Indiana

Well I have been searching this forum and found the NILIF site, read that, and hope that will help. This is Indy's problem: she doesn't really love other dogs, but she's got a live and let live philosophy that serves her well most times. The problem is, her bratty sister Maddy is constantly getting herself into situations where dogs correct her, and then Indy flies into the fray like a tornado and drives away the dog that is causing her sister to cry. I would like to correct this because I think it's only a matter of time before Indy tries to "rescue" Maddy from a dog that will actually hurt Indy or both of them. Also, it's gotten to where if a dog even touches Indy, she barks loudly. We already do the NILIF suggestions but I THINK I should be teaching Indy that the pack leader (me) will look after any rescuing that needs to be done, is that correct? Should I take her out on a lead where dogs will touch her and correct her response to them? She spends time with other dogs at doggy daycare and at the dog park, and seem to get along well with them (with the exception of the above circumstances), and the daycare people say she has tons of fun there. Suggestions appreciated!

fjm

How old is Indy? I think you are right that she needs to learn to trust you to keep both her and Maddy safe- perhaps walking them separately until Maddy learns some dog etiquette might help? It is very easy for dog number two to be dependent on dog number one - I really wish I had taken Poppy out more on her own, as she tends to take her lead from other dogs rather than trust her own judgement. Fine when the other dog is Sophy, not so fine when it is terrierist Jilly-dog!

I would not force either of them into encounters they do not want - it sounds as if Indy is happy to play with dogs she knows most of the time, and it would be a shame to risk her feeling she needs to protect her own space. I think I would concentrate on improving Maddie's manners, so that Indy no longer feels she needs to intervene. And if any intervention is necessary, step in yourself before she does!

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To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden,
where doing nothing was not boring- it was peace.

~ Milan Kundera