family fighting

[seadoggmf]

I have a 7 yr. old black lab named rowdy and 5yr old cockapoo BoBo and 3 8yr old cats oreo, blossom, and Buddy  all of them have grown up together now after all this time BoBo the cockapoo has started at various times attacking the cats or somtimes rowdy, they all at various times sleep in our room, and suddenly in middle of the night BoBo will jump on one of the cats . they are all spayed and neutered . and I am not sure if the issue between BoBo and cats is the same as with rowdy, who he has also attacked in the same way . all in the last couple months he had never done this before, also when the dogs are chewing on there treats BoBo will hold his and then try to take Rowdys I wonder why this behavior after all this time they have gotten along so well?

[Ghilly]

I completely agree with Margot.  I would have BoBo vetted to make sure there is nothing going on with either his thyroid or a possible neurological issue, like a mass in the head.  When an animal starts to behave uncharacteristically those are usually the first places to look.

NILIF is a very good way to keep things under control.  As long as the behavior issues aren't connected to a medical issue, this should go a long way in helping to straighten things out.  

Please let us know what you find out at the vet concerning BoBo.

Ghilly

[Margot49]

Glad they are all fixed so that is not the issue.  How is Rowdy's health and has he always been the dominant one in the pack?  Bobo may be trying to take over, so to speak.  How is Bobo's health?  You might want to get some blood work done on him and have his thyroid checked.  Thyroid dysfunction can cause behavior changes.  I suggest you try and take some steps to make sure "you" are leader of the pack.  Look up NILF ( nothing in life is free) training.  Be vigilant and nip any potential behavior in the bud like staring, hackles up, etc.  with a firm "No" and a loud noise directed at the offender.  Do not give treats unless you are there to supervise.  If the dogs are crate trained, as I think every dog should be, you might want to crate Bobo at night or separate him from the others even if you have to use a tie down near his bed.  

keep us posted.

[alt77144]

Bobo might be trying to act like rowdy. He is showing behavioral changes it might be bobo is jealous of the cats or it may be serious