Sudden mood change.

Question
hello not sure if you can answer this or not but we really need some help.

we have a Scoria she is approx 6 years old and a Blue Healer x Australian Sheapard. The Corgi has suddenly been attacking the Blue Healer and they have been together for 5 years. we have recently got a new Boarder Collie puppy but she has been in the house for six months now and in the last week the Corgi has kept attacking theBlue healer. and after everytime they fight it seems to be a lot of hair on the ground and she is sheading a lot as well. please help us.

thank you for reading this.

Answer

Hi Carl,

Adding a third dog changes the whole "pack" dynamic. I can't specifically say the reason(s) this has occurred, but it really doesn't matter. You need to supervise the two dogs that have been involved in these outbreaks, and not give the opportunity for an attack. When you can't be watching the dogs, the Corgi (since it's the aggressor) should be crated, or contained to part of a room with the help of a child gate or two. Preventing attacks from ever happening in the first place is important. Don't leave these two dogs alone in the house, again, you need to separate them.

It would be helpful to keep thethe Corgi's leash on even when you're home. Tie the end to your belt loop or keep it around the your wrist. The moment the Corgi looks like it's even thinking about attacking the Blue Heeler, give the leash a firm tug, and tell the dog "down", or "sit", or whatever command it knows. You need to be assertive, and show the dog that YOU are the real pack leader of the group, and must be obeyed. Until the attacks stop, practice a very simple regimen called "Nothing In Life Is Free" with the Corgi. You can read about NILIF here

http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

If you don't see any improvement with the Corgi, then it's time to have a professional trainer/behaviorist evaluate the dogs. Your vet or local boarding kennel can probably give you a referral to a trainer in your area.

Best of luck,
Patti