I need some advice.
I have two bloodhound/lab sisters. Same litter, about 3.5 years old. Wonderful, gentle, and friendly family dogs but I've been having increasing problems when they encounter other dogs when we are out hiking.
Riley is the smaller, about 65 lbs. She was the runt of the litter. Dallas is about 75 lbs. Since they were puppies I've spent quite a bit of time trying to train them but, to be honest, it hasn't resulted in obedient dogs. I'm not sure if they are headstrong hounds or if the pack instinct is too strong but I've never been able to reach a comfortable level of strict obedience. They will come when I call and sit when I say sit, but if they get on the scent of something all bets are off.
Like any healthy, happy dog they love to run off leash and we try to get them out for an hour every day.
About a year ago Riley started to feel the need to see if she could dominate every dog from slightly bigger to much smaller. No blood, just a lot of snarling and chomping around the neck. Dog owners don't take kindly to their dog being bullied and I quickly got tired of apologizing for her behaviour and put a muzzle on. I hated watching her suffer with a muzzle but for a few months she quit going after other dogs and all was good.
Then, she started going after other dogs even with her muzzle. Bad, but at least people were pretty decent because they felt I was doing what I could to make sure nobody got hurt and it was only happening intermittently.
Now, Dallas has joined the bully gang and she is now either first to attack or second. Still no blood or fur, but lots of awful growling and snapping. Other dog owners are rightfully pissed and I've gotten to the point where I loathe taking them out.
Does anybody have any suggestions? Is this type of aggression fixable or am I going to have to keep them on leash? Walk them separately? Maybe, but that will take a big chunk of time every day.
I figure a muzzle for Dallas is the next step but two dogs with muzzles can still terrorize other dogs and I really don't enjoy being that guy with the bitchy bitches.
Any advice appreciated.
Shock collars - use them the right way and your issues should disappear....after a few zaps Riley should see that she can't win - Dallas will quickly resume her good nature.