new dog agression and jealousy toward older dog

Hi Tam!

Its actually good to know that you are concerned for Missy, one part is getting Hunter as a friend! Remember that you are the Alpha in the house, and one way I boost my confidence is to remember the breed, obviously, Hunter is a Chihuahua! Even if he draws blood it doesn't mean it hurts that bad??

Keep that in mind. By the way, you could do this simple excercise I do with Oscar, my beagle:

1. Put a leash on:
I know it may be hard to do this, but remember, if you don't face the problem, nothing could be fixed. One way if he snaps at you, is to grab his neck/collar and back feet and pin him to the ground until he's chilled (however don't do it harshly, its cruel ). If you are scared of the yap, where anything that will prevent it, such as a glove or something . Keep doing it until you could put the leash on calmly with no problem at all. However, don't back away, it will only re-position him as the alpha.

2. Meeting Missy:
After putting on the leash, put Missy (or ask your husband) inside her crate where she can't go anywhere. However, make sure that she isn't feeling tense, so tell your husband to distract her from the excercise in all costs.
Start in front of your door, walk past Missy's crate. If Hunter yaps or tries to bite her, hold her progress, make her sit, and say 'no' or anything that works, make sure that you mean it, telling him in body language: 'I disagree with your behaviour'. Keep repeating this excercise everyday.

* If Hunter walks through Missy perfectly ignoring her, praise him immensely
* Start off leash when trust is established :rolleyes:
* Walk Hunter more often! It will release his stress towards Missy
* I would say Missy will start to chill when Hunter's attitude is better
* When everything is okay, start walking them together, first, your husband with Missy, and Tam with Hunter.
* TELL ME THE RESULTS!!!!!!

Hi tam,

I agree with you. Don't let Hunter be the Alpha dog.

I have multiple dogs, that were added one by one, and foster dogs coming and going all the time. I stick to the seniority and don't let any new comers to challenge existing dogs. I don't believe the concept of "Alpha Dog" or "Owner being the Alpha Dog" since dogs are pack animals but have been domesticated for thousands of years and they are totally capable to live in a harmony as long as clear boundaries and structures are implemented.

Thank you for adopting Hunter. Each of those once-abandoned dogs has a different story in his/her previous life so Hunter's personality got twisted or wound up. It can take a long time but it is possible to unwind to be more confident and respectful to other dogs and people. I think his problem is a fear, not jealous: fear to lose what he thinks he claims as "his", ie., the sofa, bed, position next to you, etc.

As for biting when you touch him, it is a sign that he doesn't trust you. His previous owner might have hurt him, or neglected him. For some reason, he wants to protect himself from being touched.

He might have had a harsh start in his life but don't give him pitty. Act confident and show him clear boundaries which include: No growling to Missy, no biting people, no access to the sofa (at this point. maybe later when he learns how to behave you can let him on it), etc.

Whenever he behaves wrongly, just remove him from the situation and give him a time-out for 10-15 mins. During that time, give a lot of attention to Missy. She deserves a peaceful life with you without Hunter.

Be consistent and don't feel bad about being strick on him. You should have done this from the Day 1 and Hunter has learned that he can behave as he likes during the last 3 wks. It will be really hard at the beginning but it will pay off. Believe me.

Good luck and let us know how it goes. Also, enrolling him in an obedience class will help since it will give you more power and more structure.