poppycock!

I visit breeders every time I get the chance. The good ones separate pens female and male. The males are rough with each other, and females a bit snappy during heat, but still act nice together.

Just because you're friend had a bad experience doesn't mean it is the standard way a bitch should act. There will always be a dog trying to be alpha, and if not already, an alpha male. Sometimes there is a alpha female, some breeds like malamutes are hesitant to develop alpha females, even in a pack.

1) depends on the dog
2) quantity of dogs
3) breed of dog/type of dog

Keep the young one separated for now. You may end up using a correctional device with the older dog. Even after heat she may act the same way towards the younger dog. It helps to know the breed.

The rottie which was bothering my girl who was a neighborhood dog I corrected about the 3rd week she kept trying to snip. Silly as this sounds I jumped in front of her while she was in the act of growling and preparing to snip. I growled, looked at her meanly, and raised my hand as I was about to hit her. The rottie cowardly backed off. They're now best friends since, and she knows I'll go after her if she even thinks about snipping.

Melissa,

I think you need to just keep a good eye on the two of them and never leave them alone. Also maybe read some of the questions and answers on "Dealing With Dog Fights". I am sure this will help you because I just went through the same thing, and it did help me understand what I need to do to make sure that it will never happen again.

Good luck!

P.S. My GSD and Golden had a fight when I was walking them and for some reason a fight broke out (While on a leash). And I will never walk them side by side or leave them alone again! I am sure my beautiful Golden would loose.

Melisa,
I understand how you feel,but it is such a hard thing to judge.I don't know anyone that could say to you ,ah don't worry they'll be fine and later they kill each other.The best advice is the other way, never leave them together alone and when you are home with them be cautious and if they have to run together in your presence expect the worse.I am with you as far as I wish there was an answer , I hate seperating mine but with a 2 year old and a 4 year old that could be caught in the middle I cannot take the chance.Animals no matter how great of a pack leader you are
can be unpredictable.I hope it all works out for you, and maybe it's nothing to be overly concerned about but keep your guard on.....

Melisa,

I also read in another post that you do not crate you 4 year old GSD. Maybe you should start since I am sure that ED also talks about that in his article's about Dog fights and Dominant dogs. I do have to agree with Angelique The safer the better!

I will certainly read the Q&A as mentioned. Marcia, my 4 year old is not crated, however, she does spend time in the "dogs" room and I use a baby gate to keep her contained. I do not leave them together unsupervised.

As a wise friend of mine has taught me, I hate to take in absolutes, in always and nevers...I would not like to say that they will never fight, that they will always be fine together. To do so, would be just looking for trouble...and I also feel to say that they can never be together again is a little harsh considering the limited information I provided.

I have a similar concern, regarding my GSD, from a working line, and her playmate, a GSD from an american line. They have been playing together several times a week, since they were 9wks. old. Their 3yrs. old now, and continue to enjoy each other's company several times a week. They really look forward to those all day wrestling matches, which I try to over see as much as I can. My
dog,the working breed,is larger,alittle older,and dominate. The american shepard,is a natural herder,and when were approched by livestock,whom won't retreat when yelled at,she takes off,barks one time,and their headed for the other side of the field. Whereby, my GSD won't leave my side,and if they approach,a low grawl suffices. What I'm trying to say is both dogs have differant personalities. My dog won't let me out of her sight, even when were running the fields,but the other GSD will go to what ever looks exciting. Finally, my point, having such differant personalities, make companship a + instead a -. Thanks bruce hart

Hi Mellissa,
I have seen an awful lot of serious fights/injuries with 2 bitches. The fights are a lot more vicious & frequent than those between the boys. If you want to try them together (supervised only), I'd wait a while. The girls seem to remember longer too!