Little bit of advice re sharing toys

[lucyrw]

Just had a bit of a fight between Jackson and boomer, was throwing a tug tog in the garden for Boomer and Ginny to chase, when for the first time ever Jackson decided to join in and actually got to the toy first.

Boomer took complete exception to this and they had a proper scrap. Jackson has a cut on his throat and was puffed up like someone had given him an electric shock, never knew he had so many hackles! I can't find a mark anywhere on Boomer, but he was all hackles raised too.

They stopped when I shouted at them, and are both fine now, they've walked past each other (although Jackson is looking a bit wary) and are both now asleep, but I don't know how to stop it happening again? Aside from obviously not throwing toys whilst they're both in the garden. I don't really like splitting them up though, I feel mean leaving Jackson inside even though he doesn't really *do* toys...except on the odd occasion.

Is it likely to happen again? And how do I teach them to share without fighting?

[andywillow]

Lucy I never let my lot play with toys in the garden together, they have their own special playtime on their own as I know it would end in a scrap, moreso with squeaky toys which are much sort after here! Joe thinks they all need to be dead asap
Mine do have a toy box but its just full of tug toys and they aren't bothered about those, Annie empties the toybox daily but none of the others are bothered. I'd simply let them have individual playtime outdoors and not leave toys around in the house if that has happened.

[vickyb]

We've got a toy box upstairs and downstairs and it's like a nursery here with toys all over! we never have a problem unless I play with a toy with one of them then they can get jealous. Outside it's strictly one at once and the back door closed if I go out to play tug or ball with them. In summer it keeps Bod occupied for ages taking all the toys outside  now I just need to teach him to put them away again

Be careful as they can stay stirred up for up to 48hrs when they've fallen out so keep a close eye on them and avoid trigger points until feelings have settled. It's horrible but most of us have things like this happen now and then

[Lisa]

Likewise I never chuck toys for mine in the garden it would end up the same. Sadly greyhounds are hugely competitive and just can't help but fall out over high value stuff especially when the high value stuff is fast moving. If I do I have individual playtime x

Sent from my GT-I9300 using proboards

[lucyrw]

I'll play with the separately from now on then!

Feel a bit silly for not considering this might happen, it's been habit to play with Ginny outside and Jackson was neer bothered with her.

Have picked up all the toys, although they've been fine in the house so far, and I'm home from work this weekend (fortunately!) so will keep a close eye on their interactions.

Guess this is another way that 3 is different to 2!

[sassbu]

Sorry to hear this, I wouldn't have done any different to you I don't think, I've only ever had two dogs at one time and one of them holds toys with such low value it's never been a problem either.

Glad you posted this, I've learnt something else now too not that I've got any chance of getting a third one unless someone rehomes my husband

[sharonhigh45]

I always play with Moss seperately to Sky the staffieX as Skye can get jealous, I also feed them seperately as Skye will try to steal Moss's food, Moss is very gentle and will not fight back whereas Leah our other lurcher would fight back and we were always careful of any situations that might get out of hand,animals can be very competitive, it pays to be aware.
Shazx

[julies]

I find ... think the worst that might happen and plan for it then you're not surprised ... Agree with everyone else

J xx