3 Dogs and a Funeral!

[stormcat]

Any advice will be greatly recieved.... I had 2 Jack Russells (both a bit odd, oldest one (11 years) like Victor Meldrew, youngest (9 years) a bit stupid. Then rescued a third (thrown froma avan couldn't bear the thought of dogs home for him. Oldest and rescued have teamed up and middle dog hates rescue dog, always fighting. So I had their knackers taken off (you can tell I am a woman can't you!) it's better but still a nightmare. Any ideas or advice............please!

[nrmatth]

my suggestion is to study up on the "pack" behaviors of the dog and use it to apply at home. You should always treat them to know you are the "pack" leader but then they have to fight amongst themselves to determine 2nd 3rd and fourth position. As the leader you decide when their bickering has gone too far. if they just fight every once in a while and it's not very violent then it will subside as they accept their positions. If they are very bad at times shut the one that started it away for a while. being separated from the pack is very scary for dogs and they would rather settle their differences than be separated from their support system. and since your the leader they'll learn what you're going to do if they continue. Also think about having separate areas that they can go to get away from one another when they need time alone. or take them to a neutral area to run around and play. they'll depend on one another to play and not have feelings about territorial issues.

[AB Editor]

woofgang replied, to a duplicate question: "Well you have introduced another member to the pack and the pack is sorting itself out. In some dog breeds, a strong pack boss (you) can enforce subordinacy on the rest of the pack and validate their pecking order choices. This sounds quite nasty, it means that you decide who you allow to greet you first, (should be the most dominant dog) be fed first, get the warmest sleeping place etc, then next in line and so on and ENFORCE it, punishing any dog who dares to try and usurp anothers place. problem is that humans have a "fairer" view of family life and find this difficult, tending to prefer the underdog. Take a look at a book called the dog whisperer for further info."