Concerning behavior in Kelso.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Well, lately we have seen an odd, concerning behavior from Kelso. I'm not quite sure how to go about it.

Him and Lugar have been the best of buds since the day I brought Lugar home. However, it doesn't seem to be that way much anymore.

Kelso is over 2 years old, and Lugar will be 2 this summer.

Onto the problem.

Whenever Lugar starts his playing routine in the backyard (running around like an idiot with something in his mouth), the norm is for Kelso to chase behind. Well, he has started to become "aggressive" towards him. He will literally barrel right into Lugar and pin him to the ground. Teeth snarling, hackles raised and standing stiffly over top of him. I was having problems a while back with him being "bossy" whenever he would come out of the room in the morning, posturing Lugar and growling. I have not seen any type of "challenging" behavior from Lugar that is directed towards Kelso. For some reason, Kelso will NOT let Lugar play, so we end up havng to call Kelso inside. By that time, Lugar becomes discouraged with playing and stops and lays down in the house.

I have no idea where this behavior has come from, although I can probably link it to the fact that he is maturing. He was never aggressive as a puppy, but he was always a bit backward towards other dogs he didn't know, and nervous when he was out somewhere new.

My only thought would be the new puppy, OR the fostering. I don't know if the constant coming and going of dogs in the house has upset the "balance" or if it's something else. I don't think it is, because he was showing the odd posturing behavior way before this. Maybe it made it worse? I don't know, but this is where I need your guys help.

What do you think is causing this and how can I help to stop/curb it? I'm going to up his training and see if he just needs an extra reminder that he is NOT top dog and does not call the shots on who is allowed to play. He has become quite stubborn lately as well.

Any advice/info is greatly appreciated!

[IceyBlueSibes]

Anyone?

[GSD]

Well you've got a couple things working against you. One is a new member to the pack wich can upset things temporarily, and you have a dog in his "full of himself" stage, and another dog that is just coming into his maturing stage.

Its not uncommon for things like this to happen. Some people say let them work it out themselves, I on the other hand do not look forward to vet trips, stitches, drainage, bandages, etc.

I do not allow that stuff. You have to keep your eye on it, constantly because it can go from seemingly nothing to full on quicker than you can blink sometimes. I can have toys with my two now, but I do not engage in really any major play with both out. all that stimulation can get overloading to them. But that is where you really need to know your dogs, some dogs are just fine, and with certain toys doing certain things, mine are too.

My older dog doesn't get to show the other one who is boss, although she is clearly the dominant one so far. At the same time, she tells me when she's had enough of the younger one pestering her and I stop that as well.

To me the big thing, is know your dogs, and learning exactly what sets them off, or how much they can take, etc, takes some trial and some error as well unfortuneatly.

I don't feed them next to each other. They get treats, but from my hand when side by side, and they can't go after the others if they get done first. A lot of it is about managing the situation you put them in at this stage. Things will get sorted out, and they will see you as the one in charge if you're fair and consistent. If one needs to go in the house while you play with the other, that is fine. I'm outside at least 4 times per day just to play with each dog seperately, not including training time. Lots of time, training is play, so there is overlap.

It's hard to know what would be helpful without being there to see it, 2 months ago I would have paid my own expenses to come and help down in FL, way too much snow and cold up here this winter, and I love winter, anyway

Stay consistent, and be patient. These things take some time, but you need to show that you are in charge of play time, feeding time, affection time, and discipline time, the other dog is not. Make sense?

[calgal]

Also keep in mind that he needs to know he is not the alpha in the home. That roll belongs to you and he needs to learn that. Keep him on a leash when outside and whent he postures or tries to run after Lugar, put him in the sit position till he's calm.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Thanks for the responses. I kind of figured the newer puppy in the house may have upset the balance in the "pack". Yes, it makes sense GSD. I need to reset my position as being the leader in the house, correct?

Kelso can be possessive of certain toys so I have to be sure that he is by himself when he plays with certain ones. He will normally go outside with it. He sometimes tries to take it away from the other dogs if they have it, which I curb it immediately.

He was kind of testy at one point when he was younger. I went to push him off the bed one time because I needed him to get down, and he let out a growl. He lost his bed priveleges for a while, and now he only comes up when he's invited up.

Looks like he's going to have some boot camp training for a little while!

Thanks again for the responses. It's funny how you can help someone on the forum with this type of advice and then when it comes to you, your mind seems to go blank, and you need a little reassurance as to what to do!

[GSD]

Originally Posted by IceyBlueSibes

Thanks again for the responses. It's funny how you can help someone on the forum with this type of advice and then when it comes to you, your mind seems to go blank, and you need a little reassurance as to what to do!

That's true for all of us. You'll be fine though, it just takes time and a little work, which you already know how to do.