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Stopping your dogs from fighting

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  In the canine world of dominance and submission, aggression is a natural, reaction that many dogs will experience at one time or another.

  The problem is instinctive. Although a myriad of issues may complicate the situation, when it comes down to it they all require some type of leadership and control.

  Dogs are social animals, they have rules that dictate how they behave around each other. Left to themselves, most canines easily slip into their roles. The pyrotechnics erupt when they disagree about their place in the pack or family unit. Although there are no absolutes, bringing together dogs with too many similar characteristics - same sex same age same breed (brothers from the same litter for example) -may spark conflict. So many commonalties make it difficult to settle who is top dog, hormonal surges also have an effect. Other times the cause is redirected or frustration aggression - attacking one's companion or owner when agitated about the postman's arrival, is more common than you would imagine.

  
  Can You Fuel the Fire?

  Often, you can inadvertently stoke the fire. People can disturb the hierarchical balance by rushing to protect the would-be subordinate from being "bullied" or granting him liberties, such as being petted first, which your dog may consider his due. The low dog on the totem pole now feels bold enough to challenge the other. "People need to understand that dogs have their own set of social rules, whereas most dog owners want democracy, dogs don't understand a truly democratic concept".

  
  How to Douse the Fire

  Prevention, of course, is the preferred route. It's important that puppies socialise with other dogs - for example in puppy socialisation classes or in the park. This way, they learn the unspoken but strict rules of canine society. Spaying and neutering not only prevent unwanted litters but these procedures also reduce aggression. See my article under Dominance re the pro's and con's of neutering and spaying.

  Exercise also works wonders and obedience training is usually a must. After the dogs have been together a while and are getting along, an insignificant scuffle or two might erupt. In theory, all dogs should be able to work it out together as long as the owners don't interfere. Owners must heed mounting tensions. Watch for eye-to-eye contact between your dogs, as well as stiffening and shouldering. "As soon as you see signs of trouble that you're uncomfortable with, take steps, don't wait for fights to happen because that changes the dynamics considerably." Often the problem can be relieved if, instead of protecting the perceived underdog the owner supports the hierarchy. Determine which is the more dominant dog and reinforce that position by feeding, greeting or letting the top dog out first. Usually this will help, but not always. "The problem with that approach is that it's often difficult to tell who should be the lead dog "Secondly, it's really difficult for owners to play favourites with their dogs.

  
  Put Your Paw Down

  Experts agree it's crucial that you take a strong role. When owners face a tough sibling rivalry case, I tell them to establish his or her own place as leader as a first priority. First, I suggest that the owners make both dogs "work for everything." Before they're fed, given a treat or taken out for a walk, you should order the dogs to sit or lie down. The same applies to demands for attention. And finally I recommend that you regularly practice the sit stay/down stay and release commands.

  If your dogs indicate they're about to fight, calmly, but forcefully, intervene. The approach is, "I don't care who started it, both of you, down and put them in the down position". You basically tell them: "you don't have to worry about her, and you don't have to worry about him. You have to worry about me."

  
  Calling in the Pros

  If your dogs are still regularly fighting. I suggest bringing in an animal behaviourist. Animal behaviourists generally are not Vets. The difference is often akin to seeking the help of a psychiatrist versus that of a psychologist. Occasionally, a veterinarian will recommend drugs for one or both dogs. Usually, though, medication should be a last resort, as it fails to fix the underlying cause - household dynamics.

  Until the problem is solved, keep bickering dogs separated an on something like a Halti, so you can easily pull them apart if a fight starts. It's best not to grab either dog - by the tail/scruff/collar or anywhere else - during a fight. Stepping between two battling canines can be extremely dangerous.

  
  Reaching a Resolution

  When all is said and done, sibling rivalries usually can be resolved, but not always. Sometimes you're unwilling or unable to implement the necessary changes; or genetics or socialisation shortcomings are intractable. If that's the case, the best solution may be to find another home for one of the dogs.

   

  This article was written by Stan Rawlinson, a full time Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer.
  You can visit his website at www.doglistener.co.uk for more articles and training information.