Territorial Agression

[Mr-Remington]

My roommate's two year jack russell terrier, Chance, has recently become very territorial towards my 10 week old aussie, Remi. When I first got Remi two weeks ago, it took about three days before Chance would play and run around with him. But for the past two/three days Chance has become very agressive towards him when in the house. If their outside they play together, and are fine most of the time. There are times when playing fetch that he will growl and avoid Remi. Chance will bare his teeth and let out a little growl but only a few times has he ever snapped at him. Now we keep them apart most of the time. We aren't sure what to do, as I have never had an agressive dog, and this is my roommates first dog. Chance has gone as far as to pee on my pillows, and just about anything else in my room. And he only does it when we're not around. Is there anything we can do to Chance to at least tolerate Remi, and anything we can do to teach Remi when to leave Chance alone?

 

[Pawtential Unleashed]

I would start by changing Chance's mind about Remi by:

Not letting Remi pester him [if he does]
Feed them separately - separate rooms if need be
Making sure they have their own toys, treats and individual play times

Maybe work with Chance on a default calm Settle:

Then start teaching a multi dog settle:

If he starts to see Remi as the bringer of good things - play time, training, chicken, hot dogs instead of a rival - alot will change.

Until then - keep doors closed so he can only be in the same room with one of the two of you and know where he is at all times. Make sure he does not steal things (toys, food) from Remi and vise versa. Don't try to force them together - but work to show him that when he is around Remi - good things happen. Jack Russells are not known to be great with "interlopers" so you will really have to work at this to make it work.

But that's what we're here for!

 

[Amateur]

Is it real aggression or just an older dog telling a young pup what is and isn't tolerated.
Everyone has their limits and maybe the jack is just telling him get out of my comfort space?

Obviously the Jack is upset ( ie peeing) so he isnt entirely happy, so I agree with Paws up there that make sure lots of Good things happen ( toys and treats ) when the puppy is around.

 

[Anneke]

Like Pawtential and Amateur say, protect them from eachother.
It might be that Remi is not paying attention to Chance's personal space. And Chance is reacting the only way he knows how.
Some dogs are not very clear in their language, meaning they will try to warn, but the message isn't hitting home with the other dog. That will cause frustration.
Keeping them separated untill you are in the same room so you can step in, if needed, sounds like a good plan.
Also, don't expect them to play with the same toy. So when you play fetch, have a toy for each of them.

I remember bringing Jinx home and she was not allowed to have ANY toys. Cooper would take everything away from her. He would growl and correct her(snapping and pinning her down) It got a little worse after a week, as if he realised she was NOT a visitor, but she was staying He was setting clear boundries, but Jinx would not always notice them.
So we would protect Cooper from Jinx her outbursts, by distracting her.
These days, Jinx is boss, Cooper lets her do just about anything. The only thing he will NOT tolarate is her touching his food, and he is right about that

 

[jackienmutts]

Great replies above. Remember you also have two males. Were Chance a female, things might be a bit different - but some males can be less tolerant of puppies than females (altho some females aren't too tolerant either, so there ya go!). Baby gates are wonderful things, get a few and move them as necessary. Give each dog space and 'time outs' from each other as necessary. Don't think of 'time outs' as a negative. Think of a time-out as 'breathing space'. Chance might enjoy a bit of time with this "little invader from Mars", but good grief, don't tell me this thing is actually staying!!!!! Say it ain't true!!! Baby steps. Little play sessions, increasing over time. Most likely, it all will be just fine. Deep breath. Give the dogs a little cookie and yourself a piece of chocolate - it'll all be ok.

 

[Mr-Remington]

Not letting Remi pester him [if he does]
Feed them separately - separate rooms if need be
Making sure they have their own toys, treats and individual play times

We have been doing that since day one so at least we're doing something right!

Jack Russells are not known to be great with "interlopers" so you will really have to work at this to make it work.

The odd thing with Chance is this is the only dog that he doesn't like. When we first adopted Chance I had a Pomeranian and they were fine together. Also we often dog sit for months at time for a friend, and Chance loves that dog. They are attached at the hip. But he hates Remi.

 

[tigerlily46514]

Great advice above.
Were the pom and babysat-dog females or, at least grown ups?

It is possible the puppy is breaking dog rules that you, as a human, are unaware of, too. It could be that the Jack Russel is "right"


have huge hope. My dog is notorious gangsta, and he also dislikes puppies. The people across the street got a very hyper male puppy, and Buddy initially thought that pup needed to exterminated. but, overtime, esp after the pup matured a bit, Buddy now Adores that dog.

be sure you are cleaning up the urine with an enzymatic scent-removing cleanser, too.

 

[Mr-Remington]

Is it real aggression or just an older dog telling a young pup what is and isn't tolerated.
Everyone has their limits and maybe the jack is just telling him get out of my comfort space?
.

The only reason we think its real agression is because there was an incident where I was standing in the yard with Remi and Chance found a way outside and bolted for him. He pushed Remi to ground and latched on to his neck and even after Remi yelped and tried to get away but chance wouldn't let go. I tried to pull him away and nothing worked. I had to practical open his jaw myself. There was no broken skin, and Remi still likes Chance.

 

[Mr-Remington]

Give each dog space and 'time outs' from each other as necessary. Don't think of 'time outs' as a negative. Think of a time-out as 'breathing space'.

We started doing this today. Chance is loving having the living room to himself! Spoiled is what he is. Thank you, I can already tell how relaxed he is.

 

[Mr-Remington]

It might be that Remi is not paying attention to Chance's personal space. And Chance is reacting the only way he knows how.
Some dogs are not very clear in their language, meaning they will try to warn, but the message isn't hitting home with the other dog. That will cause frustration.

I agree with Remi not paying attention. I can read Chance very well, I know when he is uncomfortable, and I move Remi away as quick as possible. My roommate will yell at Chance for any kind of behavior that is not desired. So I also think this cause frustration for him, not being allowed to convey how he feels.

 

[Mr-Remington]

Great advice above.
Were the pom and babysat-dog females or, at least grown ups?

It is possible the puppy is breaking dog rules that you, as a human, are unaware of, too. It could be that the Jack Russel is "right"

The pom was an adult and the Sparky (babysat dog) is around the same as Chance I believe. He could be younger. I let chance "correct" Remi as long as he isn't hurting him. But again my roommate hates any kind of reaction that appears agressive from her dog. So this might be part of the problem.

 

[Mr-Remington]

I don't know if this has to do with anything, but since getting Remi, Chance will no longer listen to either of us. It takes us repeating the command again and again before he will even pretend to care. Its almost like he hates us now.

 

[tigerlily46514]

Does Chance get any tricks training? lol, i am such a big advocate of "tricks training" as almost a "holy water therapy' to throw at almost any behavioral issues,
for tons of reasons.

I'd def begin teaching Chance some tricks. I know, i know, it sound stooopid, "what does learning tricks have to do with dogs not getting along!?" i hear you if you are thinking that,
but, i'd give it a go anyway. It can help Chance burn off some steam, re-develop some self control, have "something to do", become better at focusing, feel like a good boy, keeps human more tuned in to how to motivate that particular dog, gives the dog a chance to use his lil mind, helps satisfy and relax a dog, etc etc etc.
Of course, in all-positive way, rewarding what you DO want, or attempts in correct direction,
and simply ignoring wrong moves.
Keeping lessons short for beginner dogs, and keeping treats small to avoid a fat or full dog.


Plus, teaching "go to your mat" is a great cue for ANY dog to learn.
It's a win-win, imo.

also, hardly needs to be said outloud,
but JRs are HIGH energy dogs, and if Chance is chockful of unspent energy, managing his behavior will be all the more challenging.
A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG. (of course, getting a JR "tired" is almost an oxymoron...)

 

[tigerlily46514]

Also, one more thing to consider.
(this may, or may not be helpful)

 

[Mr-Remington]

Does Chance get any tricks training? lol, i am such a big advocate of "tricks training" as almost a "holy water therapy' to throw at almost any behavioral issues,
for tons of reasons.

I do all of Chances trick training! I'm obsessed with training right now so I train both but at different times never together. I can't train Chance with Remi in the room so I will usually do it outside, or when Remi is asleep somewhere.

 

[Amateur]

I just read your replys very fast but I am wondering if you were too quick to punish Chance at first when all he was doing was typical dog " get out of my face" behaviour. I think you may see big changes when you respond to what Chance want/needs. Maybe there was a little jealousy even if you subconsciously gave more attention to the cute puppy. Once he feels like he is still king he may settle down. Yer off to a good start

 

[tigerlily46514]

//"It takes us repeating the command again and again before he will even pretend to care. Its almost like he hates us now."//


not at all, Chance doesn't hate you, he just can't really even hear you, he is probably 500% focused on the pup. Dogs can do that with their brains, focus 500% on one thing, and not even hear you. Sort of like husbands. rofl.

Learning how to get Chance's att'n onto you, will take lots of practice, and tends to be most successful, if you redirect Chance early on, before he has completely focus 500% onto the pup.
I'm not saying that is necessarily the best move if he IS correcting a puppy, as chance could be "right", but if/when you do want to re-direct Chance off anything and back onto you, is something that practicing can improve your chances of being successful.

One thing one can do, is good for any dog, imo, is be able to get chance to pay att'n to you, focus on you, when he is calm, and advance that along, to being able to do it on walks, and around mild distractions,
to around strong distractions, advancing it along, so Chance has much better chance of giving you att'n almost any time you ask.

 

[tigerlily46514]

//I do all of Chances trick training! I'm obsessed with training right now //

YAY FOR YOU!! GOOD ON YOU!!! YESSSSSsssssss!

 

[Mr-Remington]

I just read your replys very fast but I am wondering if you were too quick to punish Chance at first when all he was doing was typical dog " get out of my face" behaviour.

I have never punished him for that behavior but my roommate does. I've tried teaching her that punishing him is going to make the situation worse. I actually favor Chance he is just a big cuddle bug. But I see what your saying as for my roommate favoring the puppy.

 

[tigerlily46514]

//I've tried teaching her that punishing him is going to make the situation worse.//

Remi, you are 500% right, imo. Punishing Chance does not, in any way, teach Chance what you DO want him to do instead,
and, as many others have pointed out, Chance *might* be right now and then.
It also could be teaching Chance, "when you see the puppy, YOU get punished, that puppy IS bad news for you, Chance."
so Chance makes association "puppy = i feel lousy"