When Dogs Don't Get Along With Other Dogs
by Angie Ade on 03/13/13 http://www.doggiesade.com
Ever wonder what makes a dog not like other dogs? I hear it all the time" my dogs dont get along and are always fighting". "my dog goes crazy on walks when it see's another dog" " my dogs are in attack mode when they see another dog while in the car, its hard to drive anywhere ". Does this sound familiar? Well I kinda have the same question, sometimes we dont know because they may not show any signs before a aggression takes place. If this happens look at ALL the facts first to avoid confortation next time:
1. if at home , was there any food around and are the bowls still out after eating,
2. was there a toy around or that you may have forgotten but your dog didnt
3. was there any mounting which is dominate behavior and feeding and breeding are the two most aggressive times for survival.
4. is space too small so dog may feel threaten.
5. was one dog not leaving the other alone despite body language or growling and displaying warnings to other dog
These are some things to think about and if these are triggers than your responsibility as a pack leader is to avoid these stresses so there is peace. Also to note, you can watch the body language of the one who attacks before a attack happens and correct it immediatly before the out burst happens, so given that... if you know your dogs dont get along but for a small amount of time , then allow that socialization to take place with limits. Limits are time, play, and attention, limit time they spend together and always have a eye on them so you can correct and keep the peace. Don't allow any food, toys or rough play during any time spent together. Walk them together this is a part of a pack thing they do and mentally keeps them focused, dont allow them to be too close , this can result in a fight for space. You may also have to resort in seperation at times they cannot be watched. Sometimes just like people dogs will develope a dislike usually as I have notice it's after a fight , a dominate dog, fear or elderly, that cannot be comforted by any means, and in order to keep both safe , seperation is last resort.
On the walk it could be many things that make your dog aggressive... Dog could of had a history of fighting, allowed to walk ahead and wherever it wants, allowing dog to mark every ten steps, insecure and feels threaten on leash, no rules or boundries. Also let me clarify , it can be the other dogs energy who is approaching and its handlers reaction, are they getting pulled by their dog when they see you, is dog allowed to do what they want, can the other owner handle the dog they have. As soon as you see this its best to avoid because this can result quickly into a confortation, best not to socialize at that point. Dont allow dog to mark, give 3 spots for potty and sniffing on a 45 min walk, unless elderly then let them do what they want. Make dog "sit and wait" or "wait" at every corner, this help in who has the control and safety in this situation, which it should be you as pack leader, of course. Don't make dog excited before leaving, no more in a excited voice "wanna go for a walk". Make dog "sit and wait" and "off" before putting on lead, "stop and wait" before leaving. there are many different ways to treat these issues, it takes time and patience and isnt a over night solution, some are but the majority can take weeks , months or even years ....Good Luck ! Peace Angie
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