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mfoxjackson

Middle dog syndrome

mfoxjackson
12 years ago

My old man Shitzu, Bubba will be 17 this August. Last May I got a puppy, Coco who will be 1 this month. When we first brought Coco home it took a while for Bubba to adjust to the fact that this little punk was staying and understandably so, he was an only dog for over 5 years is nice our other dog died. Coco has been a good girl for the most part, potty trained easily, doesn't chew anything that isn't hers. some food issues in the beginning,her not wanting to eat from the dish, but only if I placed food on the floor for her. I hit myself in the head and reminded myself that I am in charge and she learned pretty quick i was.

Fast forward to Christmas 2011 at which time we get another puppy, Jovi. He is actually my daughter's puppy but we have a Mother/Daughter house so we now have 3 Shihtzus.

Coco and Jovi have been a tumbling pile of playing puppies since the first day he came home. They play a little rough, but nothing crazy.

Here is the problem... Bubba, the old man snaps at the baby if he gets too close, which is normal. Showing who is boss, etc. The problem is Coco. She is getting almost obsessive about her food. Especially breakfast. Coco and Jovi get fed a few feet away from each other, the same spot for Coco, nothing new. Bubba, as he only eats once a day was kinda lurking for a while which I would imagine would make her possessive, but we keep him in his room until after breakfast is over and she is still,having issues. My daughter feeds them and a few times has put Coco in her crate with her food to eat as she kinda has ADD when she eats sometimes and then if my daughter goes by the crate she growls at her. She tried to snap at me a few weeks ago and I put her in her place. Now last night she was upstairs in their apartment and snapped at my son in law when he went to take a rubber bracelet away from her she shouldn't have had. Also the other night we came home after dinner to a chewed pair of earphones. She has NEVER chewed anything before. NEVER. She also just seems more on edge, jumping at noises, not really staying in your arms to be petted.

Sorry this is so long, but I am at my wits end. Coco is MY dog and generally so good (Bubba is my hubbies and Jovi is my daughters)

Any and all advice is appreciated!!

Marg

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