. Leash her or otherwise physically control her (if you are very good at controlling loose dogs with body movement, you might get by with her loose) and make it instantly clear with a sharp "No" or "Ah-ah" that you do not appreciate having her guard you.

I would also practice NILIF with her, if you don't already. For the time being, she should sit before she eats, down before you throw a tennis ball, stay before she gets a belly rub, wait before you open the door, etc. This kind of person-guarding can quickly expand to other situations, and may continue even when the foster leaves if not corrected, IMO.

Good luck with Lilliput and the new boy!

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Permalink Reply by Julia on November 28, 2010 at 11:07pm

Thanks for the advice, but... I guess I was getting a little ahead of myself. Things aren't nearly as dire as they seemed. At the shelter we shake our heads at those people who return a dog after just a few days or a week, and here I am reacting the same way. (At least I didn't RETURN the poor little dog!) It's just that guarding ME was something I hadn't dealt with before, so of course I came up with worst case scenarios. There is lesson here. Patience.

Lilli has chilled out some, and I toned down my greetings for a while, and am gradually building up again. Just like with the toys and treats. Lilli went from "NILF" to just plain "N" :) Now there are low value toys allowed. I knew this already, just panicked when it was my own precious baby.

Oliver can come sit on my lap with only moderate appraisal from the corgi now.

Thanks again for your advice.