Hello to all on this fantastic board,
Looking for input on 2 sister JRT's, 1 1/2 years of age. The larger (Refrigerator - Terrier) is biting the fire out of the smaller (Nutmeg) one's neck. Blood is visible on her fur. No injuries noted on R. by N. Have tried making a suit of "armor" out of tarp material for N., but she just stands frozen to the spot, refusing to chase her precious ball until I remove it. I think she really prefers abuse from R. to wearing my protective creations. But I can't allow her to be injured by her bigger sis. I hate to consider separating them as in some sick way they're miserable if one is on the other side of a closed door. Any and all suggestions gratefully appreciated by you wonderful pooch lovers.

Unfortunately sisters don't always get on, but can you tell us more about how the fights start?

Lindsay

Dear Lindsay,
Thank you for taking the time to pose a question as to how my terriers start fighting. I happened to observe what I consider to be a reckless desire for punishment initiated by the tiniest terrier recently. Some sound startled the pair of sisters, and the smaller one put her fron paws on the back of the larger one, causing her to growl in a very threatening manner. Did this reroute the tiny one to avoid a confrontation? No! She repeated the behaviour, even adding sniffing of her sister - a big no-no in Refgerator's book. This did not escalate into an attack, but is my best guess as to how Nutmeg brings hardship on herself! I'd personally steer clear of someone as unwelcoming of being touched as Refrigerator-Terrier appears.
Dear Digger,
You've given me hope by your comments. Bless you and your four-legged family.
Bagel

It sounds to me that they are reaching the age when they both feel a need to establish their position relative to each other - the paws across the back indicates the smaller bitch feels she can challenge the bigger one, perhaps in a playfull manner? And the bigger bitch isn't taking kindly to it :( Hopefully, within a couple of weeks, if you leave them to it (within reason) they will have established their roles....... However if this doesn't happen, and they are still squabbling then you may need to take further advice from a behaviourist who can observe you with the dogs in their own home and environment, and advice you accordingly - you can find an experienced behaviourist in your area here: http://www.apdt.co.uk/list_trainers.asp

HTH - I have two bitches currently, and have had two bitches living together over the past 10 years, and it is POSSIBLE to have them live nicely together (although mine have never been litter sisters, or even related - this does make it potentially even harder) although when they reach adolescence or when bringing a new bitch in there can be hiccups as you are experiencing, if you are aware of the potential for problems you can learn to manage them accordingly :)

Thanks to digger for insight into doggie developmental issues. Didn't realize the smaller dog might be figuring out her role as "beta." Though she's the more intelligent of the two, will a larger sibling always achieve dominant status on the basis of size alone? Appreciate input of all, and am acquiring books suggested on the board by members to learn how to act effectively myself on the pups' behalf.

No - size does not always bring superiority, nor does age ;-} and sometimes one dog will feel strongly about some subjects, but not others - for instance my own dogs - Bonnie aged 11 is a 'foodie' and heaven help Missy (aged 4 and much heavier) if she should even look at B when she's eating (M's learnt not to) but Missy is the fuss hound, and will try and move between B and who ever is fussing her - B will move out of the way...... Which is why two litter mates, especially of the same sex, can produce so many problems, as they often have the same likes and dislikes, so want the same luxuries in life - hence the ongoing battles so many owners of litter sisters experience :(

Sounds as though life is seldom dull with your Missy and Bonnie! My terriers have much to teach their human, but you folks are excelerating the process as you share your own experiences. Many thanks.

Terriers do tend to play hard - and although it may be hard to accept, if the injuries aren't severe enough to need vet treatment then perhaps you don't actually have a 'problem' at all - the attitude of the smaller bitch is important - if she seems cowed at all by her sisters behaviour then action may be needed - but if she isn't you may do more damage to their relationship by trying to stop these 'tussles'.