linda.brierley

Thanks so much for your information x

Hi. I look after my son's 2 dogs in the week when he and his wife are at work. Ernie is a 2yr old morkie and Vera (we aren't sure what she is or her real age). Vera was a rescue last year and her paper's said she was 2 years old but their own vet said she was more like 8 months. I don't know if it's a kind of jealousy on Ernie's part being the first dog for a year before Vera came along, but some days they get doing really well. But when I have bought them new toys or chew treats, he won't let her have hers. And she knows it..he takes hers and won't let her near them. Even sharing me can be a big issue too. It just escalates from nothing to fighting so bad I have to split them up. . It's horrible to watch and listen as it really sounds like they want to kill each other. Vera's gum are so pale after a fight it obviously frightens her. I have stopped buying chew bones or anything individual. I just don't know what to do to stop it from happening. Ernie is also dog reactive, since a dog (off lead) that was (friendly) according to the man, got into Ernie's space which frightened him so they were attempting to fight. Unbeknown to me, the same dog was living next door (new neighbours) so every time he hears the dog, Ernie goes ballistic running along the fence line. They can't see each other but if Vera runs out to join in the barking, he redirects his aggression towards her..I've tried talking calmly to him which sometimes works if I catch it before it escalates. I've tried getting him inside and giving him a treat if he comes back in. It's just hit and miss at the minute. Any help would be grateful. Thanks