Behavior change

    • Puppy

    Behavior change

     Hello there!  I have a 10 year old male Jack Rusell, Marley,  who has been a fantastic dog with the kids.  10 months ago we introduced a female boxer puppy, Lola, into the family.  At first things went well.  Individually they are both GREAT dogs.  However a couple months ago the dogs started fighting at meal time.  Marley shows a lot of agression towards Lola in the house, he retreats to my daughter's bedroom where we keep his kennel and stays there whenever he is in the house The dogs seem to get along fantastic...outside. 

    Now, Marley's aggression has spilled over to us, he has nipped at my 2 and 7 year old and he has barked and snapped at me.  This is behavior he NEVER exhibited before.  He has growled at me when letting him out of the kennel, he has nipped when one of the kids was trying to pet him.  He refuses to mingle with the family.  Does he resent us for bringing home Lola?  Please help!  I want my entire family both human and canine to get along!!  

    Thanks

    Mandy

    • Gold Top Dog

     Hes a terrier. Maybe he sees Lola as a threat?

    • Gold Top Dog

    You need the help of a professional, preferrably a behaviorist.  Ask your vet for a referral.   When a dog is showing aggression, as you describe, toward the human family members (especially young children) you need more help than you can find on the internet.   Whatever you do, don't use punishment to correct the behavior. 

    Here's a link that might be helpful.  http://www.dacvb.org/resources/find/