Hi everyone, I started this post in the General Conversation section and then realised it belonged in here so if you've read it before, sorry <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> !! If you need more details before replying, pls check out my other posts "Dogs off furniture..how??" and "Help with crates" in General Conversation. I'm new to the forum and am still trying to work out what's what so pls accept my apologies for being a dummy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> . Anyhoo if you have any advice on the following it would be much appreciated!!


We have a front and back yard which are separated by a metal fence, would keeping the dogs (15mth old pit bull x staffy and 16mth old staffy x ridgeback, both male, both desexed) separate (one in each yard) suffice for during the day while we are at work? They could still interact (see, sniff etc) with each other (which would help with the separation anxiety?)but would not be able to fight. That way we would still have the security of dogs protecting our house, but would have no concerns re: them fighting while we're not home. Then we could keep them in the crates in the evening etc when we're home. Does this sound reasonable?

Candace: One fight happened outside, the other occurred inside but progressed to outside. Both were over bones, which was clearly our fault. We now feed them separatly, and I will take on board your thoughts re: giving them treats while apart - thanks.

Aaron: I appreciate your honesty. I'm well aware that we've made a mistake by getting two male dogs of this particular breed. You say

Most people have no clue or don't thihnk their dog will ever get into a fight but when it does, they say "These dogs are bad dogs and are too much for the average person"

I don't think APBTs are bad dogs but I must say, I do think they are too much for the average person as the average person is probably not aware of the need to put in the amount of time required to properly train such a strong willed and intelligent dog. The average person probably isn't aware of the need to crate these kind of dogs, and the average person probably wants a couple of dogs who play nicely together and keep each other company while the owners are at work. I know this because I was the average person . I am now living with the result of my ignorance, and we are trying to be responsible dog owners by implementing effective methods of dealing with our dogs, rather than just saying "Nope, it's too hard, lets give one away and get a mini-foxie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> instead" Although maybe that is the answer for the happiness of our dogs, would Tyler (our APBT) be happier in a family where he is the only dog? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I really don't know, but I do appreciate everybody's input and hopefully we'll get this issue sorted somehow.

Oh and thank you everyone for the advice re: getting our dogs off the furniture - I look forward to nice-smelling, hair free lounges.

Sorry for the extra long post

I don't see whats so hard about keeping two aggressive or dominate dogs. I know people want them to be part of the family but you have to treat these dogs regradless of breed as if they are fueding cousins, you invite one you don't invite the other until the other ones gone/crated.

Because you know they will fight or cause a scene, its not crule its just common sense. You won't change a Rose into a Daisy (Unless you are a very good trainer) and because we are not. Plant/play with them separately, thats really what they want anyway.

My 2 bitches don't start growling at each other unil I come around, I may say "Stop that", to the aggressor", but she doesn't really stop until the Male GSD rolls her and I have pull him off, with a voice command and all well. I've checked her and He does'nt bite her he just collides with her growling and alpha rolls her(she probably weighs as much as he does Rottie/Pit).

Melanie, It sounds like you really care about your dogs and want them to just be happy and co-exist with you..and then you realized in discussing that maybe this may not be an achievable goal.I don't know what type of a metal fence you have..or how high.But I think really you just want the dogs to be happy with one another on the couch and be happy in it..with you.You are not a dummy Melanie..you are learning.If they took it from the inside..to the outside..and you couldn't stop it..you yourself have a fear of their interaction.I mean nothing bad about that to you.Dogfights are not good for either dog...as they REMEMBER!!! If you want to keep them both ..You have to make sure that they are separated completely!!!! I have made many mistakes myself..it is all a learning process.