Dog Training: Dog Aggression Between Housemates
When two dogs in the same home start fighting, it’s a frightening and extremely urgent situation. The tension between both dogs is pliable, and pet owners are often frustrated, yet hopeful. If your dogs are fighting, follow these steps today. Don’t hesitate because this situation will not get better on its own.
Why Are Your Dogs Fighting?
Many pet owners dwell on the exact cause for the fighting between their dogs. As a professional dog trainer, it’s extremely hard to pinpoint the exact cause for the dog on dog aggression in the home, but it’s evident that tension has been present long before their fighting began.
Dogs protect resources, such as food, toys, treats, beds, space and humans. Additionally, overly anxious dogs will redirect their frustration onto their housemate. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to understand this situation will only get worse until it’s addressed with a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
What Should You Do First?
Prevent your dogs from meeting or seeing each other. Never allow dogs to fight it out or work it out for their spot in the pack because this never works. Allowing dogs to fight only makes the situation much worse and is considered torture for both dogs. Plus, it’s not fair to the dog being attacked over and over; his or her life is a living hell.
Separate both dogs to opposite sides of the house. Keep doors firmly closed and place gates to prevent fighting. Bring one dog out to potty at a time, and ensure each dog is securely confined in his or her area before letting the other dog out to potty. Preventing fights stops your dogs from practicing the behavior while keeping each dog safe.
Get Professional Help
Pet owners with squabbling dogs need professional help. It’s impossible to prevent housemates from fighting, even with management, without intense dog behavior modification. Contact a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist immediately, and keep all dogs separated until a professional can help you implement behavior protocols.
While it’s tempting to seek advice online, it’ll be difficult to find specific answers for your case unless a professional has met each fighting dog and the environment. If someone does offer advice without meeting your dogs, that person is doing a disservice to your household.
Find a local professional immediately for best results. Plus, make sure the professional has extensive knowledge with dog aggression and uses positive reinforcement training only. Punishment will only make the problem worse.