[bigboynoise]

I have three dogs. I work a lot and recently had my fiancé move in with me. One of my dogs has shown signs of separation anxiety pretty much since I've had him. He's been a part of the family since a puppy. I don't know what to do to cure him of his anxiety issues. He also beats up on one of the other dogs that's been a part of the family longer than him. I love this dog a lot, but I am having a difficult time figuring out how to help him. I show him lots of love and try to give him as much attention as possible. But he won't let either of the two other dogs get close to me without running over to get between me and them.

I'm certain he's mad about my fiancé moving in. If I separate him and keep him outside it just gets worse. What can I do? Is there medication I can ask for. Sometimes it is bad enough I've thought of giving him up for adoption, but I love him too much and couldn't live without him. Please help!

Josh

[labman]

This sounds like a pack order disorder. The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position

All 3 of them are spay/neutered? If not, do so at once. It is no cure all, but an important step in clearing this up.

When he attacks the other dog or crowds in, give him a sharp ''Ut, ut, ut!'' and offer him a toy. You must never give him attention when he pushes another dog away. Same if you catch him marking except put him out rather than offer the toy.

Crate him when you can't watch him. Other dogs may
Not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with. Still your house and dog
Will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away. The dog may be
Happier in its den than loose in the house. It relaxes, it feels safe in its
Den. It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving
Its self. Dogs that have been crated all along do very well. Many of them
Will rest in their crates even when the door is open. I think the plastic
Ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling. They are harder for
Dogs to open too. Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with
Something the dog can't pull in and chew. Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

Leave it some toys. Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter. Don't leave
Anything in the crate the dog might chew up. It will do fine without even any
Bedding. You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.

A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work.
Start just putting its toys and treats in the crate. Praise it for going
in. If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate.
Feed it in the crate. This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding
Time for more than one dog.

At 2 years old, his bad habits are well established and will take time to correct. If you can't correct them now, you may never be able to.