How Zico Got His Mojo Back

 

Zico defends a squeaky toy

   
     Before Henry arrived there was some concern about how Zico would behave. Although normally he behaves well, sometimes he dominates other dogs. Their first meeting went great. It took place outdoors, in a fenced-in area and they were both off-leash. They played well together right from the start. Henry did not bark or challenge Zico, as he normally does with every other dog. Zico did try to mount Henry once, but I corrected Z and they went back to playing nicely.
     After Henry entered our  home they continued to get along well. But if Henry got too close when Zico had a toy, Zico would growl and Henry would back off. Sometimes Henry would just be too rambunctious and invade Z's space. Zico would growl and Henry would back off. Janelle and I would usually correct a growl, and as time passed we heard fewer of them. The dogs seemed to learn each other's limits.
     Janelle brought home 2 toys one day; one for Henry and one for Zico. (Her idea.) The dogs played with their own toys for a few minutes. But then Henry snatched Zico's toy. Janelle yelled at Henry. And Zico lay down and lowered his head. It seemed that Zico thought Janelle was yelling at him. Janelle took the toy away from Henry and gave it to Zico. He didn't want it anymore. Not then and not later.
     For the next few days Zico seemed visibly cowed. Henry was dominating him in small and subtle ways. When Henry moved toward a toy, Zico let him have it. When Henry got on the couch, Zico got off. The dogs usually eat in separate rooms but when I let Henry out before Zico was done eating, Henry rushed Zico's bowl and Zico let him have it with no protest. That was difficult to watch. Zico is protective of his food when other dogs are concerned. But now he looked defeated and humiliated. I did not see him touch any dog toy for two days.
     Every time there had been an altercation between the dogs, we corrected Zico. And the two-toy incident broke him. Zico was letting Henry dominate him because he expected us to punish him if he stood up to Henry. We resolved to let Zico behave as he saw fit toward Henry.
     Henry has a dominance problem with other dogs. (He never tried to dominate Zico before the two-toy incident.) So when Henry reacts badly to another dog, I put him on his side in a submissive position until he calms down. Zico witnessed this several times. Maybe that's when he began to understand that Henry was not in charge.

Henry & Ashley

     Henry and Zico went to Northeast Coonhound Rescue so Henry can play with other coonhounds and help with his socialization. While Henry was romping with Ashley, Zico found a squeaky toy lying on the ground. And he claimed it. When Henry came near it, Zico growled and Henry backed off. Several times.
     Back home, Zico picked up a squeaky toy from the two-toy incident. It was the first time I had seen him touch it since the incident. Henry approached. I was facing away so they would think I was not interested in the proceedings but I did follow the action by looking sideways with my eyes. Zico growled and immediately looked at me to see my reaction. I was a statue. Henry backed off.
     A few minutes later, Zico had dropped the toy and both dogs rushed for it. They both got a hold on it. There was a brief tug-o-war. But not a very physical one. Zico growled and Henry let go. Henry did not get a third chance. Five minutes later, Zico had ripped the toy apart.

Zico with the shell and innards of a toy that will never squeak again

     Zico is back to his old self. He has been invaluable in helping with Henry's training. And no coonhound is allowed to walk all over him.