Household Dog-on-Dog Aggression
Written by Susan Engel, Certified Trainer

 

Understanding Household Dog Aggression:
Dogs in the same home fighting with each other.

Dogs are social animals by nature and for the most part will live without any real confrontation toward their doggy housemates. However, when the pack (which all members of the family are included) becomes unstable and the ranking status becomes unclear; fighting may occur. These confrontations may range from simple squabbles to serious dog fighting which may result in injury and trips to the veterinarian. Dog fighting is upsetting, dangerous and no way for you or your dogs to live.

What defines is a serious dog fight?

• A serious dogfight is unable to be broken up by voice commands.
• A serious dogfight may result in puncture wounds to one or both of the dogs; however, injury does not always occur.
• Although there may be days, weeks or even months between incidents, fighting typically becomes more frequent and more serious as time goes on.
  

Who has a higher chance of fighting?

• Dogs of the same sex.
• Dogs that are not spayed or not neutered.
• Dogs closer in age.
• Two males will fight more often; however, a fight between two females may be more intense.
• Some breeds have a higher chance of fighting because of the inherent characteristics of the breed. Research these characteristics of breeds on www.mypurebredpuppy.com
• It is not unusual for dogs that have been harmonious in the past to begin fighting when one or both begin to become socially mature (between ages 9 mos. & 2.5yrs).

Why do dogs fight?

• Many fights begin over resources: toys, food, doorways/space and attention from the owners.
• Owners may have a clear understanding as to why some fights begin however, are baffled as to why other start. Dogs always understand the reasons for fighting. Owners can easily miss the subtleties of posture, glances and inter-pack challenges.
• Unclear Pack Ranking. Dogs live through a ranking system where people should always be the leaders. Clear pack ranking is achieved through calm and complete obedience of all of the dogs in the home. Surprisingly, the ranking and placement between the dogs themselves is of no consequence. The leader’s position and command trumps all inter-pack relations. Leadership status naturally controls the dogs.
• In many cases, owners unknowingly contribute to the pack instability by trying to control inter-pack relationships and correcting the dog that seems to be dominant.

When a serious dog fight happens.

• It is a myth that ‘letting them fight it out’ will resolve the issues the dogs have with each other. This is also very dangerous and may lead to the dogs being seriously injured. Many owners are injured when trying to break up a dogfight because the dogs may re-direct the biting to any body part they see.
• If there have been ongoing serious dogfights, the only way to ensure no more fighting is to completely separate the dogs until a professional trainer, who has had success decreasing this type of behavior, can assist with the situation.
• Once dogs become aggressive toward each other, the fights may become more frequent and more intense. Although training may decrease the frequency of the fighting, it is likely that there will always be a problem between the dogs.

• It is not fair to have dogs living in a situation where they are living in fear and under threat. To keep everyone safe, many owners will either live with the dogs being completely separate or need to re-home one of the dogs. Prevention is the key!

Prevention, Prevention, Prevention…of the first fight!

• When choosing to add a dog to the family, choose the breed, sex and age of your new dog wisely.
  
• Dogs with true leaders don’t fight. Becoming a true leader is a way of life and not just a few months of training. Train all of your dogs to respond to your voice command even with distraction present.
  
• Teach all of your dogs a standard of manners and practice them for their entire life.
  
• Learn about dog behavior and dog body language.
  
• Remove all resources like food and rawhides from common areas. These can be fight starters.