I only just noticed this. I did't read trough all the answers, so I hope I a not repeating anything.
Pam, What I wanted to ask is how do you react in a situation that Jasper doesn't let Buddy near you? Or what do you do when they guard toys?
My girls have had their moments, but I think we have been able to settle things now with some little things I do. First of all, I do not give any attention to any of my dogs when they themselves come to get it, I just ignore them. I know this might be hard resisting those sad spaniel eyes, but it really works. When I want to give attention to any of my dogs I just call the dog I want to me. If the others come, I just ignore them (once again
). This does wonders for obedience too, at least my dogs are willing even to "stand on their heads" just for the joy of getting my attention.
What comes to guarding toys, well, I never keep toys lying on the floor. When I decide to play with the dogs I take the toys out, but at other times the toys stay in the box.
I also have a day once a week for each dog. Emma does agility, Ada does obedience +tracking and Kukka does ringcraft classes. I have noticed that this is very important for my dogs, that they every once in a while get me "alone".
I also do not tolerate any kind of fighting in my house. Emma never fights, she couldn't care less. Ada and Kukka fight sometimes, so I simply go in between them, ignore Ada, put Kukka on her back and tell her off (as she is the lowest in the pack).
We also have D.A.P, but I really can't say if it works or not, as I haven't noticed much difference.
I hope you get things settled in your house
!
