Dogs from the same home that fight with each other is a common occurrence. It one of the most common reasons that dogs are surrendered, rehomed, or euthanased. This aggression can be secondary to high arousal or excitement levels. When a fight occurs, damage to the relationship between the dogs can be difficult to repair.
Aggression between female dogs is the most common and is the most difficult to treat due to the severity of injuries and intensity of aggression that occurs between the dogs. Fights between male dogs are often due to resource (food, bed) guarding and are the easiest to treat.
Dogs from the same home that fight: what you can do
As with any behavioural issue, the first step is looking for underlying medical causes contributing to the behaviour. It may be that one of the dogs is in pain (arthritis, cancer, bladder stones) so get both dogs to the vet for a thorough checkup. It is also advisable to seek the help of an animal behavioural expert and their experience can help identify the reasons for the aggression and they can design an appropriate treatment plan. However, in the interim you can:
Dogs from the same home: treatment plan
When aggression occurs between familiar dogs, the initial goal of the treatment plan should focus on improving the welfare for both dogs. Although it can be difficult, there should be complete separation of the dogs with no visual contact. Leashes, gates, and tethers can be useful.
Start by monitoring the body language of each dog. Since dogs are often very subtle with body language monitor closely for hard stares or stiff posture that is signaling to another dog that they are uncomfortable. It is important that both dogs be completely relaxed in close proximity to each other. Direct stares (longer than three seconds) need to be quickly redirected to reduce escalating tensions.
Basket muzzle training is very important for safety. This is not a punishment but rather a predictor of good things. Go slow and always wait for each dog to put their own nose into the muzzle. We never force it on, and the dog must willingly place their nose in the muzzle. We never advance it on them. Ask your vet for assistance here as forcing a dog to wear a muzzle will only make him frightened and more aggressive.
The dogs should never be together until they are 100% comfortable wearing their muzzles. A muzzle with a buckle is ideal as plastic clasps can break easily. Once comfortable in muzzles you can start walking them next to each other, one adult per dog. This is a great way to rebuild their relationship.
Establish a safe haven such as a crate or room for all dogs. Make sure good things happen in this area. Food dispensing, puzzle toys, classical music and pheromones, can be helpful. A tether or gate may be necessary. If using a crate, be sure to cover and place them out of sight of each other.
Once both dogs are comfortable wearing muzzles, bring them out for short periods together. One adult per dog and sit on opposite sides of the room. A tether may be necessary. Give them something to do, like a long-lasting treat or toy giving the dogs an opportunity to be together, stay calm and re-learn to like each other. Always separate when they cannot be directly supervised with your entire attention.
Medications
In many cases medications for one or both dogs may be needed to lower anxiety.
Extracted from an article by Dr Christine Calder, DVM
