I have a Lab named daisy we have had her for 8years. I also have a small mixed dog named lucy we got her 4years ago. They use to get along, but something has happened between them about a year ago. They both get spoiled. They use to be okay when my son would pay attetion to them at the same time, but now they fight. They have to be given attetion seprately. Daisy will bully lucy, she will pay attention to what lucy does, with a look like (i dare you). They growl at each other. Dasiy will not let lucy eat her food. We have to bring her in the porch so she can eat. The tension between them is really bad. I am afraid that dasiy will hurt lucy. My son loves both of them . I don't know what i should do. They are outside dogs.
What do u do when 2 pets will not get along? Do i wait for something to happen or should i get one a new home. Which then my son will be devasted. HELP!!!!
I want to Thank everyone for the advice. It is greatly appeciated.
I think Daisy sees Lucy as a threat to her dominance.
Feed Daisy first, let her outside first, etc.
Reinforce the fact that Daisy IS "top dog"!
Daisy is getting older and maybe Lucy thinks it's time for her to take over Daisy's top dog status. Daisy, however, doesn't agree!
Start treating Daisy like she is the top dog and Lucy needs to learn to wait for Daisy.
Daisy gets food first, she goes out first, she gets petted first. Take her on walks first.
Do take both on walks, have your son walk Lucy behind you and Daisy.
Im glad to see your son is older. He is at an age where he can definitely help in this matter
Take them to training. Either somewhere local, or call Barkbusters.com to come to your home.
they need to be exersiced. start walking them and actively playing with them. give food at separate sides of the porch at the same time (have husband or son feed one dog). since the bigger dog is the aggressor maybe run that dog while the other gets walked or run them both.
You didn't mention if either or both are fixed. If they both or one is still intact that can lead to issues as well. Hormones can play a role in the issues. I do agree with others that it could be a alpha dog issue as well with Daisy being older she wants her place in the pack. Sounds silly to us but to dogs it is very important. Little dogs are horrible when it comes to pack rank. We have a little mix dog and three big dogs and she is always trying to make the big dogs see her as alpha. I constantly correct her on this because we have a pack order in the house that has been long standing.
Look out for The Dog Whisperer! Cesar Millan. His show is on National Geographic and he's great. You wont have to get rid of either one of them.
watch Cesar Milan He has a show and a book and he often talks about this kind of issue.
Our lab does real well with our older dog. Very loving dogs. I think she is probably feeling a bit jealous. I agree with letting Daisy be the top dog she is the older and bigger. If you can walk Daisy a bit for one on one outside of the house. Of course still love and give the other attention but one on one time might lesson the jealousy and fighing
This can be corrected with proper direction from a dog trainer. One step to take, if you aren't already doing it, is to make sure they do not feed together. If both bowls are out, and there is an alpha issue, it will become a big issue with stealing and fighting over food. I've had more than one dog for many years, and that is one thing that can start the fights sooner than later.
Good luck.
Something happened, perhaps when no one was home, but something changed between them.
I agree with allowing Daisy to reclaim her spot as top dog. She shouldn't have to give that up and as she's getting older she is becoming less tolerant of not having her place in the pack respected.
It's not the same but we have a dog and cat who might as well be glued together they're so attached to eachother. Still, I feed the dog first, she goes out the door first, if they get treats, she is first.
Take a little time to work on it, and consult your vet and/or a trainer for additional tips. You are right, neither deserves to live this way. I wouldn't give anyone away until you've tried everything. To many people and animals would be hurt if you didn't.
I agree, Cesar Milan. An appt. with a dog trainer is what you need. You are the "pack leader" and I believe this could be easily corrected. Don't give up...
