My puppy (7 month old Wheaten Terrier) and our neighbor's puppy (8 month old cock-a-poo) have been best buddies for months. There is a lot high-energy play which goes back and forth. Two days ago the cock-a-poo began to go after my dog with anger and had to be seperated. An addional attempt at play gave the same result. What could cause this sudden change in attitude? We are both upset because we had hoped they would be friends for life.
Hi dpengler, thanks for your post. I was wondering if you could tell me what gender the puppies are and whether either of them have experienced problems while socializing with other dogs?
Given the age and gender of the animals it is likely that their problem has arisen because they are both now becoming sexually mature and therefore play has become about working out a "pecking order" (dominance order). This is probably made worse for these two because they are neighbors and therefore their territories are also very close. The solution for this problem is to establish the dominance order for them. First of all you need to pick which one will be the more dominant (remember it will not actually be pack leader because this is held by the owners). It shouldn't matter too much which one you pick but ideally it would be the one that shows calm firm leadership tendencies. When the dogs are together everyone should treat the chosen leader as such, for example it should be given food or treats first, attention first, first access to toys etc. Take the dogs to a neutral territory (that is well fenced if you think there is a possibility they might run off). Start showing the dogs which one is dominant in this neutral territory as above. When the dogs are non-aggressive praise and treat. If either shows aggression remove them calmly to a short time-out away from the fun and attention, for example put them back in the car for 3 minutes or tie them up a short distance away. Then repeat this at both of the dogs properties showing them that the dominant dog is in charge at both properties. This may seem unfair but dogs really need to know where they stand in a pack to feel safe and secure. Dogs do not think of these situations like humans do, the lower dog will not be concerned that he gets toys second at his house because he will understand a system where the more dominant dog always gets first access to everything everywhere.
If your dogs are not neutered getting them neutered will also be very useful. Neutered dogs have significantly less testosterone in their bodies. Testosterone fuels dominant, aggressive and sexual behavior. It also commonly causes prostate cancer. Dogs which are neutered are at a reduced risk for a number of cancer types.
I hope this helps, if you are consistent with both dogs they should be able to be life long buddies.
