Well, it seems to me it is a jealousy issue along with Billybob not feeling like he is a part of the pack. I did some research back about 8 or 9 years ago we took Mel our other dog to behavior training at the university of Penn.(money was not much of an issue back then unlike now) and they taught us to basically make Mel a part of the pack/family and also teach him his place in the pack. Some of the issues were the same with both dogs, they did not respect our son, with that came the dominance and aggression towards him.

It took some time with Mel but he did come around and does respect my son's place in the pack. We had my son feed Mel and train him with treats by hand, sit,stay,come,look etc.

So basically we are going to try the same things with Billybob. One more question, since we are going to have Billybob in the family room/ other areas of the house with us more often what do you recommend as far as toys/bones to keep him busy. We have some nylabone's but does not seem to interested.

Thanks

Is that your son is showing weakness and not projecting dominance. I'm not saying it's his fault, but maybe he needs to be more asserrtive/bossy with Billy Bob. Punishing Billy Bob will also show that his behavior isn't cool.

Is this your first bulldog? Bullies eat EVERYTHING. They are monstrous chewers, especially for the first parts of their lives. Some are better than others with chewing, but thats like saying some tornadoes are milder than others. They ALL do it.

They cant survive and be happy living in one room, even if the laundry room is attached. That would be the same as telling your son he is confined to his room and bathroom. Bullies are not like normal dogs. They are more like special needs children. You will never find a more loyal and loving creature anywhere... but the tradeoff is they do have special needs that other dogs dont have.

This situation is bad all the away around. The dog isnt happy. Plain and simple. It is resulting in behavior that is hurting your son. My personal opinion is that if you cant provide him with a life outside of the kitchen, then you need to rehome him where he CAN be happy and be the center of someone's attention and have a home to live in- not just a kitchen floor. I am not one to jump to that advice, but honestly, this behavior wont change unless his situation changes. Bullies cant live outdoors, or even spend much of the day outside. They cant handle the weather- too hot or too cold. His life is lived in the kitchen and laundry room because you cant handle him in the rest of the house and the other dog (which is clearly the priority) doesnt like him there. I would bite somebody too. Sorry to sound harsh, but you asked and thats my opinion.

Maybe someone else can give you some other advice, but I dont think anything you do will change his behavior unless you let him live in the main part of the house with everyone else- and thus include him in the family- and teach him some rules.

From reading your response to Wendy re: why he is confined to the kitchen area it seems to me like there's a lot more going on here. I have to admit that the was my first question as well.

From my novice opinion, you seem to also have a problem with the border collie as well so this isn't just a Billybob issue.

A dog that is primarily confined to one specific space is bound to be curious about things and if he behaves in a manner such as chewing toys etc when you allow him access to the family areas then you should make sure all inappropriate toys are put away before he is allowed access to these areas. A dog that is marking in areas should be monitored and appropriately corrected when he attempts to mark.

I only used confinement for Sanford when I was NOT home. All other times he was allowed in the home and with me and I had to be on guard and watch him at all times so he wouldn't behave inappropriately, marking or chewing furniture etc - just as I would if he were a toddler. I also made sure there were no shoes, purses, laundry etc left at his level so he wouldn't be tempted to chew or investigate them.

You might also consider rotating the dogs so they are each allowed equal access to the family and the family areas. Why should the border collie be allowed full access to the house when he is the one doing the attacking? It seems like the border collie is the one actually running the household. JMO.

I highly recommend you consult a trainer one who can not only work with the dogs but also work with you on how best to handle the situation going forward.

type of behavior...when the dog approaches you...'take charge and act very calm' put your hand out and put him in the 'down and submissive position' i.e. on his side with his head and neck down on the grownd, until he chills out and hold him there, gently. YOU need to take charge of the situation.

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Andrea, Ruby, Lola and Jigger
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We Billybob in the kitchen and laundry room which are connected/adjacent. His crate is in the laundry room and is always open but the laundry room is gated off when needed. The kitchen is fairly large so he does have room to roam around and play with us.

There are a couple reasons Billybob is confined to these areas, for one he was marking his spot all over the house. We did get him neutered and it did seem to help. The other reason is we have a 11 year old border collie and they do not get along at all. His name is Mel and he has had run of the house since he was a puppy. If we let Billlybob out of the kitchen area Mel goes nuts,barking and he will go after Billybob. This has gone on for 4 years so we thought all we could do is keep them separated. Also, when we do give Billybob time with us in the family room he roams around and grabs everything in site,everything goes in his mouth. He will eat anything in site,plastic toys,whatever he can get. My other dog will smell things first and if its not food leave it,not Billybob he eats everything.

I am sure its jealously,but we are so limited on what we can do. Mel is the alpha dog and Billybob does respect it, he will not go after Mel he backs away and they go there separate ways.



Ps. your dog looks exactly like Billybob, same color and markings.

why only in the kitchen?? Im no expert, but he sees your son roam freely in the house, and get so much attention and love from you- that he himself wants too- and yet he lives just in the kitchen? That might be part of it. Bullies are not like other dogs. They need to be part of the family. They cant be outside dogs, and therefore need their lives indoors to be full of attention and love. You cant get that just from the kitchen. Its not enough. My guess is this behavior comes from jealousy. JMO.

or two. Some use a spray bottle to curb un wanted behaviors, just not in the face and don't use it so much it dosen't bother him.
the other would be to get a positive training book and start your own training regiment. Lots of special treats for doing what you want him too. They don't have to be big treats just tiny pieces. Lots of sit, down and stay or wait. Others will have some more advice I'm sure.

That is how my husband refers to our "kids" all the time. LMBO!

You may need to entice the dog into his behavior and then douse him with a large glass of water! It may be the saving grace for the dog in the end.

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Andrea, Ruby, Lola and Jigger
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Sorry this is happening. I'm not an expert at all but someone here will be able to help. I wonder, is Billybob neutered? Have you had him since he was a pup? Also how old is your son? Certainly your son must be safe & protected & Billybob has to learn his place in the family fast! Good Luck!



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