January 02, 2025
We adopted 2 female rescue puppies a couple years ago. They have a history of fighting and lately it's become more violent. If we establish more rules will they still fight?
Full Question:
Hello,I have a question about 2 female rescues we adopted a couple years ago. They are supposedly littermates, and at the least have been together since they were puppies. They've had a history fighting, but lately they have become much more violent. A fight yesterday required a trip to the vet for wounds. I've read on the site that adopting two dogs from the same litter can be problematic. But given we are already in the situation, is it worth trying to go through the "Groundwork to becoming pack leader" article? There are many things in there we are NOT currently doing which could be easily implemented. I guess my question is are they going to fall back on fighting if my wife and I establish that WE are the leaders and not them. The last couple fights required physically separating them and they are 50 lbs each and neither backs down from a fight so it was not a safe or easy task. Thank you for any advice you can offer.
Cindy's Answer:
It's worth going through the article, we also have a very inexpensive course on Managing Dogs in the Home which shows how Ed and I live in a multiple dog home. Once you've had many fights, some dogs may never be able to be trusted together without direct supervision. As you've probably noticed the intensity of the fights has increased over time. Some dogs will hold grudges against each other and when they engage in another fight, it could be even more intense.
Besides management and training, I would also suggest teaching both of them to wear muzzles. We have a course on how to measure them for proper fit. Here is the link https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/153
If you don't make permanent changes in how you live with them, I would expect the fights to continue. Sometimes dogs that fight repeatedly simply won't ever get along without DIRECT supervision on leash. If you do all the work, I would expect improvement but it's always possible if you lapse in management that fights may be a possiblity.
Besides management and training, I would also suggest teaching both of them to wear muzzles. We have a course on how to measure them for proper fit. Here is the link https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/153
If you don't make permanent changes in how you live with them, I would expect the fights to continue. Sometimes dogs that fight repeatedly simply won't ever get along without DIRECT supervision on leash. If you do all the work, I would expect improvement but it's always possible if you lapse in management that fights may be a possiblity.
User Response:
Cindy,Thank you for the quick and thoughtful response. I guess we'll have to give this some serious consideration. I know we haven't been doing all of the necessary things to show leadership, but I'm not sure we can handle any more of the violence. Thank you again for sharing your expertise. It is greatly appreciated.
User Response:
Cindy, Would you recommend the Dominant Aggressive Dogs over the "Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Pet" for this particular situation?
Thank you
Cindy's Answer:
You could start with Pack Structure and work through that and if you need additional resources after that, work through Dom/Aggressive Dogs later.
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