Please help me...I am at wits end

**mom23boyz** · 03-18-2009, 11:08 PM

I have 2 female dogs- Rosie my 9 month old pit bull and Princess my 3 yr old golden retriever/lab well....almost 2 weeks ago DH bought them bones since Rosie chews EVERYTHING. There was a bone on the patio and 1 that Princess was chewing on(probably Rosies bone) so Rosie goes ballistic and starts fighting with Princess. DH seperated them...Dh thought Rosie was calmed down and she took off after Princess again. They were seperated for a full week...Princess slept in the house and Rosie in the garage(she's been in heat). Saturday she figured out how to unlock and pen the garage door by herself and come out. They were alone together Saturday and then she did it again Sunday letting herself out. Saturday they clearly were fine for hours but Rosie seemed to get a little jealous when we came home and kind of went after Princess. DH grabbed her calmed her down and Princess came in. Sunday they again were fine. We have been going back and forth if we should give Rosie away for safety reasons.....today she ripped the gate off the hinges to get out of the dog run. She is over her "period" but still "bitchy" They were ok together this evening until DH put Rosies food out and Princess came around the corner...checking out Rosies food bowl. So they are now seperated again....Princess outside and Rosie in garage. Rosie can and probably will get out of the garage I fear Rosie will still be "moody". What should I do about these dogs?Any suggestions?

**fixer** · 03-18-2009, 11:27 PM

Is there a reason Rosie has not been spayed? It may help. We just adopted a pit bull mix. He is very strong willed. Luckily our other dog is a one hundred and ten pound Cane Corso who knows she is the queen. If smaller, I would fear he would try to dominate her but as it is she plays until he gets rough then knocks him down. I would try to seek the opinion of a good dog trainer who might have some ideas. I wish you the best.

**phoeny_moonstar** · 03-19-2009, 03:42 AM

I too, wonder why the dog hasn't been fixed. I know that our Boston Terrier female was quite moody until after she was fixed. We let her have one litter and then she was done for. She has since became lass anxiety ridden and aggressive. Maybe have a discussion with your trusted vet??

**Momto2Boyz** · 03-19-2009, 08:33 AM

I don't have any advice for you, but I hope you can find a solution so you can keep both of them in harmony!

**Greebo** · 03-19-2009, 08:47 AM

Call "The Dog Whisperer"?

Rosie sounds like she needs remedial training on who's the pack leader around the house. Right now, she seems to think she is.

**MoonMommy** · 03-19-2009, 09:43 AM

Getting her fixed *might* help with her behaviors, however some dog breeds just have a strong personality and you have to teach them who is the alpha in the house. That doesn't mean beating them, but there are books on how to communicate with a dog so that they know you are boss.

I would be worried that she is showing signs of agression AND she can so easily escape her pen. How would she treat a small child whom she perceived as a threat?

**mom23boyz** · 03-19-2009, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by fixer

Is there a reason Rosie has not been spayed?

Well I honestly thought they had to be older to be spayed....her vet hadn't mentioned it. I did however I did look into it when she went into heat...also not realizing it happens so young.

I am a bit naive I guess!! She has an appointment on April 3 with her vet. I just don't know if we will make it that long at this point. I am trying though...I hate the idea of getting rid of her.

Originally Posted by MoonMommy

I would be worried that she is showing signs of agression AND she can so easily escape her pen. How would she treat a small child whom she perceived as a threat?

I have 3 kids that have she is great with in fact she is a little too friendly with people I think. We can pet her and take her bowl of food while shes eating. Its just my other dog and it seems to be about the food. When I got her from my nephew she had been beat up by her mom...gash over her eye. She was always very hyper and my other dog would always dominate her. Now that they are the same size I think maybe she wants to see how far she can "push" and with her "wild horomones" that were going on....I am confident she would never hurt a child.

**suki** · 03-19-2009, 10:52 AM

We use the Dog Whisperer techniques with great success. It is important to establish yourself as pack leader and put rosie back in her place. This can be accomplished by having a calm-assertive presence and stopping the behavior.

If you haven't watched the Dog Whisperer, you can rent episodes on DVD and the book is great.

**Mamaw** · 03-19-2009, 01:32 PM

I urge you to take her to a professional trainer. I know it is expensive but it may be best to get some professional advice. There are many techniques and you may need to try several before you find one that works. Good luck and let us know how it works out!

**mommy4ever** · 03-20-2009, 02:33 PM

Gotta love pitties!

Pit and pit crosses can be extremely stubborn, and aggressive if their behaviors aren't managed. As with many in the terrier family. But can make the most amazing pets with the proper training.

I'd really recommend finding a trainer, or a great book on training.

I was recently given this book name: "The other end of the Leash" by a knowledgeable trainer, we're dealing with timid dog who I fear will be come fear aggressive if we don't deal with it.

Her tearing off the gate, and unlatching sounds like she's bored when she's in the pen, needs something mentally stimulating to keep her busy during that time. Some stuffed kongs, puzzle cubes might help some to keep her mind busy.

**Missy** · 03-20-2009, 02:41 PM

Listen, I have a experience or two with agressive dogs, lemme tel ya. My BORDER COLLIE is...or was..as aggressive as they come. I mean he was viscious. First, get her fixed. In te mean time you have got to teach her that you are in control. Don't leave toys or bones around. If she gets one it's not going to be of her doing (finding it laying there) you bestow it upon her and take it away whe you see fit. Give it to her and take it away in a few minutes. Repeat. Don't give it to her if she's displaying behavoiur you don't condone. Turn your back on her and ignore her. Dogs are pack animals and they must see you as pack leader. There's more you can find online and from a trainer. I urge ya to find one locally and beging working with her.