Your dog can become obsessed with another dog for a variety of reasons, ranging from curiosity to fear to jealousy. Obsessive behaviors can arise from boredom, separation anxiety or sexual attraction, too. Understanding the root of your dog’s obsession is your first step toward neutralizing and eliminating the unwanted behavior when it manifests. Show Spay or NeuterStrong obsessions can occur between unaltered dogs of mating age who live in close proximity. Unaltered dogs are strongly attracted to others in season. In addition to the potential for unintended breeding, obsessive fighting between males vying for the same mate can occur. For best results, spay or neuter your own dogs, particularly if you have no plans to responsibly breed them. If an unaltered dog lives in your vicinity, keep your dog physically separated from the other animal to keep obsessive behaviors from occurring. Keep your dog indoors unless supervised, or walk the dog in a location far removed from any sexually available dogs. Reduce Fearful InteractionsIf your dog feels his territory is being encroached upon or if he’s afraid of another dog, he may develop an aggressive obsession toward the other animal. In this case, take preventative steps to ensure the dogs don't fight or drag their owners into physically dangerous altercations. Put your dog through behavioral training if you’ve not already done so, so he's more likely to follow commands and instructions from you while in the vicinity of the animal or animals he’s obsessed with. Don't take an aggressively obsessed dog into public forums like dog parks or community neighborhoods where he’s prone to exhibit his temper. If possible, arrange one-on-one, highly monitored interactions with the owner of the other dog to make a gradual and gentle introduction. Curb Jealous BehaviorsIn a multi-dog household, jealousy between dogs can manifest in obsessive behaviors. One dog may try to usurp the other dog for the owner's attention. He may also steal another dog’s toys, food or bedding in an attempt to be top dog, and may exhibit anger if the owner plays with another animal. Curb such obsessive behavior by spending individual time with each dog in the home and by not encouraging competition but, rather, rewarding good behaviors and positive co-play and co-living behaviors. Explore Behavioral IssuesSome dogs who exhibit obsessive or compulsive behaviors may have underlying anxiety disorders. Take your pup to a vet for a full physical work-up to rule out any physical problems. Your vet may prescribe behavioral training or medication to help your dog curb this unwanted behavior. Exercise your dog to wear him out and provide him with interactive play toys to hold his attention when you're not around. References Writer Bio Lisa McQuerrey has been a business writer since 1987. In 1994, she launched a full-service marketing and communications firm. McQuerrey's work has garnered awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the International Association of Business Communicators and the Associated Press. She is also the author of several nonfiction trade publications, and, in 2012, had her first young-adult novel published by Glass Page Books. You are hereBefore adding a new dog to your household, the first thing to consider is whether you really want another dog just for the sake of having another dog. Although sometimes a new dog
may work out to be a great companion to the dog you already have, there is really no way to know in advance if that will be the case. Dogs with separation anxiety frequently remain distressed even if there are other dogs in the house with them, and if the dogs turn out to be incompatible the new dog will introduce new problems. Once you've decided to get another dog, you'll want to make the introduction with a minimum of stress. Here are some suggestions. Give some thought to choosing a new dog who can be compatible with your present dog. In our experience, conflict is least likely to occur between a male dog and a female dog. Male with male is the next best combination, female with female is the combination most likely to result in conflict. When you choose a new dog, consider your present dog's needs. For example, try not to bring a very active young dog into a home with an older dog who already has health problems such as osteoarthritis. If you do get a puppy or young dog, be prepared to "protect" the older dog from her. You will have to spend plenty of time with the new dog and offer distractions to keep her from harassing the older dog.
How do I get my dog to leave another dog alone?6 Tips for Peace between Your Old Dog and Young One. Obedience Training is Imperative. ... . Prevent Arguments and Fusses. ... . Exercise is Great. ... . Teach the Younger Dog Respect. ... . Give Each Dog some Space. ... . Special Time with Each Dog.. Why won't one of my dogs leave the other alone?Separation Anxiety Can Cause Your Dog to Not Leave Your Side
Dogs with separation anxiety will sometimes start barking, pacing or exhibiting other distressing behaviors after a short time after being left alone.
Why is my dog obsessing over my other dog?Why Your Dog Obsessed With Other Dog? The Simple Answer: Your dog is obsessed with other dogs because your pup either wants to play with the other dog, is fearful, or has created a bad habit of trying to interact with every dog your pup sees.
Why does my dog keep bothering my other dog?It simply means they need to learn better social skills. They might also need more exercise or mental stimulation so they don't take out their boredom or excess energy on other dogs. Stepping in, controlling who they play with and modeling better behavior can all help your dog become a better playmate.
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