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My 3 dogs & behavior

19 11:51:13

Question
Training my 3 dogs to like eachother.
Question   Hi, my name is Race, I had a question regarding the behavior of my 3 dogs with eachother.  My question is simply this...how can i get my dogs to like eachother? How can I train them to get along? And to be happy around eachother? The three dogs im speaking of would be...

1. Jack Russel Terrior (male, 6 years old and very active in his young years, and is now quite calm.)
2. Silky Terrior (male, 1.5 years old, and extremely hyper)
3. Australian Silky Terrior (male, about 4 years of age and is very calm.)

please, im in desperate need of an honest answer.

Thank you very much.  

Answer
There is no easy answer.  Are you sure they aren't getting along?  Here is a link to a picture of a couple of dogs having a great time together, http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/gretchenandellaplaying.jpg  If you are seeing quick, sharp snaps, backs up, and low growls, then maybe you need to do something.  

Even the best trainers may not be able to keep peace among 3 dogs of the same sex.  Females are even worse.  Start by neutering them if not already.  It is no cure all, but an essential requirement.  You must be the leader, so they are competing for second place.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

At the first sign of any aggressive behavior, give the dog a sharp ''Ut, ut, ut!'' and distract the dog with a toy.  Praise it is it takes the toy.