Guest LJS1993 Posted July 28, 2007 Report Share Posted July 28, 2007 Yesterday things were going great, the dogs were all playing like usual, when suddenly Freckles and Snoopy the Beagle started getting really physical with each other. Next thing I know they were in an all out scrap. My fiance was first on the scene and broke it up. Freckles was scolded very harshly since we do not want her turning into some type of park trouble maker. After alot of thought I really think it is flat out jealousy that is pushing the new feud with these two. I say this because Snoopy follows me around all the time. I think I made the huge mistake of treating Freckles once while doing some park training, now Snoopy wants the same treatment. As the night went on I noticed everytime Snoopy got near me Freks eyes would get huge and she would start getting aggressive towards Snoopy. This sucks because now we have this issue that will be resolved, but nonetheless kind of ruins what was once a great play group. Anyone else have this experience? Any ideas? Should I ignore Snoopy completely? Should I ignore my own dog to show her I am not a posession? Input is greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest WoobiesMom Posted July 28, 2007 Report Share Posted July 28, 2007 I don't have direct experience but it seems that if you made her sit next to you in a stay and then had the Beagle come over and started petting it, you could either a) correct her if she started acting aggressive or treat her for behaving nicely. Then she would see that acting possessive won't be tolerated and also associate positive feelings when you and the Beagle are interacting. Luckily, there are two of you, so one could keep her on a leash and treat while the other pets the Beagle and other dogs as well. I've seen a few people working on this at our dog park who have possessive dogs. Two have been either Aussie or BC mixes and have tried to herd dogs away from approaching their owners. Maybe it's a breed quirk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LJS1993 Posted July 28, 2007 Report Share Posted July 28, 2007 I don't have direct experience but it seems that if you made her sit next to you in a stay and then had the Beagle come over and started petting it, you could either a) correct her if she started acting aggressive or treat her for behaving nicely. Then she would see that acting possessive won't be tolerated and also associate positive feelings when you and the Beagle are interacting. Luckily, there are two of you, so one could keep her on a leash and treat while the other pets the Beagle and other dogs as well. I've seen a few people working on this at our dog park who have possessive dogs. Two have been either Aussie or BC mixes and have tried to herd dogs away from approaching their owners. Maybe it's a breed quirk. Yes, perhaps we shall try doing that. I have treated both of them at the same time in addition with rubbing their stomachs. This whole dynamic is very interesting, yet frustrating at the same time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieDog Posted July 28, 2007 Report Share Posted July 28, 2007 With Maggie, I just walk away from her and the other dog when she starts guarding. The idea with that is that "you react, you lose the resource" just like I sometimes do with guarding objects around other dogs. I've also found that moving constantly reduces the likelihood that she will start growling because I'm not in one space long enough for her to pick up on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordercentrics Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 I don't think you should call the Beagle over while Freckles is on a sit-stay. Her actions sound to me like she is a bit insecure in her position with you around other dogs, especially if you fuss over them. You should always pay more attention to your own dog than to others. If you do the above sit-stay maneuver, you will reinforce Freckles fear that she may lose her place with you. If she attacks another dog for no reason you should, of course, correct her firmly for that. But secure dogs don't feel the need to resource guard their owners, so work on building security. Don't forget, dogs are members of a different species, and you can't teach them lessons in the same way you would teach a child. Kathy Robbins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OurBoys Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 I agree with Kathy. It sounds like Freckles isn't secure about her position in the pack. This will be the perfect time to train her (and yourself) so you can bring the 2nd dog in. So Freckles doesn't feel like she's being replaced, always put her first. I wouldn't put her in a sit/stay either but if you want to pet another dog, pet Freckles first. If you want to give another dog a treat, give one to Freckles first. Always make more of a fuss over Freckles. Teaching her a "Be Nice" command will come in handy as well. Anytime she allows you to pet any other dog, tell her "Good Be Nice" and reward. Remember, rescuer's bring strange dogs into their home all the time. There's always exceptions to the rule but when/if done right, you can bring just about any dog into your pack you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LJS1993 Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Cool, very cool. I always make sure to treat Freckles first in addition with giving her plenty of attention. However, this darn Beagle follows me everywhere around the park!!!! Her owner never walks around with her. I will follow the advice and greatly appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Freckles LaLa Mom Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Cool, very cool. I always make sure to treat Freckles first in addition with giving her plenty of attention. However, this darn Beagle follows me everywhere around the park!!!! Her owner never walks around with her. I will follow the advice and greatly appreciate it. We are the only ones that interact with our dog at the park. The rest just sit at the bench and talk about the other owners. We also have the only dog with any sort of acceptable recall AND we're the only ones with a dog that isnt morbidly obese. Piper excepted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OurBoys Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 It sounds like that poor Beagle is starved for attention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LJS1993 Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 It sounds like that poor Beagle is starved for attention. Yes I think the Beagle really wants to be belly rubbed and praised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiegirl Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 This is good insight as to what sort of personality you want in your next dog. I would suggest a male, just to keep tension down- as most males are willing to defer to the head bitch when required, and a dog that does not have to be the center of attention- one that is happy to join in, but won't need lots of attention. Of course the jelousy by Freckles isn't unexpected since she IS an only child at the moment. The big thing is, when you do decide on a dog, it is up to you two to run the house, not Freckles Julie Yes I think the Beagle really wants to be belly rubbed and praised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosefarm Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 This is good insight as to what sort of personality you want in your next dog. I would suggest a male, just to keep tension down- as most males are willing to defer to the head bitch when required, and a dog that does not have to be the center of attention- one that is happy to join in, but won't need lots of attention. Of course the jelousy by Freckles isn't unexpected since she IS an only child at the moment. The big thing is, when you do decide on a dog, it is up to you two to run the house, not Freckles Julie I wholeheartedly agree with this. Also, please understand that there are different types of scraps. Many times, the alpha chick will put the next dog in their place and it can sound ferocious, but most of the time it is posturing. When I brought Lily into the fold, she worked her way to alpha quickly, replacing Edith, the former. Did I stop the fights, yes. Did I look for signs that one was going to erupt, yes. But when you get your new dog, this will probably happen. Our 3 dogs have worked it out and there are no more fights. They have worked out acceptable boundaries. Harder to do with dog park dogs. Its quite different when they are going for blood. --Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flrpwr52 Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 We are at the dog park everyday and everyday I have a pack of dogs following along with us as we walk, as the owners sit and chat with the other lazy owners. As long as we keep moving forward all the dogs are OK but as soon as I stop to pick up poo, or for any reason, I have to be on alert because my girls don't do well with other dogs getting too close to their mom. My girls are the only BC's that frequent the dog park regularly and most people just don't understand Borders. They think all dogs are like Labs and Retrievers and should just be happy. They also don't "get it" when my girls won't play with their dogs. My girls are there to work and don't want to be bothered by another dog. We have had our share of scraps but there are never any injuries. It's usually my girls letting the other dogs know they are getting to close and they better back off. Zoe, Ari and Kya do get along with most dogs and we have a great time at the dog park. I have learned how and when they will allow another dog approach them and I am always aware of where my girls are compared the the other dogs. So when I see a dog running full speed into the area we are playing in I call them in and we start off on a walk. Result, no fighting, no one gets hurt. I won't take treats to the dog park because in my mind you are only looking for trouble. Too many dogs are food motivated and who wants a dog nudging your pocket all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olivia Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 I was at an unofficial dog park in town the other day and Carlie and Grif were running around while the foster on a leash and I were following closely behind. Neither Carlie nor Griffin are dogs dogs. They play with me and people and are more than happy to sniff a hello but then they move on. A woman approached me, seemingly upset, to ask what was wrong with the little brown dog (that would be Carlie, my red tri girl)...she won't play with her dog! I asked if Carlie had growled or anything and the woman replied that she hadn't. Carlie had just sniffed with her dog and then ran off. She couldn't understand why Carlie didn't want to roughhouse play with her golden. It really seemed to hurt her feelings. I just replied that Carlie doesn't play with other dogs, that is wasn't anything personal, she does that with all other dogs. She still seemed hurt so I left. Crazy woman. I watch my own dogs at the park. If a dog wanders up I will pet it but then I walk on. I'm not there to amuse other people's dogs. I don't throw balls for other dogs or give treats. My dogs are my priority, not the lazy people's dogs at the dog park. Olivia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LJS1993 Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Sounds like I made an error by giving the Beagle some attention. Unfortunately I doubt there is a way to rectify that situation since her owner refuses to get up and play or work with the dog. I have to say that the insight given to me so far has been excellent and has shed some light on this issue. In many ways this has given me a perfect chance to learn more about Freckles and her dynamics with other dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LJS1993 Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 I was at an unofficial dog park in town the other day and Carlie and Grif were running around while the foster on a leash and I were following closely behind. Neither Carlie nor Griffin are dogs dogs. They play with me and people and are more than happy to sniff a hello but then they move on. A woman approached me, seemingly upset, to ask what was wrong with the little brown dog (that would be Carlie, my red tri girl)...she won't play with her dog! I asked if Carlie had growled or anything and the woman replied that she hadn't. Carlie had just sniffed with her dog and then ran off. She couldn't understand why Carlie didn't want to roughhouse play with her golden. It really seemed to hurt her feelings. I just replied that Carlie doesn't play with other dogs, that is wasn't anything personal, she does that with all other dogs. She still seemed hurt so I left. Crazy woman. I watch my own dogs at the park. If a dog wanders up I will pet it but then I walk on. I'm not there to amuse other people's dogs. I don't throw balls for other dogs or give treats. My dogs are my priority, not the lazy people's dogs at the dog park. Olivia I feel where you are coming from. Alot of people do not realize that BC's are much different than your atypical dog at the park. For instance, a friend of mine came over to my house and really screwed up with Freckles. I told him to just come in quietly, and have a seat. Not that Freckles is skittish. It's just when it comes to our home she is very protective. Well instead he comes in, looks at her and starts whistling and clapping his hands real loud. I know she needs to be flexible to all people, but as I explained, she is young and still being trained. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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