Competing with other dog mainly over toys and my attention

[Choc-Chip]

Hi All,

Not been on here in a long long time as life just took over but am at my wits end now and after some advice
Chip has never shown any sign of nastiness at all and previously lived with 2 other dogs who he shared toys with, a bed and even cuddled up to. We've had my other half's Border Terrier for around a year now who is 5 and was rescued from a breeder and everything seemed to be fine until around say 7 months ago. Chip see to now hate it when Red (BT) come sober to me and will try and put himself between me and Red. He doesn't get nasty but you can see he's annoyed. The bigger problem is if Chip picks up a toy, Red will sometimes go over and try and play with it too or take it off him. If they both manage to get an end each sometimes Chip will let go but others they end up in an almighty scrap which usually resorts to Chip pinning Red down growling at him. He did actually draw blood on him once and cut him just above his eye. They have had about 3 of these nasty scraps now but it breaks my heart and upsets me so much. I worry for the safety of both of them and dint want it to get any worse. I have now taken all toys up off the floor apart from a couple that are specifically Red's which Chip doesn't like and doesn't go near. The trouble is Red loves toys and playing and I don't want  to deprive him of fun but also can't have them scrapping with each other. Chip was castrated a couple of months ago to see if this would help but nothing really has changed as I expected. Red is still entire and I do wonder if maybe Chip feels threatened by this but don't know. Apologies for the long rant, just wondered if anyone has any tips or advice?..

Thanks,
Emma x

[MIN]

Have to keep Gemma away from our elderly staffie. To think that they used to sit, sleep and play together. Now Peggy just has to look at Gemma and Gemma will go for her. It makes life difficult as you have to know where both are at all times. Also sad because I know I will never be confident to introduce another dog when Poppy goes. 

[Choc-Chip]

That's the thing, they both sleep under the stairs behind a stairgate together, share the boot of the car, are left together and they're fine. It just seems to be around me. If my OH is about, they don't tend to do it because Chip seeks to have more respect for him. They're tricky sometimes that is for sure.

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[vixen]

My two litter sisters can be 'difficult' around me too.  They are 8 now and after all this time I am aware of what will start a spat.  We can't have toys in the house (which is sad) but I have learnt from experience that Marley will guard them and turn into a monster.  The majority of the time Marley is a gentle, submissive girl but when she has 'something' she completely changes.  Sometimes it can be a scrap of paper, a sock even a leaf.  When I see she has something, I get Stevie out of the way and then remove the 'precious'.  That stops the situation developing.  I also can't fuss one in front of the other - so have to pet them in other rooms.  If a spat does develop, I just remove myself from the situation and then the spat is over very quickly.  Marley has to be put into the car first and secured before Stevie gets in and there are other situations I have learnt to adapt to.  You do become very aware of their body language but sometimes it can be tiring.  I could never leave them with anyone else as they just wouldn't know how to handle them.
Since having them I have been told that litter sisters are the worst combination to have but years ago I had two GSDs of different ages who were the best of friends for two years until they started fighting and had to be kept in separate rooms for the rest of their lives.
The majority of the time my cockers are fine with each other and will on occasions share a bed but I am always vigilant.

[Choc-Chip]

I'm glad it's not just Chip and I'm starting to realise what will spark a situation but sometimes it's too late and they're already scrapping. It can happen so quickly. It's hard as well because the other dog loves toys and it seems unfair to remove everything. Wish I knew the answer and there was a fix.

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[vixen]

the other dog loves toys and it seems unfair to remove everything. 

Yes it does seem unfair but you have to weigh up whether having the toys is worth a fight and possible injury. Red is at a disadvantage size wise too.  Only you can decide.  Could Red be put in another room to play with his toys for a while?
I would like my girls to have toys in the house but have learnt it is just not worth the risk.  Oddly enough they will share a ball when out and quite happily take it in turns to retrieve it.

[Choc-Chip]

I agree, no its not worth it and have learnt now that yes Red will have to go in another room and play with toys but am trying to convince OH that this is the only way. It's difficult because Red is his and Chip is mine so obviously it sees it being a bad thing on Red but I'm trying to protect both of the dogs. I've had Chip from 8 weeks old so have that bond with him that he doesn't have. Any prevention from a fight in my eyes is worth doing. Thank you for your replies. 

[MIN]

 OH is always shouting at the staffie . She is old and used to being able to roam the house, so she doesn't understand why she has to be monitored all the time.
 Makes me laugh because she just stares at him while he rants. She is as deaf as a post and must think he is a loon.  I am inclined to agree with her.