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Posts: 2
From:Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 01-02-2003 06:19 AM            

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My West Highland Terrier, Millie is now about a year old. We also have a Jack Russel X, Maggie, aged 1. The two get along when alone but as soon as anyone goes near the two Millie growls at Maggie and bites her. How can I make her stop?

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Posts: 616
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 01-03-2003 05:23 PM         

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It sounds like Millie is taking on the role of the Alpha dog, and feels that she should be petted first. That is generally how things go. Usually dogs put themselves in a pecking order. Its normal for them to do that. If you think that, then maybe you can acknowledge Millie first,seeing that she wants it that way. But if your other dog Maggie is an aphla type dog too then you need to help establish who will be boss. Or they will duke it out until one of them really gets hurt. My poodle is the alpha and my terrier the omega. My terrier came first then two months later we got my poodle. Lucky for me they were both fine with their positions. I know it sounds like a bunch of craziness, but dogs do the same things that wild dogs or wolves etc. They need to know what their position is. As soon as Maggie realizes she is to be an omega dog everything should fall into place. I would like to hear other peoples veiws on this. I hope this has shed some light on the situation.

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Posts: 147
From:Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 01-04-2003 04:20 AM         

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I agree with puttin510, it most likely is a hierarchy struggle. My dogs did it, do it and still have more to come. Try to find out more about what alpha means, hopefully it will explain what is happening in your situation

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