My dog Paddy, is a cairn terrier. He's 2 years old now and all of a sudden he is starting to turn on our older dog muffin. When we first brought him home from the pet shop, paddy was scared and took a while to settle in. He loved muffin and would be happy to see him but  muffin didnt like the attention off paddy he was quite jealous. Now when they see each other eye to eye they stare each other out and paddy attacks but with a frightening growl ive never heard from such a small dog! Even sometimes when i come home from work and talk to him he'll go stiff and do that growl, but his tail is still wagging. So i dont know whether its over excitement with us but with muffin its like they hate each other can anyone help please?

Are they both full, entire males ie not neutered?

How long have you had Paddy, and how old is Muffin?

No they aren't neutered! Paddy is two and muffin is nearly 11!

Did you get Paddy as a baby puppy?

No he was about 7 months old at the time we bought him he was frightened of the shop owner and still very nervous now.

Advising about this sort of thing is very difficult, if not impossible, over the net, because we'd really need to be able to see the body language to have a clue about what to suggest. It could be caused by many things - Paddy's of an age to start to challenge in the ranking, but it could be something entirely different. Not knowing Paddy's background (how had he been raised before you got him?) doesn't help. I'd suggest you get your vet to refer you to a reputable behaviourist (not someone in the Yellow Pages) who should be able to advise you properly.

It may also be advisable to take your older dog to the vet too.  Some dogs can have an instinct if there's something not quite right.  Hope it all gets sorted ou with your two.

Thankyou all we are looking into it now thanx for your kind replies x