Just to be clear on this, all my dogs get along great from mastiffs to bulldogs and always have. That saying I keep bulldogs and mastiffs in different places. My house was remodeled so that my den toward the back of the house is where Lace and Harley stay and can go in and out as they please. Rosie is a house dog and always has been. I had tons of fighting going on years ago which I found out was when I had 2 intact males which also stayed with the girls. A big NO NO in that. Everyone learns over the years and hopefully for the better. So what do you mean control the situation? They are completly separate in different rooms. I take them outside and for walks together which seems to work. Should I stop all interactions till I can get the fighting in the house controlled also? Any help would be greatly appreciated. This has only been going on for a month or so. They slept together in the beginning and even ate together. I left toys out and then they became too rough. Also Stella the 8 month old wants to hump all the girls and that just can't happen.

Thank you...I guess I missed a couple of post's.

Thant didn't really say much to help me out...

" Everyone learns over the years and hopefully for the better. So what do you mean control the situation? They are completly separate in different rooms. I take them outside and for walks together which seems to work. Should I stop all interactions till I can get the fighting in the house controlled also?"




When and in what circumstances are they "squabbling"? The walks, no, right? Fine outside.

So in what situations are the fights starting?

Besides this: "I just had her in obedience classes and is signed up for another one in June. I don't think I have any rules except no fighting," what kind of ob training, daily short sessions, is done in your house, one dog at a time?

Why "no rules"?

Always have? There was that little 2008 blip. Remember? What I think Roanne is your missing whats going on between them other then the very obvious like the humping. All you're seeing is the end result, which is the actual fight. All the tension, or challenges between them, you don't think mean anything.

Besides separating them,controlling the situation means controlling the dogs. Everything is up to you. You decide everything, not them. To a certain point Roanne, You probably created a lot of this with the sleeping and eating together, etc..

Work on their obedience separate to make it so reliable they will listen to you completely no matter what. Then if you do have them together, only with your supervision, never alone, you can stop the bumping or staring, anything like that. Does that make anymore sense to you?

Here's one of those examples where maybe re-homing IS the right thing to think about.

Apparently, everything was going okay in your house before this new pup returned. Bravo for taking her back, as any good breeder would. But that doesn't mean she has to live there forever. You sold her once because you didn't need her as part of your kennel. So find her a new home with someone on your waiting list. Until then, keep her separated.

Then, once the pack dynamics are back as they were, you can refocus your efforts on the pack you have.

Most of the fights are when they initially see each other like coming from the room to meet. When they are outside they have more room to run and not be right in front of each other but even then I have to make sure Stella doesn't sniff Pebble too long or hump her because that would start a fight! I have been working on Stella and trying to get her to listen first. I can't get her to stay if she see's the littlest distraction. Also I can have them side by side and give them treats and they are fine and can be ok for a short while. I will take Stella out of the room and if Pebble is around she goes right to her and starts a fight. No blood so far but I know that can change.

A very unfortunate thing happened and I got her back. I couldn't at the time keep a puppy from the litter and had to give them all up. She is beautiful and would like to at least give it a try. I was stupid and should have known better than to let them play with toys knowing she was new and am hoping I can get them to work things out. Like I said it is worth a try. Maybe I should work on the mom since she should know better.

 Quote: steve strom

What I think Roanne is your missing whats going on between them other then the very obvious like the humping. All you're seeing is the end result, which is the actual fight. All the tension, or challenges between them, you don't think mean anything.

What Steve is trying to point out is there is a lot that you are not reading in the dogs' behavior. The conflict was created long before they came into the room and saw each other. It was set up by earlier instances of posturing or conflicts (not today...over time!), and the arrangement in which they are existing. The behavior you are seeing now (wanting to fight) has developed over time.

 Quote: steve strom

Work on their obedience separate to make it so reliable they will listen to you completely no matter what.

Yes it does Steve...I'm wondering if I should train the mom or daughter first. I will start today to get them trained and keep them completly separated till I feel they are ready. Would you think taking them on walks together would do? They have no issues doing that at all not even in the car where they are crated! Thanks so much for the advice. I am only trying to do better and if in the long run it doesn't work I will most certainly rehome Stella.