I need unbias picture opinions, please help me!

[SterlingAcres]

Just popping in with updates and answers.

No, I did not buy a shock collar. That would be a very last ditch effort, if she didn't respond well to any training.

I don't do tv.

I wouldn't be able to do Ceasar's show, but I do watch him often. Zoey was trained using his techniques. She listens fairly well, except when she's side tracked. I'm not overly affectionate with my animals, I love them and all, but I'm not a mushy pet person. I hope that doesn't sound mean. I'm aware I'm here to provide food, water, shelter, love and be a dominant pack leader. That's how it is.

Chey is being crate trained at night, because I can't bare for her to sleep outside. She has a covered cage to call her own and have 'alone, relaxation' time when she comes in at night. During the day, she's on 'quarantine', chained in the yard. When I can trust her near Zoey and the kids, then both dogs will be getting radio collar units.

Somehow today, she managed to unhook herself. She laid in the yard, never left her 'tied up' area. After the boys ate lunch, I ran outside to fill water bowls. I went to Zoey first because she's closest to the house. Chey casually walked up behind me, didn't see her, Ian yelled out the window "Chey's loose and right behind you!". He yelled because once she was right on me, she lunged at Zoey and attacked her from behind. She went for her neck and ears. I had to pull her off pretty forcefully and yell. Once I pried her off, I checked Zoey. Chey wandered around Zo's area and urinated. After that initial attack, Ian was right out the door. Chey acted like nothing even happened and wandered back over to where she was lying before.

Is this a dominance issue maybe? Zoey will be 2 in January, so she's still just an excitable pup and she's never had any real doggy friends, so she's hyper and just wants to play with Cheyenne. Cheyenne will be 6 in May. She bristles and growls when Zo even attempts to 'communicate' with her.

I don't expect things to be 'peachy' over night. I know this will be a process. Cheyenne will need some time to adjust to being in a normal atmosphere again and Zoey will need to adjust to having another dog around.

I will look for some of Ceasar's books the next time I'm near Barnes and Nobles. Thank you for the suggestions everyone.

I really appreciate it.

 

[tiki244]

Sounds like things are going well. I am not sure about the dominance thing. I know Caeser says that the person should be the dominant one and all dogs are then in a lower rank. But I think he has also said that dogs do, can and will work out there own order of dominance, and be succesful at it in some cases.

I cried actual tears when I read the story after you had found her. I am so glad she is back with you and that you are back with her.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

It does sound like a dominace issue.

 

[bangor777]

I'm so glad you found her, but it does sound like you have your hands full right now. Can you let either dog loose in the presence of the other? It's got to be tough keeping them separated all the time. maybe cheyenne was made to participate in dog fights? That may be why she's intolerant to other dogs. hopefully it won't take too long to find peace between them....keep us updated.

 

[kstaven]

Food and water bowls along with toys are some of the most likely triggers for aggression and territory issues with pit lines.

I have two from the shelter that reside here. Both are great dogs overall but even after having the second one a year there is still the odd snarl and snap over those items.

Dominant dog in the pack always eats and drinks first, choses the best sleeping location etc. Some breeds and dogs are more likely to try and enforce this than others.

Having one dog in the bedroom and one not, does not "solidify" the pack structure. Just something to think about. Acceptance that both dogs are part of the same pack and the humans are the alpha leaders are your two biggest hurdles here.

Chey wants the pack structure to be you, husband and her by the actions you describe.

Here is a dog with a very similar look and attitude. http://wildthingorganics.com/rascal1.html

 

[SterlingAcres]

Quote:
They have separate food and water dishes. As well as separate toys. I don't think it was the water that set her off.

Having one dog in the bedroom and one not, does not "solidify" the pack structure. Just something to think about. Acceptance that both dogs are part of the same pack and the humans are the alpha leaders are your two biggest hurdles here.
Chey wants the pack structure to be you, husband and her by the actions you describe.

I'm not trying to make Zoey's higher on the totem pole by letting her sleep in our room. I won't crate train her just because Chey needs to be. That doesn't seem fair to me.
I agree, my biggest hurdle is for them to accept each other as equals and below our family. I have a long road.​

 

[tiki244]

O please keep us updated.

Good luck and God speed.

 

[kstaven]

You do have a lot of time and work ahead of you but it is far from insurmountable. I have taken in many aggressors that no one else would touch and collected a few scars for it. But I have yet to meet the dog that couldn't be rehabilitated.

Seeing that she was lose and didn't react until a human was on the scene is actually a sign in your favor. Leash work with chey and zoey will take you a long ways toward establishing the hierarchy also. Leash work with Zoey while chey watches and then reversed may help you establish ground rules and commands apply to both dogs. Dogs are smart enough to learn what is appropriate by example. This also shows equal treatment and consistent ground rules for both while establishing that the humans are top dogs here.

Establishing a no questions command set with both dogs will help make life a lot easier for all of you. It may sound harsh but when mom or dad says no it means NO RIGHT NOW!

 

[tiki244]

kstaven that is one awesome dog(Rascal). Wow what a good life for a dog with a bad start.

 

[kstaven]

Thanks. He has further integrated into the pack since the last update. Day by day ....

Give it some time and sterlingAcres will be posting her Chey success story on her blog, along with venting some frustration along the way.