I could really use some advice.
I have a friend whose dog has turned inexplicably aggressive against people--
He needs to get over his "youthful stupidity" and she will only put up with so much before she puts him in his place. It will sound much more vicious than it really is, but it has to happen. DO NOT favor her, or him in the process, ignore unwanted behavior, and praise the behavior you want (peace and play between them).
First question... When the puppy has been 'playing' (ie "being a pest") and the older dog has gotten on her case in the past, have you interfered? Or have you let her plotz him without punishment, or coddling of the pup?
Second question... Do you respect the pecking order, or do you conflict with it? When there is a dominant dog, it's vital that you honor the pecking order. Feed her first, pet her first, and give her more attention than the other dog (at least while she's looking) It's easy to be tempted to pick up and coo over the pup, but it sends both of them a mixed message and prolongs and elevates the conflict if you don't honor the pecking order.
Those are my first two questions...
And here's the ping to everyone else..
I missed this before...
Whether this is the right thing to do depends on the situation. If she's truly attacking unprovoked, it's OK to punish her. But if the pup was egging her on or invading her space, you have to let her plotz him. She may not ever like him, and avoiding her is what the pup needs to learn to do.
If she's truly going to be dangerously aggressive, you may end up having to make a choice. But usually they'll work it out.
Check out the Dog_Whisperer. On Cable TV. Channel 162 in my area. Ceasar is his name! Clifton, NJ Cable Vision.
I've seen that with strays and with puppies from large litters. They finally have a home only to lose it to another dog and are often very aggressive in re-establishing their place in the pecking order. What's worse, the more you pet the second dog and give it attention, the more jealous she will be toward it and most likely, the more aggressive. (think two women after the same guy) If the new dog is shy anyway, it will get even more abuse.
The easiest thing to do is to pick one and find the other a good home. Otherwise, you'll have to spend much extra effort giving both equal time.
You have to treat her like she's the "Alpha" dog. She may be getting nervous because she feels like she's been displaced. You know how women are!
Try this DVD
http://www.cesar-millan.com/?source=adwords
There used to be a show on cable called the dog whisperer. He dealt with these kinds of issues and was really pretty amazing. He is out of California..his name is Cesar Millan...just search his name or dog whisperer and you will get a lot of useful hits...his results on the show were amazing.
HairOfTheDog has it right. We have a 2 year old Golden, and we brought a Bichon puppy into the home. Pearl, the Golden, did the same as your older dog. A friend, who is a breeder, told me to treat Pearl as the queen. Let her do everything first. Out the door first, eat first, treats first, etc. Always pet her and show her attention when petting the little one, also. Take your older one for walks, alone, and spend special time with her. Pearl attacked, and cut Archie (the Bichon), also. But it was really unintentional. It took a good 6 months before I was comfortable, but I let them go at it, unless it was way to much. I also use a spray bottle filled with water when it got too rough. The Bichon is 9 months old now, and you can't separate them now, they are best buddies. The still play rough, but he holds his own. Be patient, I'm sure it will work out.
Same thing happening at my home now. 10 yr old Golden and a 7 month old Cocker, your older dog is just making sure the little pup knows who the Alpha is........don't send older one to crate, the pup will get the message soon enough. And all will live happily ever after. :)
Good Luck
You've received much sound advice on this thread, so I will only add the recommendation that you try to locate yourself copies of the following books and apply the principles, therein. I've found they greatly enhance my relationships and communications with my dogs and virtually all dogs I encounter. In the case of the second book, it's actually enhanced my people skills as well...Good Luck!!
You already received a lot of good advice from some very knowledgeable freepers. The only thing I will add, is that you should get your hands on "Good Owners, Great Dogs" by by Brian Kilcommons, Sarah Wilson. You can get it at Amazon, here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446675385/qid=1133533547/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0043965-1150460?n=507846&s=books&v=glance
I think you could really use the knowledge that they offer.
Is it possible the female is protecting you or your wife?
From what you said --- "One of us makes a move to pet the male puppy or he slightly shifts his weight and she attacks, literally launching her self at him."
Also are there any toys around that she may be possessive about?
Are you eating? Is there food around?
The two dogs have worked out their issues. I pretty much stopped interfering with their fighting unless it got out of hand (too much noise, bumping into things, etc.) and didn't show favoritism.
The 30 lb. female is now comfortably dominant over the now 65 lb. male. The male has a whole set of complex rituals he carries out to comply with her superiority. For instance he'll sit and wait for the female to check out his food bowl before eating any and leaves a few bits for her when he's done. He can still be a bully because of his size and weight but he knows what her limits are and doesn't cross them.
It all just seems to work out now. They play fight all the time but never aggressively and she sometimes whines when she can't be near her big buddy.
Thank you for the advise.
The "aggressiveness" is to determine which dog is dominant. You may have to let it run its course. Protecting the puppy may be a good idea now, but if it becomes larger than your current dog then SHE will be the one getting picked on...better to let her stay in charge.
Better to get more ideas, though.
My Huskies went through the same period for a while.
It's a process of establishing who is the Alpha Dog. As the puppy gets bigger, the older dog will see the need to establish it's dominance over the puppy.
It has to happen. You can't favor one or the other. It should eventually die down.