rat terrier problem

Question
My rat terrier is attacking my other dogs and three of my dogs are four times her size and i can't get her to stop. What do i Do?

Answer
Hi Matthew, I have seen this behavior in our wonderful terriers time and again. They are very scrappy, that is how they have survived and can kill most small animals. One of my terriers is seven pounds and is the leader of the pack (behind me) of dobermans and standard poodles. A technique I use is to set her up, she is probably fear biting or being territorial. Give her a  bone or something in your lap. When the other dogs try to get it, and she begins to threaten her, make a shhh or AHHH noise as a warning. If she does not stop use your hand on her neck, giving her a quick pinch on the ruff of her skin along with the noise cue. Take the bone away from her. She must learn that you are not only her pack leader, calm and assertive (never aggressive), but that you are also her protector. Sometimes our small and ferocious terriers feel a need to protect themselves from the larger dogs, so they will try to establish themselves as the pack leader.  You should make it clear to all the dogs that you alone are the pack leader. Walk them together, do not coddle her because she is small, and give them lots of exercise and games together. Convince her that you will protect her, but that she is not a pack leader (you are) and she does have status as as your beta dog (second in command), but she is to be fair and never growl, bare teeth, nor bite. It is a process that can be overcome.  My pack works great together and I have intact male breeding dobermans who understand that they are to leave her alone and she is to come to me when there is any question of dominance.  Please leave me some feedback, a follow up and let me know how things go for you.  If you are in FL, email me privately and we can work together. If not, keep me posted on your progress.  Thank you for writing. Warm Regards, Susan