April 22, 2011

We have two dogs that got along fine for two years. We recently got another puppy. Now the two dogs fight viciously. Can you tell us why and what to do?

Full Question:
I have a major problem with one of my dogs and I am hoping that you can help me or point me in the right direction. I have two dogs Miranda(chow/shepherd mix) and Abby (lab/retriever). I recently got a new puppy Axel(German Shepherd). Miranda does not like Axel and it has taken some time for her to adjust to him, which is understandable. What I did not expect was for Miranda to attack Abby. Miranda and Abby have been together for two years and are buddies. Miranda is definitely the dominant dog out of the two. On Tuesday Miranda viscously attacked Abby for no reason. She did not draw blood, but I was surprised that she didn't because the attack was that viscous. I can not let Miranda anywhere near Abby because every time she goes near her she attacks her. Miranda has shown no signs of aggression towards my boyfriend or myself. I have pulled Miranda off Abby the three times that she attacked her (which was probably a stupid thing to do, but I had to do something) and Miranda showed no signs of aggression towards me. She acts aggressive towards other dogs(hair stands on ends, forward leaning position, growls) but the only dog she has attacked is Abby. Miranda can not be anywhere near Abby because she will attack her. Miranda has been to the vet and there is nothing physically wrong with her. She starts classes next week but the situation is getting worse rather than better. I am very frustrated and don't know what to do. I cant possibly see a way to solve this problem. Will this situation ever get better? Please help.

Alysia
Ed
Ed Ed's Answer:
Here's the short answers:
  1. Now that you added a third dog you created a dog pack and pack behavior is way stronger than you obviously understood. Don't feel bad very very few dog trainers even understand it.
  2. Your Chow is just reaching maturity - that's when rank issues often come to a head.
  3. Your Abby will forever be dog aggressive from this point on. Once attacked a dog is ALWAYS DOG AGGRESSIVE.
  4. The odds of you training this out of your chow are non-existent. I could do it but I would say that the severity of the training is simply not worth it ( also I do not train other peoples dogs for them).
  5. Your choice is to get dog crates and keep these dog separated - or find a new home for the one or more. Its not that difficult to have crates and keep them separated.
  6. Obedience training is good for every dog - but if you are doing it because you think this is going to change the behavior in these dogs - you are kidding yourself.
If you would like to learn more about the principles of obedience training a dog, read the description for my Basic Dog Obedience video. You will probably find that you have not had the full picture on the steps of training a dog must go through before it can be considered fully trained. You can also read why I am not a fan of taking an untrained dog to obedience classes.

62% (5 out of 8)
respondents found this answer helpful
Did you find this Q&A helpful?
Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
62% (5 out of 8)
respondents found this answer helpful

Did you find this Q&A helpful?

Recommended Products
Scroll to Top