ALPHA DOG

Last week Monday I had no voice. Saturday night I let Sophie out of her kennel to go potty. As I was bending down to pet Ginger,  Sophie jumped over her, hurting her. Ginger grumbled and that was it. Next thing I know, the two of them are fighting. Mr. Aloha was in the house watching TV, I must have screamed his name at the top of my lungs (while closing my ears) at least ten times. He came running out grabbed Sophie by the hind legs, I grabbed Ginger and we pulled them apart.

Ginger is 13 years old. I think I've mentioned that before. I'll be damned if that dog didn't charge after Sophie once we got them separated. I am at a loss for words. Jenny and Ginger still have it in them to fight with Sophie over the Alpha dog status. So now I have to keep Sophie away from both of them. She thinks she should be the Alpha, and the other two aren't ready to let her be it. 

After we got things under control, Mr. Aloha said to me, "One more dog fight and you have to get rid of Sophie" My response was simple yet firm "No". I couldn't believe he actually said that to me. 

I went outside to smoke, while I was out there, I couldn't stop thinking about the fact that Sophie had gone after Ginger like that. She had never done that before. When I went back into the house, I quietly said "I'll find a home for Sophie. You're right, we cannot go on like this." Mr. Aloha was quick to respond. "No, I don't want you to get rid of her. You've invested a lot of time and money. We just need to talk to Ted and find out how to get this under control. If it means he has to come over and help us with it, then that is what we will do."  As much as I hate admitting it, Mr. Aloha was right, we just needed to get a handle on it. 

The next day was training day. Ted asked me if I was sick or just lost my voice. I told him the dogs got into a fight, would Mr. Aloha and I be able to talk to him when training was done?

After class we sat down with Ted, told him what had happened. We talked for a while. I told Ted I was considering finding Sophie a new home. I cannot even begin to describe the shock on his face. "No, no, no" was his answer. He reiterated what Mr. Aloha had said the night before about all the time and money I have invested in training her. He also mentioned how dedicated I am. Which made me feel good. Ted then explained to us Sophie is a high drive dog, working dog, bred with all the qualities needed to work. With out any type of training she would be the same or worse. He also agreed with me when I said "It's the third dog syndrome."

What we or rather I need to do? Tie Jenny or Ginger up or put her in a kennel, have Sophie on her pinch collar. Walk up to her, when Sophie tries to fight with them, turn in the opposite direction while giving her a good yank on her leash. When she comes into the heal position tell her good girl. Repeat until she won't even look at the other dog. Have I done this yet? No. Am I going to? Yes. 

I asked Ted what to do if Jenny growls at Sophie while I am doing this. I said I felt Jenny was too old to be yanked around on a choke chain. Ted agreed, he said to keep a choke chain with me when Jenny growls throw it at her. It won't hurt her but it will startle her.