We adopted Flossie from South Carolina six years ago after she was rescued from a hoarder’s house in Georgia. She had puppies at a young age and is now house-trained, but she eats quickly and displays aggression towards other dogs. She tends to growl at other dogs, especially larger ones, leading to a negative reputation in our complex. Despite this, she seeks attention from humans and enjoys being petted and having her belly rubbed. Is there a way to reduce her aggression towards other dogs?
— Michael, Port Jefferson Station, NY
Flossie’s past experiences have likely influenced her current behavior. To address her fast eating, consider using a slow-feed bowl to prevent health issues associated with rapid eating.
Regarding her aggression towards other dogs, her friendliness with humans suggests that she may be overly protective of you, leading to assertiveness or fear around other dogs. Gradual exposure to other dogs in a controlled environment can help desensitize her and build her confidence. Reward her for calm behavior around other dogs and consider seeking professional assistance from dog trainers or behaviorists for structured socialization classes.
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If her behavior stems from protectiveness, it’s important to establish your leadership by preventing her from coming between you and other dogs. Use training commands and methods to redirect her attention towards you during walks and consider using a pheromone collar to reduce anxiety.
Changing behavior takes time, so be patient and consistent with training efforts to see improvements over time.
My Yorkie Shelby has been living separately from my cat for years due to prey-like behavior. Now that the cat has passed away, I want to reintegrate Shelby into my part of the house. How can I make this transition smoother for her?
— Marcia, Tolland, Connecticut
Gradually introduce Shelby to your part of the house by providing familiar items, engaging her in activities, and rewarding positive behavior. Transfer scents from her familiar area to yours and create positive associations with the new environment through treats and affection. With time and patience, Shelby should become more comfortable in your part of the house.
(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert with over 25 years of experience in animal welfare. Share your pet questions and stories with her at cathy@petpundit.com. Don’t forget to include your name, city, and state. Follow her on @cathymrosenthal.)
