Mom attacks daughter

rach4284 · 11-07-2012, 10:18 PM

I have a 4 year old female who gave birth to 2 pups this past April, 1 male, 1 female. We kept the female around so the mom would have a companion. Everything was going great until recently. The mom has started attacking her daughter, the puppy is only 7 months old but already bigger than her mom. When the mom snaps the puppy takes off running and tries to hide and mom chases her around barking, growling, snarling trying to catch her, the puppy is not fighting back...yet. It started over food/treats when the puppy stole one that dropped out of moms mouth. (I realize this was a HUGE mistake on my part feeding them and giving them treats together) This was this past Sunday. Since then she has gone after her 2 more times, both today and we have now completely separated them. The puppy is terrified and will not go near her mom. The incidents today did not involve food at all. Its like she just snaps, like shes still pissed about the treat her daughter stole. I have two kids and they are terrified. I have been able to pull mom off of the puppy but am afraid if the puppy starts fighting back I won't be able to stop it. Mom has always had severe separation anxiety and has broken 2 dog crates, she was never "crate trained". Her daughter on the other hand has no problem with the crate, shes loving being in there right now where mom can't get her.

I have read on other posts people suggesting consulting a behaviorist or obedience training, any advice?

Bella's Biggest Fan · 11-07-2012, 10:41 PM

she is trying to keep her leader of the pack spot.... did she hurt the pup? and do you treat them differently ? do you still do one on one time with Mom with out daughter? and maybe put mom on lead so you can control her till she gets this out of her system.....

rach4284 · 11-08-2012, 08:49 AM

She has not hurt her, but we have pulled her off of her as soon as we can so I don't know if she has had time to hurt her... I think we treat them equal, but then again the puppy does tend to be an attention hog. Good point! I have not given mom one on one time without daughter either

I feel like such a bad owner. I will try the lead and see if that helps too. Thank you so much for your insight.

getgracie · 11-08-2012, 09:08 AM

I agree, she is establishing her alpha position over the puppy. Is she correcting the puppy when she jumps on her? I'm curious because it's tricky sometimes. If you interrupt her correction, the lesson for both Mom & baby is lost. Mom won't know when to back off & puppy won't know when enough is enough or when not to take an elder's food.
My girl at one time had no gauge on her corrections because I kept interrupting her. She has recently learned to give proper corrections to puppies because we allowed for it. Just last night at her K9 social group, she actually rolled a Belgian Malinois puppy about her size on his back because he was being obnoxious in her face. She did it beautifully. It was her trainer's puppy. i was actually quite impressed at how in control she was.

I was just wondering in your situation, could it be that mom is teaching her baby manners and pack order? Or is she aggressive towards the puppy?

I would definitely consult with a behaviorist/ trainer.

Georgiapeach · 11-08-2012, 09:49 AM

Having two females can be a problem, especially as your puppy matures. I wonder if the situation would be the same if you'd kept the male instead? Hindsight's 20-20...I agree that you need to consult a behaviorist, if you can.

cadkids · 11-08-2012, 11:26 AM

I have two not related girls and I would also say it coukl be just correction have you seen your "mom" dog play with another Boxer? they are very vocal and rough and yes mine get snippy occasionally but usualy only when my Alpha female is Challenged by the other one or occasionally over food and a stern NO usualy is all that is needed for my girls or a swat on the rump if the growl persists or if there is snapping at the other involved theat too will get a gentle swat at which point mine run to daddy to "save " them from the evil momma LOL and all is forgotten and forgiven between them

**martinc** · 11-08-2012, 12:33 PM

I think pup doesnt show surrendering to mom when its time and indeed,its just a correcting behavior.

Pup will never learn when to do what if you interrupt it.

But heh,easier said than done

Bella's Biggest Fan · 11-08-2012, 03:21 PM

I would watch and teach but I also know how it goes,,,, cute puppy and we pick them up and cuddle ,,, you are not a bad Mom at all... and we are all learning.... I have had two girls and people on here have two girls too so it will work out... time and training and patience will pay off.... you are definitely in the right spot for help...there are some great people on here.... we also love pics...

TrishLePlat · 11-09-2012, 06:38 AM

As mentioned in the previous posts, sounds like mom is just correcting her behaviour. We look after a 13 week old Great Dane during the week and when he first started coming Lolly would constantly be snapping and chasing him, as he is very playful and would constantly be all over her. It sounded a lot worse than what was actually going on. It only took a couple weeks before the pup learnt the rules(according to Lolly), and now they get along great.

rach4284 · 11-09-2012, 10:43 PM

I'm not sure if she is correcting her, the first time it was because puppy stole food, second time it was a few days later when they were standing side by side trying to get my sons attention while he was eating breakfast. Mom stood on her back legs and put her front paws on top of daughter, she did this twice and then she attacked. Later that evening when we were all home mom and daughter were under the kitchen table and mom tried to mount her under the table and we called her out from under the table and the hair on her back stood up and we immediatley seperated them. When we tried to have them be around each other again, mom immediatley took off after pup and my fiance blocked her. When my fiance is here alone with them they have been fine. I get nervous as soon as I get home, it's like walking on eggshells, waiting for the next eruption.
So I can't tell if this is correcting behavior or aggression. She has played with other dogs before, her mom has come to visit and the male she mated with. No problems. We did take in another female boxer a few years ago but that only lasted for a few days because that Boxer attacked her, made her bleed and then I got bit so we had to rehome her.
We didn't keep the male because the studs owner got first pick of the litter and away he went.
I consulted a behaivorist and he is coming on Monday. Thank you all for your help and advice. I'll post pics soon!

11-07-2012, 10:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
rach4284 New User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 11	Mom attacks daughter I have a 4 year old female who gave birth to 2 pups this past April, 1 male, 1 female. We kept the female around so the mom would have a companion. Everything was going great until recently. The mom has started attacking her daughter, the puppy is only 7 months old but already bigger than her mom. When the mom snaps the puppy takes off running and tries to hide and mom chases her around barking, growling, snarling trying to catch her, the puppy is not fighting back...yet. It started over food/treats when the puppy stole one that dropped out of moms mouth. (I realize this was a HUGE mistake on my part feeding them and giving them treats together) This was this past Sunday. Since then she has gone after her 2 more times, both today and we have now completely separated them. The puppy is terrified and will not go near her mom. The incidents today did not involve food at all. Its like she just snaps, like shes still pissed about the treat her daughter stole. I have two kids and they are terrified. I have been able to pull mom off of the puppy but am afraid if the puppy starts fighting back I won't be able to stop it. Mom has always had severe separation anxiety and has broken 2 dog crates, she was never "crate trained". Her daughter on the other hand has no problem with the crate, shes loving being in there right now where mom can't get her. I have read on other posts people suggesting consulting a behaviorist or obedience training, any advice?

11-07-2012, 10:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bella's Biggest Fan BoxerForums Addict Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: sault ste marie canada Posts: 3,099	she is trying to keep her leader of the pack spot.... did she hurt the pup? and do you treat them differently ? do you still do one on one time with Mom with out daughter? and maybe put mom on lead so you can control her till she gets this out of her system..... __________________ Little girl Crash.... R.I.P Baby girl

11-08-2012, 09:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
getgracie BoxerForums Addict Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Cali, baby Posts: 3,047	I agree, she is establishing her alpha position over the puppy. Is she correcting the puppy when she jumps on her? I'm curious because it's tricky sometimes. If you interrupt her correction, the lesson for both Mom & baby is lost. Mom won't know when to back off & puppy won't know when enough is enough or when not to take an elder's food. My girl at one time had no gauge on her corrections because I kept interrupting her. She has recently learned to give proper corrections to puppies because we allowed for it. Just last night at her K9 social group, she actually rolled a Belgian Malinois puppy about her size on his back because he was being obnoxious in her face. She did it beautifully. It was her trainer's puppy. i was actually quite impressed at how in control she was. I was just wondering in your situation, could it be that mom is teaching her baby manners and pack order? Or is she aggressive towards the puppy? I would definitely consult with a behaviorist/ trainer. __________________ Jansen, Gracie's Mommy *RIP SUGAR Bear, 06/0* *9/2001 - 07/02/2011.* *Meet you at the Bridge, my sweet girl.* Catch the Goosie's antics on FaceBook! http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100003573545888

11-08-2012, 09:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
Georgiapeach Super User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Newnan, GA Posts: 1,867	Having two females can be a problem, especially as your puppy matures. I wonder if the situation would be the same if you'd kept the male instead? Hindsight's 20-20...I agree that you need to consult a behaviorist, if you can. __________________

11-08-2012, 11:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
cadkids Super User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: south bend indiana Posts: 1,408	I have two not related girls and I would also say it coukl be just correction have you seen your "mom" dog play with another Boxer? they are very vocal and rough and yes mine get snippy occasionally but usualy only when my Alpha female is Challenged by the other one or occasionally over food and a stern NO usualy is all that is needed for my girls or a swat on the rump if the growl persists or if there is snapping at the other involved theat too will get a gentle swat at which point mine run to daddy to "save " them from the evil momma LOL and all is forgotten and forgiven between them __________________ Carol mommy of Roxi aka "rotten" at the bridge RIP sweet girl you are missed, Brandi, Buster and miss Ziggy and occasionally Mia

11-08-2012, 08:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
rach4284 New User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 11	She has not hurt her, but we have pulled her off of her as soon as we can so I don't know if she has had time to hurt her... I think we treat them equal, but then again the puppy does tend to be an attention hog. Good point! I have not given mom one on one time without daughter either I feel like such a bad owner. I will try the lead and see if that helps too. Thank you so much for your insight.

11-08-2012, 12:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
martinc Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec,Canada Posts: 3,717	I think pup doesnt show surrendering to mom when its time and indeed,its just a correcting behavior. Pup will never learn when to do what if you interrupt it. But heh,easier said than done __________________ Born 22-02-2002 @ 2:22:22-Yes I'm a rescued dog (28-07-09)...now get that camera out of my face!

11-08-2012, 03:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bella's Biggest Fan BoxerForums Addict Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: sault ste marie canada Posts: 3,099	I would watch and teach but I also know how it goes,,,, cute puppy and we pick them up and cuddle ,,, you are not a bad Mom at all... and we are all learning.... I have had two girls and people on here have two girls too so it will work out... time and training and patience will pay off.... you are definitely in the right spot for help...there are some great people on here.... we also love pics... __________________ Little girl Crash.... R.I.P Baby girl

11-09-2012, 06:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
TrishLePlat Intermediate User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 48	As mentioned in the previous posts, sounds like mom is just correcting her behaviour. We look after a 13 week old Great Dane during the week and when he first started coming Lolly would constantly be snapping and chasing him, as he is very playful and would constantly be all over her. It sounded a lot worse than what was actually going on. It only took a couple weeks before the pup learnt the rules(according to Lolly), and now they get along great.

11-09-2012, 10:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
rach4284 New User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 11	I'm not sure if she is correcting her, the first time it was because puppy stole food, second time it was a few days later when they were standing side by side trying to get my sons attention while he was eating breakfast. Mom stood on her back legs and put her front paws on top of daughter, she did this twice and then she attacked. Later that evening when we were all home mom and daughter were under the kitchen table and mom tried to mount her under the table and we called her out from under the table and the hair on her back stood up and we immediatley seperated them. When we tried to have them be around each other again, mom immediatley took off after pup and my fiance blocked her. When my fiance is here alone with them they have been fine. I get nervous as soon as I get home, it's like walking on eggshells, waiting for the next eruption. So I can't tell if this is correcting behavior or aggression. She has played with other dogs before, her mom has come to visit and the male she mated with. No problems. We did take in another female boxer a few years ago but that only lasted for a few days because that Boxer attacked her, made her bleed and then I got bit so we had to rehome her. We didn't keep the male because the studs owner got first pick of the litter and away he went. I consulted a behaivorist and he is coming on Monday. Thank you all for your help and advice. I'll post pics soon!

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