change in my dogs behaviour

[billie01]

My 9 year old female staff, has had a slow change of behaviour, she lives with my 13 yo male staff all her life they get on very well no probs until last July while on holiday she attaked my old boy (completley ot of charicter) when he went to check out her dinner dish, something they have always done when dinner is finnished. ( now i feed them either end of the kitchen and stay until all food is consumed), ok i thought one off let it go, my old boy came of the worst, then she started to attak him if he has a toy or kong or starts to dig, so again no bones toys or kongs basicly anything that would cause a bust up, again hadn't been a problem before, it came to a head when a few weeks ago when i was stroking my old boy she went into one again and i got bitten, i now have a baby grandson who lives with me and so far she has been good but im on alert the whole time, in between times she is her old lovely self, what can be the problem, what can i do, if i go to the vet what help can i expect!

[ginger899]

Female dogs are kind of genetically programmed to take over when there's food around and a male dog for competition. I think it's based on the female's genes being wired up to survival of (possible) pups, and all that kind of thing. Males are often forced to take a back seat, when there's challenges like that. But it could also be that she's after a higher position in the pack, than him. It's a mystery why it started suddenly. But the point is you have to control it now, or it'll get worse. YOU are pack-leader (or your partner, or both of you) Try this. When she snaps, don't say anything, just take her immediately to another room and close the door on her. After a little while, bring her back in. When she's calm, and gentler, give her a little treat first, then him.  Tell her she's a good dog, when she's nicer around him.As soon as she gets mean again, do exactly the same. She might learn that by being mean to your other dog, she loses your attention/approval.

[therese83]

I dont know but I have noticed that sometimes pets behaviour changes over time, sometimes without explanation.  Who knows what they are thinking?

I would make her give over toys to him and make her tolerate him sharing her bowl.
Make her get over it and accept it, I mean that she must share.

Take the toy off her and give it to him over and over 'til she gets bores with it.
I'm no expert, but I wouldnt let her get away with this dominating behaviour.