Possessive collie

[Foreverlexicon]

My mum passed away last year and I inheritated two dogs from her.

One is a very laid back, docile 11 year old lurcher and the other is an 8 year old collie. The collie is very much 'my' dog - we got her when I was 15, I trained her, walked her, she slept in my room.

I moved out for a few years and she stayed with my mum due to me working full time ect, and she always used to insist on sleeping outside my old room, followed
Me round when I visited ect.

When my mum became ill i moved back and the old routine of her sleeping in my room continued.

Now my mum has passed away I have these two dogs. In the evenings the collie still 'guards'
Over me - sleeps directly under the sofa where I'm sat ect and if the other dog looks at me or comes
Over for a cuddle she continuously growls/barks/snaps at her. It's getting worse and I just don't really know what to do. I try to send her to her bed which she used to be very obedient to but she doesn't really respond anymore or I end up putting her in the garden for a while for a bit of peace and so I can give the lurcher some attention!

She gets plenty of exercise and no longer sleeps in my room. It's driving me nuts and I'm semi detached and really don't want to upset the neighbours!

[Peckhamrye]

Maybe try asking on the Dog Training Advice and Support group on Facebook?

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

I would suggest making the other dog a "positive" experience for your Collie, by rewarding your Collie whenever you are near to the other dog.

Is she food or toy motivated? I would start by getting a kong and stuffing it with something really tasty (peanut butter goes down well in our house. But I have labs so EVERYTHING goes down well!). Give the kong to the Collie and whilst she's busy eating spend some time fussing the other dog.

Find ways of the Collie getting her favourite things whenever you are fussing the lurcher. A new squeeky toy that only comes out whilst you play fetch with the Collie whilst also fussing the Lurcher.

Treats dropped on the floor when Collie doesn't growl at lurcher.

I wouldn't send her to her bed - a dog's bed should be it's refuge, not a place for punishment. Your Collie is, for some reason, feeling threatened by the Lurcher approaching you, and if you send the Collie away you are actually proving her right and the problem will almost certainly escalate.

If you feel at all unable to deal with this speak to your vet about a referral to a behaviourist.

Best of luck OP, and sorry for the loss of your Mum.