We're having issues with 2 litter mates and their fighting. I am wondering if you think we'll be able to control the problem or should we find a new home for the one?

Question

I read your comment about not having time for people who did not read the information provided already on your web site  So I read many postings before sending you this request for information but perhaps being both hopeful and confused I think I need a straight forward answer.

We had one female spayed doberman we have had since 10 weeks old who we have taken through beginning obedience training at 16 weeks old.  Several months later we rescued her litter mate, also female.  Due to her aggression we had her spayed right away but within the 6 month old time range.  OD (AKA Other Dog) is the rescue dog who was scarred, thin, and well bitten by other dogs when we got her.

We trained OD with what we learned earlier in Molly's obedience training. Our main problem is occasional fighting that last time required stitches to Molly's ear.  We are concerned about the aggression and whether it can be solved or do we need to find yet another home for OD?

I read many postings were you indicated a new home was the only solution for some but then I read others where people were writing back to say with additional training they were able to keep both dogs.  Also we have been told that litter mates are impossible to keep together, especially female siblings and that it could lead to death for one animal.

OD is very passive with humans, both adult and children, but aggressive towards other animals.  Is there hope for her or should be begin a search for a new home for her?

Thank you for your time.  I also intend to follow up with purchases of your training materials even if only for one dog.  "COME" is not a strong point for either dog at this point.

Accepted Answer

In reality this is a pack structure issue. IN a well established family pack the leader is the one who determines who fights and when to be aggressive. This is a clear rule that’s establishing in the ground work for pack structure. The lower ranking member of the pack instinctually understand this once the leader has been determined.

In your case this dog has had previous attacks – probably against her the first time and then after that she probably became dog aggressive. So this results in the leader needing to do a better job of STRUCTURE and ASSERTIVENESS in what is and is not tolerated. In other words in establishing rules.

Last week I finished a new DVD on ESTABLISHING PACK STRUCTURE WITH THE FAMILY DOG. This lays out the program to follow for this work. In this DVD I took 4 of my dogs and put them together (2 at a time) and showed how they establish rank.

The vast majority of local obedience instructors don’t understand pack structure well enough to offer sound advice (oh they think they do but they lack experience).

So I recommend this DVD along with the my Basic Dog Obedience DVD. I say this because I question the obedience program you have been exposed top.

In the mean time spend some time reading the free eBooks on my web site – read my philosophy of dog training (or listen to it on a podcast on my web site) Also the theory of correction in dog training.