Foster girl suddenly attacking Meaty ?!?!

Submitted by ArchimedesMommy on September 16, 2015 - 12:29pm

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Hi....so here's the story...Our sweet foster girl Daphne has been in our home (& hearts!!!) for 3 months. She & Sophie have ALWAYS had issues, and we have to keep them separated---She & Meaty have always been FINE---!!!Our rescue president gave us all kinds of help & also came to our house to observe/ assess, etc. This was after Daphne actually LEAPT across the room to attack Sophie !!!! OMG, it was obviously scary, but thank God, Sophie was NOT injured!!! We understand the ALPHA thing, jealousy, etc...But NOW, a NEW problem!!!! ..

.....

Last night, Sophie was in another room, and Daphne was cuddling with Daddy. Meaty was just quietly sitting about 3 feet from her, staring at the TV. Out of NOWHERE, Daphne starts her low-pitched growl, then LEAPS over to him to attack ?!?! After THREE MONTHS of never, EVER having issues with Meaty!?!?! Thoughts ??? Advice ????

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Our sweet Archimedes "MEATY" Bones (or as we say...boneSHHH!) ---born 11/28/08---- our first bullllyyyy!!!

And SOPHIE Bubbles *Rapscallion* (LOL!) ---born 4/3/11----our second bulllllyyyy!!!!

First, thank you for fostering

Submitted by LynnKing on September 16, 2015 - 7:11pm.

I know that it is very rewarding but often quite stressful. Thanks for helping these little buggers.

The good news is, you now know that Daphne probably needs to be an only dog. For what ever reason, lack of social experience, past bad experience, lack of reading/displaying appropriate behavior - the list goes on, sounds like she just prefers to not share. That is a great amount of information in placing her. Rescues place most of their dogs with the average pet owner and I am not demeaning them. It's just most people don't want to nor have the means to go through extensive behavior modification, particularly when it comes to in-house aggression.

My guess is, Daphne has probably been showing little "whispers" of discontent. Dogs can communicate with such subtle body language it can be almost unnoticeable. A second long body freeze, quick glare, lip licking, ears flatten/twitch.

For now, Daphne gets no privileges. I would also keep a leash on her. If she starts growling/glaring etc at Meaty, a calm "too bad" pick up the leash and put her in another room or a crate.

Good luck and again, thanks for fostering

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Lynn King CPDT-KA

Thank you, Lynn! I was hoping

Submitted by ArchimedesMommy on September 18, 2015 - 2:31pm.

you'd see this & reply! You know so much about this topic---can you tell me your background? I have always enjoyed (and learned A LOT!) from your posts!!!!

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Our sweet Archimedes "MEATY" Bones (or as we say...boneSHHH!) ---born 11/28/08---- our first bullllyyyy!!!

And SOPHIE Bubbles *Rapscallion* (LOL!) ---born 4/3/11----our second bulllllyyyy!!!!

You're welcome

Submitted by LynnKing on September 18, 2015 - 8:21pm.

Sadly, I became obsessed with dogs/dog behavior after I euthanized one of my dogs because of aggression. I had to know what went wrong. So, for 6 years I studied dogs, volunteered at a shelter working with dogs, volunteered to assist in any training classes I could find. Attended and participated in every workshop/seminar I could get to. Had the huge pleasure of dining with some of the best known behaviorist in the country. Volunteered to pick up guest speakers at the airport just so I could have their undivided attention. Did several hundred hours of classes from puppy to advanced. Read everything. Learned plenty.

Unfortunately, I never found the answers to my own guilt.

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Lynn King CPDT-KA

Is this a one time event?

Submitted by Stephanie and David on September 17, 2015 - 10:54am.

They are trying to pick their place in the pack. This might be a one-time event. But, if the low growl thing happens again, you need to step in right away. Distract, separate, maybe intimidate a little since you are the dog in charge.

I agree with Lynn and Stephanie

Submitted by AmyandSophia on September 17, 2015 - 3:08pm.

You will need to stay vigilant with that girl. Watch every signal she gives, make sure you understand which ones mean an argument is coming. Redirect immediately!! Be the Big Dog:-)

Best of luck to you guys. Im sorry your foster girl is having trouble:-(

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Amy and Sophia

Thank you, Stephanie & Amy!!!!

Submitted by ArchimedesMommy on September 18, 2015 - 2:34pm.

Everything you said is SO true & helpful ....Thank you! I admit, hubbs & I have been wayyy too lenient on Daphne....oops!

__________________

Our sweet Archimedes "MEATY" Bones (or as we say...boneSHHH!) ---born 11/28/08---- our first bullllyyyy!!!

And SOPHIE Bubbles *Rapscallion* (LOL!) ---born 4/3/11----our second bulllllyyyy!!!!

Awww....Lynne----I am sending you MANY (((hugs)))

Submitted by ArchimedesMommy on September 20, 2015 - 3:01pm.

I am So VERY sorry you had to go through that with your precious doggie!!! (( hugs ))

Then you did the MOST you could to find answers, but never found them----how heartbreaking!!

I hope / pray you've been able to find some peace! I'm sure manyyy people have told you all kinds of comforting things, and maybe

you're tired of it----and at the risk of sounding cliche..... you've done ALL you could, and your precious furbaby knows it !!!

((( HUGS ))))

__________________

Our sweet Archimedes "MEATY" Bones (or as we say...boneSHHH!) ---born 11/28/08---- our first bullllyyyy!!!

And SOPHIE Bubbles *Rapscallion* (LOL!) ---born 4/3/11----our second bulllllyyyy!!!!

Thank you

Submitted by LynnKing on September 21, 2015 - 11:35am.

I hope that all of my dogs have benefited. Guilt can be an incredible motivator.

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Lynn King CPDT-KA