my 2 dogs

Question
I have a papillon and a chocolate lab. The lab wants to eat the papillon. Any suggestions on helping them to get along? I'm pregnant and I can't be protecting the little dog while caring for a newborn. I would really appreciate some advice. I need peace among the dogs. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Leah,

If your Papillon really is in physical danger that your Lab might hurt him (or her), don't take any chances that you'll be there to protect him! Your Lab should wear a wire basket style muzzle when you can't be monitoring him.
This is a very humane style of muzzle, it allows the dog to pant, and drink water while being worn. You can see an example of this style of muzzle here: http://www.morrco.com/dog-muzzle.html
If you don't muzzle the Lab, the other option is to keep the dogs  separated when you can't be monitoring them.

Most fights occur in the presence of the owner and are a result of competition over attention, food, toys and pack status. You can help prevent these disagreements by recognizing the highest ranking dog in your pack and favoring it with your attention. This is the dog you should pet first, feed first and let out the door first. Giving alpha privileges to a lower ranking dog, even if it might be your personal favorite, confuses the other dog, and can lead to fighting. All the dogs will be more secure and comfortable with each other when they're clear on where they stand in the pack.

Inter-dog aggression within a household is one of the most difficult behavioral issues to deal with. Working with a dog trainer can help this situation. Working with a dog trainer now, before your baby arrives would probably be a good idea.
Ask your vet, groomer, kennel club or boarding facilities in your area to recommend good trainers or behaviorists to you.

One thing you can do right away which will be free and is a great tool to help solve such a problem is walking. Take both dogs out for long walks at the heel together. You do not have to have them in perfect obedience position, just have them walk next you you at the heel. You can do it by yourself with a dog on each side, next to each other, or have someone else assist you. By walking them daily (at least) will exercise their bodies and minds, as well as establish your pack leadership. The walks will unlock their minds, keep them focused on you and make them easier to handle during your training exercises if you work with them immediately after the walk. By establishing yourself as the only pack leader in their world, really takes the burden off them and tell them that you have control over any dominance issues.

This article on aggression between dogs in the same household is worth reading:
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/behaviour_aggression.htm

Best of luck,
Patti