Aggressive and fearful around older blind dog

by michele
(Toronto Canada)

We have a 13 year old male boxer/mastiff who now has very limited vision and hearing. Last year we adopted a three year old bulldog/pointer cross ( Female)... this is Juno, an energetic, playful dog who is can be aggressive with smaller dogs, but not with dogs her own size. Marley the older dog is her size, but every now and then she becomes extremely fearful and then aggressive with him. She will suddenly rush him, but with tail wagging, and look as if she about to attack and there have been short ''fights'' he always submits and ends up on his back- he defends himself by submitting and she has not actually bitten him however I do not understand what the dynamics are. It is true that because he is blind he often wanders into ''her space'', which makes her anxious and its my guess that she cannot read his communication anymore as he cannot see or hear her. I dont know what to do about it however ! and its making me anxious being around them as have to constantly watch the older one is not going to her food bowl, or her bed. She is also possessive which doest help. Sometimes when ive had to separate them she is literally shaking with fear, and though it looks at first glance that she is the instigator, is it his lack of communication with her thats causing the problem? And what can I do to help them both/ should they stay in separate rooms when I am out? . Its becoming a serious problem and I feel badly for both dogs.

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Mar 03, 2018
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Nothing In Life Is Free
by: Adam G. Katz

Employ the "Nothing In Life Is Free" approach, so that your dog starts to view you as the "pack leader." If your dog doesn't see you as the leader, then your corrections will be meaningless. So, if you're doing subtle things (inadvertently) to undermine your leadership role around the house-- it will be counter-productive.

All the best,
Adam

Adam G. Katz is the author of, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!" -- which you can find at DogProblems.com.