Ok when Hudson first came along everything was fine they had a few blow ups but that was it and it was pretty cute watching them together. Now don�€™t get me wrong they do get along except Chloe is actually being so dominant it�€™s affecting poor Hudson so much that his neck is just so full of open wounds from her nipping �Œ It started with a few nips and now the poor bugger has scabs everywhere. I am trying to keep them apart as to give it time to heal however the minute I let them be together she is at it again. Now he does play with her but she is just at him all the time.
Also its like she is gone back to her destructive ways again? She just destroyed their hesham mattress and ripped it into little pieces.
Now she is an angel when I am around actually she is very smart as she knows its when I turn my back.

I am going to separate them at night now I am going to have Hudson inside and she can sleep outside in her kennel as he keeps trying to get away from her as she is just always all over him at night.he is with me now and he is sleeping like a baby because he is alone.

Is there anything I can do to make her less dominant?? he will not fight back poor thing. I am just so worried that is neck will get worse and he could get an infection or something?

Hi Huitais,

I will have a think about this one - its a bit of a difficult problem, so I reckon some time during the weekend when all heck is not breaking loose around me is going to be when I get a chance to reply fully!

thanks Liah please dont rush or anything I will be home over easter which is great because I can really keep an eye on them.

Have a lovely easter!!!

Hi Hutais,

I suspect I'll be getting back to you in bits and pieces.

The hessian sack mattress - I think that's because Chloe is still a puppy and chewing and pulling and tearing is just so satisfying. I used to go through one per month - until they started lasting a year. About 4yo for the Elkhound. She's probably beginning to get that crop of teeth (they teeth until 2yo), so it could be worth handing out some 'serious' chew time stuff, like half a cow bone. Its about the only thing that 'adult' dogs seem to find irresistable, apart from garden furniture.(yes, experience, labs eat everything). I'm glad those sack thingies are cheap. I went through so many (I soon learnt not to buy the expensive ones).

I am thinking that Hudson needs a new collar - a big fat leather one, that will give him some protection. Studs are good. Think 1970's and 1980's punk rocker. I think Chloe also needs to learn that biting her buddy isn't a good thing.... So, grab some chilli oil and smear the lightest amount on the back of Hudson's neck - avoid the cuts - where she tends to grab him. Pop them outdoors and don't supervise for a few minutes (make sure she gets the opportunity to get a mouth full of chilli). Wash Hudson's neck when you bring him back in, and also wipe his back paws, just in case he's had a scratch. It is a problem when a dog doesn't respond normally, which is what Hudson seems to be doing - he isn't yelping or anything, which means he's not telling Chloe she's OTT. So, we need to tell her (firmly) she's hurting him - and the chilli oil is a good safe means to do that. She won't enjoy it - but it won't actually harm her. Kind of like Hudson offering a nip back, IYKWIM?

I'll have a think further on the overall dynamics, as it involves teachng Chloe to be less dominant, and Hudson to be a bit more dominant. Not an easy task!

oh I am laughing as I did the chilli thing and OMG was she NOT impressed! I am going to get a collar next week. I have started to feed Hudson first and let him doing things before her and she has somewhat started to slightly back off and he has started to "toughen" up a bit too???

Anyway look forward to your advice You are just the best!

I bet she wasn't. It always comes as a shock. Hudson probably thought he'd just had an assertive moment too.

That would have made a great video....

Hi Hutais,

The problem with doggy dynamics is they are hard to interfere with.

I think that you've already hit upon the only strategy that's available to us humans to 'show' a dog that we value the other dog 'more highly'. First, I think he needs to work on getting his relationship with Chloe on a more even footing.

Follow a pattern of putting Hudson first. He gets dinner first, goes through doors first, gets patted first, gets his treats first, is acknowledged first. Anything, and everything that can be 'ordered'.

The other thing I'd suggest is working on convincing her that you expect her to be submissive or less dominant. So when you have the two of them together, have her in the down position, while Hudson gets to sit. If she's sitting, Hudson gets to stand. That kind of thing.

Take him to the park, however, if there are other dogs around keep him separate so that the other dogs cannot dominate him (no humping!). I'd choose young puppies to muck around with, as I suspect he needs to relearn some of that puppy behaviour - you know, the bum in the air invite to play, and taking it in turns to bounce all over each other.

I haven't had a lot of time to go through my books, but I suspect his confidence will increase the more time he spends with you, and some of that will change his behaviour.

Oh, and if he does 'respond' to Chloe, its worth acknowledging and rewarding his response if it was appropriate. He needs to know what is acceptable, and that means praising some stuff we wouldn't ordinarily give a thought to. I am guessing that he's not certain what is appropraite or allowed, so just lets it all happen. Poor beagly boy.

If you've got any questions, or thoughts, let me know. Its an unusual issue!

Thanks so much!!! I have seen an improvement since I started doing the Hudson first thing which is quite interesting.Who knows what his puppy years have been like? He is so submissive its really sad Even when I am going off at ths kids he is so worried and he is so far away but already he is on his back?
His neck is alot better and is healing so she has stopped nipping him there.Will keep you updated. I suppose its just hard no knowing what has happen to him and honestly he is just a beautiful dog! he is so affectionate to me and the girls!! they adore him