Re: Cant Figure it out! Sorry Kinda Long

In Reply to: Cant Figure it out! Sorry Kinda Long
Category:   Other
Posted by:  Nicky
Posted on:  January 29, 2003 at 18:23:34

: My 8 month old JRT Charlie Bean has been around other dogs and my other dog (Terry) a mixed Terrier since she was born, I brought her home at 8 weeks and she has lived with Terry since. They stay outside most of the day (I have a huge yard with lots of grass and trees, no way out and no animals for charlie to kill) but I spend tons of time playing with them inside and out, Terry is older 10 yrs and Charlie loves her however, when I bring them inside Charlie will growl at Terry as if she is going to attack her, so I put Terry back outside and then Charlie goes to the door and scratches and cries till I let Terry back in or let Charlie out (they dont fight outside at all, and actually perfer being outside then inside it seems). My question is why does she growl at Terry but then seem to want her to play with her at the same time, I am just confused! :(.

Response:

Hi, Nicky,

This sounds like it could be a few things.

It could be the beginnings of your typical same sex aggression, which is why we're always recommending that if people plan on getting a second dog, to go for the opposite sex. If Charlie Bean hasn't been spayed, I hope you plan on getting it done soon. Cutting out the hormone factor can often help quite a bit.

there could also be a bit of dominance happening here. The pup (Charlie Bean) is testing her limits, and as she gets older, this is going to get more extreme.

And lastly, it might be that your misinterpreting her play signals. I have a few dogs that growl like crazy while they play, but they aren't angry or aggressive at all, they're just very vocal. My loudest play-growler is actually my sweetest terrier, who is good with ALL other dogs and there isn't an ounce of same sex aggression or dominance in her at all.

Hope this can help you identify what's going on. If the pup isn't spayed, I strongly suggest you have it done soon, because as she matures, you may see same sex aggression issues if you haven't already. Terriers really have their adult personalities between the ages of 2 and 3, and that's usually when problem arise. Early spay/neuter can really help avoid some of these issues!