I am at a complete loss to know what to do.
I have 2 12 year old dogs. One we got as a puppy and 3 years later took on a family members dog after an unexpected passing. Both are JRT mix breeds.
The second dog has always been extremely anxious. She has come a long way but she still jumps at her own shadow. The first is a typical grumpy old man sort. Everything is on his terms. They have lived in harmony all of this time.
Over the last 18 months, the second dog has begun to randomly attack the first. It started over food so we now feed them in separate rooms but now it has developed into if he is walking by she will attack. My other dog is a fight not flight type so will respond rather than leave. She is clearly scared stiff as her hackles will go up and she shakes while eating. I cannot pinpoint anything that may have led to this.
I am having to keep them separate at all times including walks. When I walk her alone she is fine but when I walk her with my other dog, she is terribly reactive to everything.
We had medical tests on both. It turned out that my boy is now on lifelong medication but my girl was given a clean bill of health. I was convinced it was her teeth meaning she needed longer to eat so had them checked too.
I have been working with a professional for the last 8 months but see no improvement. The issue seems solely focused to the relationship between the two dogs.
I just don’t know where to go from here. I have children who I am scared stiff will be caught up in a fight. I rarely leave the house because someone needs to have eyes on them at all times.
She is clearly not happy. If she was younger I would consider rehoming but kennels would not be suitable and her age is a factor.
Does anyone have any advice, recommendations or suggestions?