Hello all,
For 6 years, I have been the loving owner of a chihuahua called Bueno, an ex-puppy farm stud who has been my best friend since he was dropped off at my house when I offered to adopt him after his previous owner had 'finished' with him. He was 2 at the time and, after consulting with my vet regarding neutering and the cost thereof, I decided that he would be my shadow and wouldn't have the opportunity to make more puppies. I was also advised that, by this age, his temperament was learned behaviour and neutering would do little to alter his attitude toward the world and therefore, given the fact that my income couldn't afford the surgery, I opted to leave him intact, so he and I formed a simpatico relationship.
Enter Bacon, our new, 2-year-old intact male from the rescue centre in my city. We believe he is a pinscher-mix, but not sure what with. He is such a sweet boy and after some posturing, Bueno decided that Bacon was not an immediate threat and allowed him to move in without much protest. We (my partner and I) are in the throes of training to help them understand each other, but we have run into a resource-guarding issue; both of the dogs want to be as close to me as possible and, while it's not a fight every time, Bueno takes objection on certain occasions and Bacon, having just been rescued, wants to feel as loved as possible. My relationship with Bueno has always allowed him to approach whenever he wishes and takes up his position on my left on the sofa and bed, but now he's confused as to why I'm treating him as an equal to Bacon and insisting he stays in his own bed, unless invited to be next to us.
My questions are: should I get one, or both of them neutered now? Would the reduced hormone levels quell any further quarrels? How can I feel as though Bueno's relationship with me hasn't/won't change? He's somewhat of an emotional support dog and I feel that, although I cannot allow him to dominate Bacon by way of 'owning' my affections, our once effortless relationship could be on the rocks.
Finally, their playstyle; Bueno, obviously, wants to be in charge. Bacon, luckily, is happy to submit on most occasions, however, I feel that although Bueno's nipping and biting doesn't devolve into true aggression, he doesn't often submit and most times ends up barking at Bacon if he moves too quickly or tries the same play tactics on him. Bueno has two barks, a 'play' one and a more 'assertive' one and I can't quite tell which one he uses while playing with Bacon. I'd like to think it's his 'play voice' but that may just be wishful thinking.
Apologies for the long post, but I just want the best for both of my boys and I'm certain I'm not doing everything correctly, no matter how many articles and dog behaviour videos I watch. My partner and I are going to attend classes with the two of them, but we've not got the spare funds to take them both yet, as training costs aren't cheap, especially for two dogs. There is a wealth of information on the internet that we're taking full advantage of, however, it's difficult when a YouTube video doesn't offer any feedback.
Any help, guidance, lessons that anyone may be kind enough to give, I'd be most grateful for.
Many thanks in advance,
Ellie, Bueno and Bacon (and Jordan, of course!)
#PetBehaviorandTraining