Dog issue, anyone got any ideas????

[lockedhearts]

We have 5 dogs, 4 Jack Russells and a Bouvier. We rescued the Bouvier in Dec. He is very sweet and gets along well with the jacks, they even taught him to mouse in the barn. The problem comes along with Toys! Gordy (Bouvier) thinks he needs to keep ALL the toys. Lucky, one of the Jacks steals them, takes them under the bed , Gordy gets upset and jumps at Lucky and Barks. I have been grabbing Gordy by the collar and sharply saying NO, then making him sit and stay for a few minutes. Kind of like Doggy Time Out.
This is really a Gordy issue not a Lucky issue, Lucky has to "steal" toys in a sneak attack to be able to play with them.
Gordy does have a couple of Toys that are just his, they are Large Gordy Size toys, I do not let the other dogs play with those and they understand, I just need to get Gordy to understand that community toys are for everyone. Any suggestions are appreciated, I am home with them 90% of the time and Gordy goes with me most of the other times I am gone.

 

[Terri O]

Maybe the JRT can keep their toys under the bed and Gordy can hog all the big toys? I am assuming that the Jacks cant take Gordy's big toys under the bed?
Wow--4 JRTs...I cant even handle ONE! Let me have my Border Collies anytime! Terri O in WI--who's JRT cant go in the yard because she kills full grown drake Muscovies!

 

[lockedhearts]

Quote:
We raise JRT's have for years and love them! They can take the big toys under the bed and have, Gordy was not pleased.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

When you figure it out, let me know. I have 7 dogs, so that means LOTS of toys. Cricket, the Min-Pin lays claim to ALL of them & hoards them under the computer desk.

 

[Terri O]

Quote:
See---it's that darn Terrier in them I swear! They sure have the "little, big dog" complex! Terri O--owner of three "terror-ierrs"

 

[FlightsofFancy]

It sounds like you are on the right track. Since he is a rescue, it make take some time to work out his kinks...especially if he was deprived before you saved him. Some things to consider....
#1 YOU ARE TOP DOG! You make the rules and ALL the toys are really yours. Make sure you can take the toys away from Gordy or make him "drop" them (when he is calm) or you will have a bigger problem on your hands.
#2 When a dog is being territorial, redirect the energy. Make him come to you, do a trick, get a treat. Toys are rewards for good behavior, but if you try to take away a toy in the heat of "battle" it could get worse. Make sure the JR doesn't steal the toy when you are redirecting him or it may fuel the fire.
#3 Assertively address the issues RIGHT THEN! (sounds like you are) Dogs are smart and if he figures out that he can get away with bad behavior...he may push the boundaries.
Good luck! I love Bouvies and have groomed them for years. We want to see pictures!!!!

 

[mekasmom]

If a dog at our home resource guards such as this, we take the toys away from him completely. Guarding is not allowed. Same with chew bones or the food bowl. Resource guarding is not allowed.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
ditto... because it can lead to big problems later on....
maybe have just Gordy play time with a new toy..in a room away from the JRT..? make sure he GIVES you the toy on command whenever you ask for it...
i dont know... tough problem.
the doggie experts will chime in and help, i'm sure. Good luck!

 

[Skyesrocket]

DOG PROPERTY LAWS

1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my mouth, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm chewing something up, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it just looks like mine, it's mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
10. If it's broken, it's yours.

 

[FlightsofFancy]

So true!