Teenage labrador

Chubba · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:16 pm Post subject: Teenage labrador

Hello, I'm new on here and need advice about our young black lab please.

She is 1 year old and we also have 4 other dogs (not labs) between the ages of 4 and 9 with a 7 year old border terrier as 'top bitch' (All 5 are entire bitches.

The lab has just started showing aggresion to the top bitch by staring at her and growling but the other day it all kicked off and the lab attacked the border and was shaking her by the neck - she had to have veterinary treatment for puncture wounds.

We have kept dogs for 28 years and have never had this situation before......can someone advise what we do next?

_Mary_ · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:42 pm Post subject:

Sounds as though Grace is trying to take the "Top Spot" by force but I`m no expert and hopefully someone who keeps entire bitches together will be able to help you.

Welcome to LF Smile

Chubba · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:52 pm Post subject:

That's what we think - but we want to be able to avoid bloodshed if possible!

ahuff04 · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:09 pm Post subject:

Dogs can't be expected to like everybody they meet. I mean, for the most part people like or tolerate the majority of people they meet but sometimes there is that person that just rubs you the wrong way and you don't like them. Dogs can be the same way.

When we have a patron come in and want to adopt a new dog and they already have one in their home, we have them bring in their resident dog to do a dog introduction to make sure they get along before we will send them home.

Maybe your lab doesn't like the alpha female and she is trying to secure her spot. But the fact that the lab actually drew blood and broke skin and is hardstaring the border terrier, that is a concern.

I hope that you get everything worked out!

Scubabe · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 7:10 am Post subject:

Sorry, I can't offer any advice as this has never happened to me. But yes, I agree, it could be that the younger dog now wants to take over from the one who's "past it" in dog terms...

As we weren't there we can't really say why the attack occurred... have you thought of getting a referral from your vet for a behaviourist? They can come in and spend time with your girls and give you a much clearer picture of how they're all interacting...

Ness

Chubba · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject:

Chubba · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:29 pm Post subject:

I have been advised on another forum that 'it's a bitch thing' and that once bitches decide not to get on together it is best to rehome one of them because they will have to reman separated Shocked

We don't want to rehome either the 8 year old border or the one year old lab Confused

Someone has suggested a collar that emits a slight shock to re-enforce behaviour. What are the views on these?

Topseyt · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:52 pm Post subject:

Electric shock collars are a little controversial on here, though I can see what is driving you to think of it. Wink

Could you not try a rattle can (container with stones in) or training discs to cause a clatter on the floor and distract from the unwanted behaviour when it starts.

I have heard of citronella collars for this type of thing, but have no idea whether they are effective or not. You have a remote control, but instead of an electric shock the collar gives out a puff of citronella scented stuff, which dogs apparently dislike. As I said though, no experience, so can't be sure there.

Good luck. I do hope you find a solution to the problems you are having soon.

Helen.

AngelaC · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:26 pm Post subject:

Hi, have you had your vet check over your lab to make sure she's not ill/in pain etc.? It does sound like an attack on a particular dog but just thought that was worth mentioning.

Please don't use a shock collar. If your dogs are already showing signs of aggression towards each other, giving a shock to a dog just as they are about to do something unpleasant to another dog could well make a bad situation a whole lot worse.

The use of shock collars has been banned recently in Wales - for very good reason I feel - and I hope the rest of the UK follows suit.

Please look at finding a good behaviourist to come and meet and assess your dogs. The APBC http://www.apbc.org.uk/ would be a good place to start. If you have pet insurance and your vet refers to a behaviourist (you should just be able to ask your vet to do this), the cost might be covered by the insurance.

If you find a trainer/behaviourist who suggests using a shock collar, personally I would run away, fast!

Unfortunately I have heard of occasions when one bitch has had to be rehomed due to problems with another bitch in the household, but I hope it doesn't come to that and you can resolve things.

roxi123 · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:32 pm Post subject:

Just out of interest is your lab girl or Border due in season? sometimes things can become heighted.

Best wishes