So, I just did the dumbest thing I've ever done in my whole life.

My new puppy is here, and I was gradually introducing him to our other dogs, starting with walks together, etc - all supervised of course.

This morning, they were all out together and doing very well - still supervised 100% of course, but Jenga took interest in Digger's tail (or tail nub, I guess), so...with my brain not in my skull, I gave him a toy to distract him. Well, dog fight. I managed to separate them all very quickly, without anyone getting hurt (including myself).

As I was separating them, Jenga let out a pretty serious growl.
They're all in separate areas now, Jenga with me and the other two in crates.

Anyway, my question is - will these dogs ever be trustworthy together again? Will Jenga be unfriendly with other dogs now, too?

Can I start over and re-introduce them or something, like with the multiple dog walks (those worked really well the first time around)?

...or will that mistake have permanant ramifications? (Meaning, they're always separated from now on)


I can't believe how badly I screwed up.

Over the years in my household, before we knew any better, much worse things have happened and we were still able to turn things around. I would go back to the beginning, and keep new-pup separate until the other dogs ignore his existance. Walks are a great idea as long as you are in total control. Hopefully someone who knows a lot more than I do will give you some good advice, but in the meantime don't despair, it sounds fixable.

Thanks Kristel.

I did take them on a group walk later on in the day, and the group dynamics have changed a little, but not necessarily for worse.

We also had a "family" meeting about how we were going to take pack structure more seriously - I've been desperately in need of back up for a long time.

The more I think about it, the more hopeful I feel. It was really just a quick spat - if it were a real three way dog fight, I doubt a 120 lb woman such as myself could break up 200 lbs of dog alone without so much as a scratch without some serious luck. I'll consider this my warning; take note, be more vigilant and don't rush things!

I agree with Kristel. Doesn't sound like a huge deal to me, and is fixable. But keep on eye open for changes in their interactions. Things are likely to change anyway, even minus the incident.

One of the few things I don't agree with Ed is when he says that if a puppy gets bit, he will be dog aggressive for the rest of his life. I know of two cases (not my dogs) where this hasn't happened.

How old is Jenga (cool name!)? Did you say NO!! after you separated them?

Dog walks sound good. When you leave them to play, no toys, and try not to think about this past experience and be nervous. Dogs could sense that energy.

my dog was bitten three times as a puppy and still adores other dogs. he only has a problem with other enormous, dominant, intact males. like him. heh-heh.

 Quote: richard pryor

One of the few things I don't agree with Ed is when he says that if a puppy gets bit, he will be dog aggressive for the rest of his life. I know of two cases (not my dogs) where this hasn't happened.

How old is Jenga (cool name!)? Did you say NO!! after you separated them?

Hi Richard,

This is one time when I'm hoping Ed is wrong (hah) - but my experiences back up his opinion. My vizsla mix was attacked as a puppy, and after that incident he became very anxious around strange dogs - whines and pants if they're far, barks and snarls if they're close. A fellow vizsla owner reminded me, though, that vizslas are more sensitive than most dogs.

I definitely gave a loud, "Agh!" after getting them apart, my dogs have never taken me so seriously in my whole life.

I decided to only allow them to interact in groups of 2, which I think will be more easily managed. Especially since I know their personal issues (Bella is a resource guarder, Digger doesn't like butt-sniffs). I will definitely not make the same mistake again - no toys when there's more than one dog, and pay closer attention to body language.

I also took them on another walk today, and they were all very good. I have high hopes!

Thanks everyone, for your advice and personal experiences.

I am not sure I understood Ed to say that anything is 100 percent true. I think he said usually... Variables are always a factor, and there are so many. As Ed has said that the way to introduce another dog into the pack is to keep them in a crate while the others get used to them being there. If any agression arises everyone is safe and you can disapline the aggressor. I do not remember which vidio it was in but it sounded like sound advise. I also think nothing is irreversable-just possibly more work.Or with any luck-who knows-all may be forgotten. It really depends on your specific dogs.

 Quote: michael eudy

I am not sure I understood Ed to say that anything is 100 percent true. I think he said usually... ...I do not remember which vidio it was in but it sounded like sound advise.

From "Your Puppy..." DVD: Ed says the following while the text "If your puppy is attacked ONE TIME it will be dog aggressive its whole life" is shown on the screen.

"and that dog attacks your puppy one time, your dog will be dog aggressive for the rest of his life. Puppies never forget, dogs never forget, once they've been attacked once, they are dog aggressive. They assume every strange dog they see is going to attack them, and their best line of defense is an attack."

That sounds more like a 100% to me than like a usually. Nevertheless, I notice that he's talking about strange dogs (learn something new every time you watch those DVD's).

In my experience what Ed has said has been true for the most part. For example, I have a dog that was attacked when he was young by a strange dog who was running loose in the neighborhood. He was pretty seriously hurt (he's a Greyhound) by the time I broke it up (the strange dog jumped my fence into my yard)and he is now murderously dog-agressive. I have tried everything to rehabilitate this guy, who's now eight years old, including MUCH training, muzzled interactions with other safe dogs, walks, etc. but nothing works. I can make him get along with just about anyone but I wouldn't ever trust him unsupervised. It sounds like the trauma-level with Heather's dogs wasn't nearly as intense since the dogs were split up before anyone was hurt, and all in all the situation seemed to be handled well. I think there is a distinct difference between the two situations.