poor Franklin…

[dlscanne]

well, I’ve already mentioned that Winston went after Franklin after being bonded and free range together for over a month…since then I’ve been trying some bathtub bonding sessions, using a stiff pillow to separate them if Winston goes into lunging mode (Winston perceived the spray bottle as some kind of attack from Franklin, and worsened the fights).  Winston ends up growling and scratching at the pillow, while Franklin does a binky, thinking it’s some fantastic new game!

I found that  Winston will not bite Franklin if I continuously scratch him behind his ears.  When I do this, Franklin comes over, grooms Winston’s head, and flops down, her head resting on Winston’s in complete bliss (even though Winston gave her a few bites a couple weeks ago, that have just now healed).  After a few minutes of this, I scoot Frank back a little and see what Winston does when I stop.  He seems a little disoriented, but is still aggressive if Frank comes too close.

Poor Franklin is so in love with Winston! 

[Beka27]

how long has Winston been neutered? it does sound like you have your work cut out for you. that’s an awesome sign that Franklin is interested and seeking attention. did you try a water bottle set on stream? if Winston goes to lunge at Franklin, spray him before the contact. that works with some buns to break their momentum and make them stop. the danger is that if Winston is allowed to continuously lunge and bite at Franklin, Franklin will become weary or just plain scared and then you’ll be taking another step back in the bonding process. if this isn’t working, you may need to do some stress bonding.

[dlscanne]

Winston has been neutered about 1.5 months. Every other aspect of his life seems under control…he’s starting to enjoy my head scratches, perfectly litter box trained, etc… I’m still hoping he just has a few hormones that just need time to lower. I tried the spray bottle, but Winston seemed to think it was an attack from Franklin, and got even more aggressive. the pillow and head scratches (not the safest, I know, but works like a charm for me. Plus, I already have so many horse bite scars it would just add to the collection) seem to work well for Winston, I’m going to try it for a week then move to something else. I like this method at the moment, because Franklin actually enjoys it, and she doesn’t get upset.

oh also, they will both chow down on oatmeal together without a problem. I just dont want to give them too much. In fact, the first time I unexpectedly found them fighting, I shook the oatmeal container and they both came running for it, and ate fine next to each other.

[Beka27]

i would also watch the oatmeal. will they eat greens or hay together, something healthier? it sounds like you’ll just have to be diligent with daily sessions.

[dlscanne]

I agree, too much oatmeal would be no good…I already use it to win my way into Winston’s heart, too.  It is by far his favorite thing in existance. When I first got him, he was terrified of people.  Now he comes running to be petted, and ejoys licking a few oatmeal flakes off my hand.

I actually decided to just stick with the petting and no food, because Frank gets excited and this encourages Winston’s temper even more.  Luckily, Frank was born with infinite patience and just sits there and lets Winston sniff her when I scratch both of their heads. 

I also realized that at one point, when they were still bonded, Franklin would actually go over to Winston and stick her mouth into his, and steal his treat!! I always gave him a replacement treat and he never seemed bitter about it, but I wonder if this might have been part of the cause of their fighting.  I would be mad too, if I were Winston.  Maybe his patience just gave out.

anyway, I’m just going to give him a few months before I get into more serious bonding (stress bonding).  He’s only four months old…if the problem continues when he’s an adult, I think I’ll take them both to the vet and she if she has advice. Also, so she  can re-examine Winston, and confirm (again) that he had been neutered.   I’m still a little skeptical about it, just because of how quickly his behavior changed.

[Beka27]

i have found that with my pair, my girl will try and do the same thing, take the treat from my boy. i now give Meadow her treat first, then when she’s munching, i give Max his…

[MarkBun]

Try some positive reinforcement with Winston. Whenever Frank comes over and begins to groom him, give Winston a small treat – one that Franklin can’t get. Have him associate Franklin being close with getting something yummy.

It may or may not work but I’ve seen it work on dog work.

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