My mother has just taken on a new addition , a two year old minature long haired Daschound( probably spelt wrong!:D) called Ruthie who is the half sister to Tango who my mother has had since she was a pup. Ruthie was a breeding bitch who ended up having to be spayed after she had a caesarian due to complications. My mother was always intending on getting another to give Tango some companionship and the breeder decided that they would let Ruthie go to mums.

She has had Ruthie now for a couple of weeks and she is showing signs of very peculiar behaviour.

When ever mum is preparing any food whether for herself or the two girls, Tango is there getting excited as normal as but Ruthie looks panicked and runs away and hides. Mum has tried everything she can think of to get her to calm down, stay and eat and has resorted to feeding her in the cage. They both get on very well and know each other as Tango always goes to stay with the breeder whenever mum goes away. Apart from this she has settled in very well and they both girls are getting on famously. She has contacted the breeder and they have said she has never done this before.
I am sure it is just because she is settling in but has anybody any ideas at all to try and get her out of the habit?

Thanks

Lucy

Ruthie could be picking up (silent to us) signs from Tango that SHE is boss, especially over the food.

Perhaps your mom could see what happens if she puts Ruthies food down after Tango has eaten (and make certain that Tango leaves the room).

I realize that its also when your mom is fixing food for herself, but Tango could be "saying" to Ruthie-- "mine, get out." So she is. It would be interesting to see what would happen if Tango was told to stay out of the kitchen. Would Ruthie enter? Or remain behind????
hth a bit. Sorry, no definitive answers :(
good luck,
toodles