Dog fights

[hal]

I read the previous thread about the two females fighting, and I'm in a similar situation. I have two labs, a mother and daughter, and we have had them together for about 4 years. They play together, sleep together, and have NEVER EVER shown any signs of aggression.

Just last week the first incident happened over a little spilt food. We have always fed them outside together, with their bowls on opposite sides of the patio. I went outside to see if they were finished eating and with out any warning Halsey (the mom) just went after Maui. Maui has about a 30 pound advantage over Halsey so she quickly took over in the fight.

I could not seperate them, and I tried my hardest to. They ended up stopping because they were too tired, and we ended up having to take Halsey to the vet to get some staples in her legs, and so they could clean up the many puncture wounds.

Obviously we learned from that and we feed them seperate now and keep a close eye on them because ever since then they have been avoiding each other, and Halsey keeps trying to start something again.
However, this morning she got outside where we feed Maui, and there was still food bowls on the ground and Halsey went after Maui again. Maui took over in the fight and was once again resulted in a trip to the vet and injuries.

I'm just in shock that this is happening with them because they have never been agressive, even with food. I was wondering if there was any ideas about what could be going on. We had a couple options, but they don't seem that great.
Our vet recommended having both of their fangs trimmed, so it wouldn't cause any more injuries. We thought about seeing if having Halsey spayed would help (Maui is already spayed), and my dad even thought about getting rid of one of them (which for me isn't an option)!

I need help because it breaks my heart to watch them hate eachother and tear each other apart. Any ideas?!????

[kuritsa18]

Having the dogs fangs trimmed won't solve the problem, could be costly, but may help prevent injuries so I would consider it if your vet recommended it but hold off on that one for now; for me that would be a last resort.

I have to say first NEVER try to break up a dog fight! I know it might be hard to let them do it but you could get bitten and severly injured in the process and I am supprised you haven't been yet! That is a very dangerous situation to get into!!

Second, get your dog spayed! This greatly helps with aggression among other things. Here is a web site for you to look at: Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet | The Humane Society of the United States

Third, always keep the dogs separated especially at food time. Do not leave food out or give treats that take a long time to chew such as bones or raw hides. Only small treats that can be eaten quickly. As soon as the dogs are done eating take the bowls away. Be careful of food agression becasue they can be aggressive towards you too if the behaviour is not taken care of so make sure they are away from the bowls when removing them. If you have the dogs together maybe have them muzzled and on leash with a choke collar in case they start becoming aggresive, then when they start becoming aggresive you can quickly gain control by pulling the leash so it tightens and holding it away from you while saying loudly NO; this is in extreme cases when they might attack. This was recommended to me by a trainer when I had problems with my dog.

Fourth, take them to a trainer/behaviour specialist right away. This problem needs to be handle right now before it escalates and anyone else or dog gets hurt. The trainer can work with you one on one at their facility or come to your house and give you specialized training. It's relativley inexpensive especially compared to vet bills you might have to pay!

It sounds like the mother is the instigater and the daughter is just trying to defend herself so keep an extra watchful eye on her to make sure other behaviours don't start.

Good luck!

[Gargamel]

I'd just like to add that you should probably keep toys away from them too - dogs get very attached to there toys and they are frequently the spark for a fight.

[redhed73]

I'm having the same problem with my two males. Both neutered, both almost 2 years old, one ACD and one pit bull mix. They have lived together for a year with no problems. The past three weeks we have had two vicious fights, trips the vet, etc. They are now separated and I have a trainer coming out next week to help. Have you had any success with yours? I need all the advice I can get. I'm so sad about this.
Thanks.

[Lyka_01]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

I'd just like to add that you should probably keep toys away from them too - dogs get very attached to there toys and they are frequently the spark for a fight.

Absolutely, one reason of fight...My dogs too have that kind of situations they fight because of the toys so I take all their toys for a while to avoid fight...