Dear Fisher,
My name if Olivia. I do have a concern. I live with my mom and another dog named Andy. Like me, Andy is a wire-haired fox terrier, but I run the household. My problem is that my mom insists on bringing in other dogs which she considers “rescues”. I have nothing against dogs or cats who find themselves in a rescue situation. Andy and I are both rescues. I do not, however, want to spend my later years sharing my home with these dogs. As soon as they arrive, I make it clear to them that they are not welcome. This upsets my mom. She has been very good to me, but I just cannot continue to share my home. I want my mom and Andy in my house and that is all. She is very aware of my feelings. Any suggestions?
Olivia
Dear Olivia,
I am not sure if your problems are due to other dogs stopping in and staying with your family every now and then as much as they are occurring because you are in your later years. We do get a little more opinionated and a tad bit more irritable as we get older. And, let’s face it – we start to think we need a lot more attention.
Your mom is surely a wonderful person to rescue Andy and you. Two little terriers in the house would be enough for most people, and yet, she continues to help others in need. Humans tend to repeat events that bring pleasure to them. You could easily surmise she continues to help others because helping you brought so much joy. That is a very big compliment to you and you would do well to think along those terms.
Here are several ideas that could make life easier for you:
- Your mom can count on your ability to establish your higher position in the house by not trying too hard to force you to be “polite” to the visiting rescue
- Introductions should be made slowly and calmly
- As the dominant, homesteaded dog, your need to eat first is only a matter of propriety and not rudeness and should be allowed
- You should keep the same privileges you enjoy when there are no visitors
- A little extra attention should convince you that you are not headed for the revolving door
Even though you are the “boss”, dominance problems may not be the issue. If bad behavior persists, a check up at the vet’s place may reveal an underlying cause
By no means are any of you allowed to fight each other as that can lead to injury of body and pride.
Daniel Estep, Ph.D. and Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists, provide excellent information and training advice on line at Animal Behavior Associates.
And so, dear Olivia, methinks it is the crankiness of older age setting in along with a lack of confidence in your position. You can do much to ease both conditions by helping your human in her endeavors to aid other dogs not nearly as fortunate as you. OK? End of sermon.
Your friend,
Fisher
