We are currently in  the process of bonding our recently widowed female to a new partner, and an old issue seems to be rearing it’s head and I would like to nip it in the bud.

Our Evee is quite the diva, throwing temper tantrums, being very vocal, and very demanding of attention.  I noticed last year she started become more territorial over the common area (ie. the living room carpet) and would chase away her partner whenever he came over to play (often involving lunging, always with a vocal component).  This had gotten pretty bad by the fall and I hadn’t figured out a way to make her stop.  Her partner was a very easy going guy, much less active in his old age, and generally hung out in the the tubes in their pen.

Now we are trying to bond her to a new friend (see my post on the bonding board about her getting frustrated that he isn’t picking up on the social cues, and him becoming increasingly intimidated by her) and I have very real concerns that she will continue to claim the largest free run space in our home (neither of them likes hardwood). 

How can I “neutralize” the space? Is there a way to clean the carpet so she won’t see it as her’s? Or a way to correct her when she gets defensive?

Help please!