We have 5 dogs and all are rescues from the street...The oldest two were litter mates and are 62 lb mixes (Rot and who knows), two are mom and puppy Finish Spitz (puppy mixed with some short dog with stubby legs) and a little 8 lb dog picked up off the freeway that looks like some sort of terrier. The bigger dogs are about 5 or 6 yrs, the Finnish Spitz is about 3 and the puppy is now over a year old. The littlest dog is probably about 2.

They all were fine in the backyard. I took them all on 2 mile walks every day. About 3 weeks ago, the littlest guy climbed up on a chair in the back yard and then fell off and yelped as if someone was trying to kill him. ALL the other dogs attacked one of the 62 lb dogs...it was 3-1. Yes, I broke it up incorrectly and damaged my thumb. I separated them and went to a rehearsal. Got back and only then noticed that the momma Spitz ears were really chewed up. I took her to the emergency vet. Kept her and her puppy in side until later in the week when I took them to get spayed. After spaying, I was told to keep them inside and quite for 10 days. Ok....then, I took the momma Spitz back out and wammy...the two big dogs just viciously attacked her. One of the dogs had her so tight that I almost drowned her with the garden hose spraying water up her nose! She absolutely would not stop - and, the other dog wanted to join in, too. I finally broke it up but then they went at it again. I have had the Spitz dogs in the house in crates since. And, I've ordered two or three of the vids here.

The little dog that caused the crazy fight in the first place is fine - no harm at all to him. He ran to one of the dog houses and just cowered there.

All of the bigger dogs are female.

Is there any hope? I cannot have that kind of behavior every again. I thought one of them was going to get killed. Further more, as I walk the dogs separately now, the Spitz dogs and the little guy seem to be more out of control when they see another dog or cat - aggressively out of control. As a matter of fact, I think it was the little male dog that brought a lot of unbalance to the pack.

Gad...what am I to do?

George

What videos did you order?

You have an unbalanced pack of dogs - at this point either seperate PERMANENTLY or rehome some of the dogs.

Females will fight to the death if allowed. If you chose to keep these dogs, they will (and you) have to go through the groundwork program, seperate the females and yes, you will have to exercise seperately. There is no quick fix for your situation.

Thanks for your reply Niomi. I ordered Basic Dog Obedience, Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Pet, and Remote Collar Training for the Pet Owner.

They are separated now and all have crates. I have the two big dogs outside in crates and the three smaller dogs in crates in the house.

I've also ordered the Dominant Dog Collars for all of them and three remote collars figuring that I can walk three at a time eventually.

Before the "incident" with the smallest dog (where he fell off the chair and howled as if he were being killed), the dogs got along great. Add the almost two week separation and everything has changed. Is there any hope of getting them back together?

I just want to cry that I didn't see this coming!

Yesterday I started with very basic obedience individually...sit and stay for 10 seconds adding the break command. (BTW, is there a "better" word to use when issuing the break command? I'm using "break.")

Oh, yes. I also ordered muzzles for the big dogs. I feel that I cannot trust them anywhere at this time...and, I let kids play with them ALL not too long ago. I have a lot to learn - and, I thought I knew what I was doing . . .

Very often dogs that have had serious fights & in your case multiple ones, may never be able to be together again. Females are alot harder to handle in multiples, uless you are very experienced & vigilent. Females can be especially viscious when they engage in dog on dog aggresion.

Many of us here that have or have had multiple dogs, have had dogs that needed to be kept seperated. It is often a fact of life when living with multiple dogs & a conscience desision that we make when we want to have more then one dog. If you feel that this is something that you cannot live with, then you might want to consider rehoming 1 or 2 dogs. It is 2 or 3x the work, depending on the number of dogs, & most people don't want to have to put in or do not have that much time.

I will also add that useing an e-collar on dogs during times of dog on dog aggression can often esculate the fight not stop it.

 Quote: anne jones

I will also add that useing an e-collar on dogs during times of dog on dog aggression can often esculate the fight not stop it.

Exactly the point I was going to make, and also want to add please don't use the dominant dog collar until you have worked on pack structure, leadership, obedience, etc... The e-collar is an excellent tool - I love it, but I always get a tiny bit concerned when it is is brought in by a "new trainer" for an aggressive situation. I don't get the impression you are one to "zap the hell" out of your dogs, but just suggest that you watch the video several times and post your questions prior to begin using it...

I think it is going to take a major lifestyle adjustment to make this work, but it is doable if you are up to it.

Thanks again Anne and Barbara...

After our day of training (just sit and break) yesterday and this morning, I can see where it will take time.

These dogs are great when separated...

I will not use the e-collar or dominant dog collar just yet...haven't even gotten the vids yet! I know better - this time - not to rush any of the training for me or the dogs!

I'm beginning to see that I really didn't teach obedience very well.

I've heard of dogs "turning" on one another but never thought it would happen here!

It may well be that I should re-home two of the dogs . . . :-(

 Quote: george tate

1. I'm beginning to see that I really didn't teach obedience very well.

2 I've heard of dogs "turning" on one another but never thought it would happen here!

3. It may well be that I should re-home two of the dogs . . . :-(

1. Obedience and pack structure / leadership are going to be critical to regaining control over this situation.

2. You have a pack of mostly females - it was only a matter of time, I'm sorry to say.

3. Even with re-homing two of the dogs George, you will have your work cut out for you. Things are probably not going to simply go back the way they were - the dynamics have changed big time.

Have you read any of the info on Ground Work?

Barbara - yes I have been reading the info on structure as well as obedience. I also have listened to all the podcasts (except I think two about puppies).

I have only read a little on the ground work, per se. Is there an ebook/article that you can point to?

Thanks in advance.

http://leerburg.com/groundwork.htm

This is the link to Ed's groundwork info. I hope this helps. I have not personally dealt with agressive dogs George, so please read this and then post any questions you have, and the folks who have been through this process will step in. Best of luck!

Thanks...downloaded it. Will read. Will ask.