[Betsy Iole]

It sounds like you're able to predict the situations that will produce growling. Since you can predict them, you should be able to avoid them and by so doing, prevent the fighting between dogs.

When one of my dogs has something that I think s/he might guard, I use a high value treat, like cheese or hot dogs--something very attractive--to get them to trade. That prevents confrontations.

Maybe next time, you can check where Rosie is, shut the door to keep her out, and then use a high value treat to distract Lily from whatever she's doing that you want to stop. That gets you past the crisis moment without a setback, and lets you continue to make progress.

[ January 29, 2006, 08:28 PM: Message edited by: Betsy Iole ]

 

[Betsy Iole]

Originally posted by Baby Duck:
Bestsy, that high value treat was our first step and we are up to filet mignon with Lily in that area.

My dogs don't find steak that big a treat, and I've even stopped bringing it home for them. They tend to like smelly things, like I mentioned above. Dried salmon and jerky are big favorities, too.

I also meant to suggest keeping long tabs or short leashes on both girls, so you can break up a fight without putting your hands in the middle. It will also allow you to pull Lily away from whatever she's doing that you don't want her to do. Good luck, and let us know what your trainer suggests.