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garyjena

Terrier Terror

12/24/2007 10:01 PM
I have two dogs. One is a rat terrier and one is a brat terrier. The rat terrier (Geigh) is 10 months and the brat terrier (Boozer) is 1 year old. Here is my problem. Geigh is always stealing things from Boozer. If Geigh has a nylabone and sees that Boozer has one, she will either go and take it away from Boozer or whine and bark at Boozer until he gives it up. He is pretty laid back but sometimes he fights for whatever he has. They are also both very jealous of each other. If you are petting one of them, the other one has to come over and try to push their way to be petted.. Help!!!

www.newrattitude.org Pet Publicist, Adopt A Pet Volunteer Coordinator Database Maintenance HV and TR

winnihoohoo

Bratty Ratty

12/24/2007 11:39 PM
Sounds like normal rattie sibling behavior. You just have to keep intervening and remind them not to fight...but it is a natural instinct for them. Still gotta love them tho....

Sassy'sMama

Feisty

12/24/2007 11:45 PM
I deal with this everyday. I have two Ratties and a Wheaten Terrier. and I only have two hands for petting. Gets weird around here sometimes. This is normal behavior...

~~Jan~~ Mama to Sassy www.marykay.com/janetkimberlin (free shipping)

Rowdy's Mom

Rat-A-Tat-Tat

12/25/2007 2:49 AM
This is normal around here too. We've got Rowdy the rattie and Schatzi the shephard competing for our attention. Schatzi has the advantage of size, so Rowdy has learned to use the sofa/chairs/bed to his advantage. Our old girl Sam often steers clear of the whole thing. She is bottom dog on the totem pole and gets picked on by the other two sometimes. I make sure she has time when it's just her and I in the house and we have cuddle time together.

~Chrys~ Mom to Rowdy, Schatzi (shephard mix), and Sam (lab mix) http://www.myspace.com/rowdyluvsschatzi

Mitzy's Mom

PAWesome

12/25/2007 7:37 AM
Yep, it's normal. I've got 3 (1 is a chi/corgi/rattie mix) all trying to be on my lap or steal another's chewie or toy, etc. They'll work it out just make sure you stay Alpha.

Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids Georgia Foster Mom, www.newrattitude.org Pics of my current fosters: http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/caradoc http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/fiona

rattytatty

Newbie

12/25/2007 7:56 AM
Jealousy is a very complicated emotion, with a lot of thought going into it. Dogs don't have the ability for that. What you see in dogs and call jealousy is one of two things: competition (which is the equivalent of sibling rivalry) or straightening out the peck order. Let's say, for example, we have Rover One and Rover Two. Rover One is dominant. You're petting Rover Two, and Rover One approaches. His ears are up and forward, his tail is wagging, and his body is animated. That's competition. You can pet both dogs at the same time! Straightening out the peck order works like this: You're petting Rover Two, and Rover One approaches. His ears are up and forward and his chest is out. If his tail is wagging at all, it's moving very slowly. There's no liveliness in his body, and there's purpose to his walk. He will attempt to get between you and Rover Two. He's saying that he doesn't want Rover Two that close to you. You'll notice that Rover Two attempts to back away. Let Rover Two go. He knows what he's doing. If you're not sure who is dominant, notice which one tries to go through a door first. (after you of course.. you should always be first) Who's in front when they walk across they yard or the room? Don't base your opinion on food. Dogs have food available to them on a daily basis...Dogs can show dominance over food, but don't pin your opinion on that one thing. Pay attention when you see one dog walk across the room and hesitate in front of the other dog. The subordinate dog will turn his head a little and look away. Once he does that, the dominant dog will continue to walk. Whatever your circumstances are, you can't deny the dominant dog. You must respect the dogs' relationship. You can't decide which one is going to be dominant. In the canine world there is no concept of democracy. If the dogs show you which one is the boss, you will have to recognize this hierarchy by congratulating the dominant one first and then the others. This will make the dominant one not to exercise its authority too much.

garyjena

Terrier Terror

12/25/2007 10:21 AM
Thanks for all the great advice. I thought it was normal so I am glad I posted this. You guys are great.

www.newrattitude.org Pet Publicist, Adopt A Pet Volunteer Coordinator Database Maintenance HV and TR

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