Ask Free Dog Tips Tuesday – New Dog Aggression
A reader asks:
Two weeks ago we adopted a 6 year old female border collie/spaniel mix from our local animal shelter. A month before the new dog came along we had to put our 12 year old english setter down. My husband and I thought another dog would be company for our other dog, a 12 year old female springer/brittany mix. Both dogs have been spayed. Recently these two have gotten into some nasty fights. It seems like these altercations happen when they are in close proximity of each other. My husband and I have a difficult time breaking them up and we’re wondering if there’s something we can do to stop the fighting. Both are very nice dogs and it’s only at these trying times that we wonder if we made the right decision to bring another dog into our house. Help!
It sounds like the new dog wants to become the dominant member of the pack. It can take time for them to adjust and figure out who is the alpha dog. You may need to be sure you are sending out signals that you are the ones in charge by eating first, going through doorways first, etc., which can reduce their need to worry about dominance. Also, see if the shelter is willing to offer some assistance or knows of a local behaviorist that can help you. They want things to work out as much as you do.
Hi, i have a 2yo male english staffy and just bought an 8month old female aussie bulldog… they got along like a house on fire for the first few hours but now all they want to do is attack eachother… what can i do? the female is desexed but not the male
thanks for the help – beck
beck - July 14, 2010 2:57 pm
I have a un neutered bully breed 18 mth.old pitt bull who is this most WONDERFUL SWEET LOW KEY ANGEL.i also have takin in 2 rescue cats and he loves them (more so with the female). I recently traveled to New York to a “kill shelter” and adopted our new addition..kai 1/2 blue nose pitt 1/2 boxer nuetered … when we bought introduced my male with kai he wanted to eat him…and same as when we brought him home..kai backed up into the corner with NO AGGRESSION… the next day i put both males into kennels side by side so they can sense eachother..then my husband and i leash both dogs and bring them together and they are fine…but not for long…my newest addition has all the aggression…mostly only in the house.outside they get along…another thing ive noticed…after a certain time @ night kai becomes more quick tempered… how do i prevent this fighting ???? Kai always attacks my dog while his back is turned…Help me figure out to fix this PLEASE…oh and as well shelter told me he liked cats ” NOT”!!!! My cats are absolutly PETRIFIED!!!!Hes a GREAT family dog that loves my kids and will drentch your face in kisses…hes completly diffrent when other animals are around him..not towards people….BVesides the aggressiveness towards other animals hes WONDERFUL!!!!
Suzanne - March 31, 2011 9:13 am