too many dogs?

Question
Greetings from Adelaide, South Australia! Is there such a thing as 'three dog syndrome'? I have a gorgeous Maltese Schitzu, Penny (aged 4).  In March this year my elderly father moved in with my family after living a long time alone with his pure Maltese, Holly (aged 5) and his Maltese Schitzu, Charlie (aged 3).   Since my mother died 4 years ago (Holly was mum's dog) - Holly has become very predatory and aggressive.  Poor Holly, she's had such trauma.  However, she's bitten me twice in the last fortnight, and growls constantly ie if you tell her to go to bed she'll either growl all the way to bed or bite me or the other dogs (I'm sure if she could lift her paw in an obscene gesture she would!).  The problem is, the behaviour is deteriorating.  If you sit on the sofa, she'll snap at you.  She's growling more and now the other two dogs who have always very happily lived together are getting fed up with her.  Penny wont let Holly near me now on the sofa because she's worried Holly will bite me again, Charlie stays away and now the dogs are beginning to fight.  Someone has told me that there is something called three dog syndrome - that 2 dogs can live together happily but three fight.  Is that true?  I've taken Holly to the vet who gave her a clean bill of physical health - she said the aggression is something that can be controlled through behaviour but is naturally in her - she didn't recommend puppy prozac.  My father (aged 80) will not consider a behavioural therapist.  I am worried that Charlie and Penny will become aggressive - both dogs are gentle loving playful creatures.  Can you please advise?  or advise a reading resource?  I hope the sun is shining brightly at your end of the world!  Many thanks regards, Linda

Answer
Three dogs can live together just fine-as I work with someone that has three dogs and they get along great

What I think the best thing to do is for you to take her to obedience classes,call different trainers and explain the situation to them-it's always best for the person that is having trouble with the dog to be the one to bring that dog to training

This can be a serious problem,even with a small problem,so it is best to fix it now,rather then later-in the mean time when she growls at you use a spray bottle and say 'no' whenever she growls at you

A crate would also be a good idea,after she bites you put her in there for about 2 hours and ignore her