Today I bought 2 bison horn chew things for them to try rfor a change rather than antlers. I bought them one each, but Ezra growls and just snapped at murphy for chewing his when he had his own, and then murohy wouldnt go newr them and got on the soaf and ezra went from one chew to the other having a chew on each. Should i intervene? Ezra has now stopped chewing and got on the sofa and so murphy has gone back down for a chew but alpl the time watching ezra to see his reaction. The problem is murphy is a wet fish and would never stand up for himself so i feel bad because he sort of misses out if you see what I mean. Any suggestions? Apart from this, ezra isnt food aggressive or anything x
Re: Ezra bullying Murphy! Don't worry, that is just normal dog behaviour, not bullying There are valuable resources to be had and dogs aren't really into sharing very valuable things. The easiest thing to do is take the chew treats away, if you think the situation is tense - swap them for something else very desirable but quick to eat, like a piece of chicken or cheese. It does sound like they have settled down now though
Re: Ezra bullying Murphy! With high-value food and treats, I separate my two. It's not necessary for regular meals, but raw meat or chews always need separating. I pop Willow in her crate - well, in truth, she always runs there with a high-value treat and I just close the door. Shadow goes onto his day bed. I do this to give them both comfort and security that their treat is not going to be stolen by the other dog. Neither one minds me meddling with it, but it seems the thought of their brother or sister getting hold of it is intolerable Weirdly, they are absolutely fine swapping kongs. They were a bit like this with toys to begin with, but if it ever sounded like it wasn't nice play, I removed the toy. They soon learnt to play nice with the toys!
Re: Ezra bullying Murphy! Cool thanks both of you im not used to having 2 dogs so dont really know what is acceptable and also the right thing to do about things. As we will soon have 3 i need to learn quick and plan my strategies!
Re: Ezra bullying Murphy! We also separate our two with high value chew-type treats, they go made for fish tree trunks and in their haste to get get into their respective crates keep banging into each other! They have crates in different rooms, and this really help prevent any issues, as Casper can be food possessive
Re: Ezra bullying Murphy! Thanks Kate, unfortunately neither are crated anymore so can't separate them that way, but murphy has taken to going upstairs with anything he wants to protect as Ezra won't go upstairs. I haven't had any issues with stag bars and have been leaving then lying about so they can help themselves but I guess the bison horn things are new and exciting. I ended up taking them all away and I will give them one each at certain times and I will obviously keep watch. The puppy will be crated and so that will help with the 3 of them. I like a challenge lol
