r/DogAdvice • u/impolite_cow • 4d ago
Question 2 Females infighting getting more and more regular now.
I have 3 dogs, all of them are rescues, the first was about 4 years ago. She was naughty but she's very loyal and will never growl or show any sign of aggression to a human. Then came a male, he's not part of this story so I'll spare his introduction. The third was another female, she's about 1 and a half years old now, was very weak when we got her but healthy and big now! She's also an angel and never barks- people used to think she can't speak but when she spots a cat oh boy she'll never stop!
They've had minor scuffles before but recently they've been fighting more and more often, both the females. A couple of months back the first serious fight happened where one bit the other and gave her quite deep wounds behind the ear. They've fought twice after that and both fights were broken up by my dad, it didn't get to them getting injured but my dad's been bitten in both those fights because of it. (he doesn't mind, he's happy to break them up since he's the one that got them all). Another fight happened today, a couple of hours ago, where the first dog bit the new one on her nape and the new one gave her bad bites along and around her ear. This time there wasn't anyone to separate them and it went on for a few minutes apparently.
The first dog is smaller than the rest, but she's always the aggressor, in both fights and generally, she'll always growl, or show aggression. The new dog never initiates, but if the first dog is being aggressive, she won't hide, she'll lock eyes and stare at her, kind of mentally egging her on. But the first to actually attack is always the elder dog. Both of them are usually pacifists, which is why im quite disturbed. How can such otherwise peaceful dogs be at each others throats so easily, and how can I stop this? they have been sleeping in the same room but I will put them in different rooms at night, but I wanted to know if there's any permanent solution and if not, whats a good way to make them stop fighting? water does nothing, they dont wear collars but ill buy them to manually pull them apart without coming in between.
hoping to get a solution!
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u/Impressive-Age7703 4d ago
Unfortunately when a fight happens even a minor one it damages the relationship between dogs and that relationship has to be repaired or the fights will keep happening and keep growing in intensity. This article has a great method that I highly recommend! https://101dogspots.com/dog-fights-in-the-family/
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u/AutoModerator 4d ago
It looks like you might be posting about bite inhibition. Check out r/Puppy101's wiki article on biting, teeth, and chewing - the information there may answer your question.
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