In a household where multiple dogs reside, conflicts can arise, and the dogs may start to fight. As much as it is normal for dogs to engage in small fights, the situation can quickly escalate and result in injuries to both the dogs and their owners. This article outlines what to do when two dogs in the same house fight.
Is It Normal for Two Dogs in the Same House to Fight?
It is not uncommon for dogs in the same household to fight. However, while some dogs may have minor scuffles, some fights may be severe and can result in damaging bites that break the skin. It is vital to understand that the tendency for dogs sharing the household to fight is not unusual and has a clinical name: intrahousehold canine aggression.
Intrahousehold Canine Aggression
Intrahousehold canine aggression is the term used to describe fights among dogs sharing the same home, whether or not the dogs are related. According to statistics, most dogs involved in fights are dogs of the same sex, with female dogs being overrepresented. The instigators of most fights are younger dogs and dogs that are the newest addition to the home.
Study Reveals the Dogs Most Likely to Fight
Many dogs involved in fights had risk factors predisposing them to fights, such as coming from a shelter or pet store, acquiring the dog after the critical socialization window, or acquiring a singleton puppy. The presence of the owner also played a big role, with half of the cases requiring veterinary attention to treat wounded dogs and medical treatment for injuries sustained by the owner while trying to break up a fight.
What Do Statistics Say?
According to a study, fights among dogs sharing the home represented eight percent of a behaviorist's caseload. The first episodes of fighting typically occur when one dog reaches social maturity, usually between 24 and 36 months, and starts becoming confident enough to use aggression to control access to resources.
What Types of Fights Are Most Commonly Seen?
Fights among dogs sharing the household are typically classified into two main types: uncomplicated disputes and alliance aggression. Uncomplicated disputes involve ritualized aggressive displays such as posturing, staring, mounting, blocking, standing over, vocalizations, and possibly minor physical conflict. On the other hand, alliance aggression involves intense fighting over the owner's attention.
Signs That Two Dogs in the Same House May Be About to Fight
There are various signs that two dogs in the same household may be about to fight. These include staring, growling, stiffening, and avoiding eye contact. Other signs are lip curling, teeth baring, snapping, lunging, and biting. Understanding these signs can help pet owners take steps to prevent fights from happening.
What to Do When Two Dogs in the Same House Fight?
When two dogs in the same house fight, there are steps pet owners can take to ensure the safety of both the dogs and the humans in the home. Firstly, pet owners should avoid getting bitten, which can happen when trying to break up a fight. They should use loud noises such as clapping or shouting to interrupt the fight, distract the dogs by throwing a blanket or water, or use a leash to separate them.
After the fight, it is essential to keep the dogs separated and give them time to calm down. Pet owners should monitor the dogs for any injuries and seek veterinary attention if necessary. They should also identify the cause of the fight and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
How to Prevent Fights Among Dogs Sharing the Household
To prevent fights among dogs sharing the household, pet owners should ensure that each dog has their resources, such as water and food bowls, toys, and beds. They should also provide enough Managing Dogs Behavior to Prevent Fights
It's important to understand that fighting among dogs sharing the same household is not an insurmountable problem. There are many things you can do to mitigate or prevent these conflicts. Here are some tips to help:
Train your dogs:
Well-trained dogs are less likely to engage in aggressive behavior. Take time to teach your dogs basic obedience, such as sit, stay, come, and leave it. This will help them understand their place in the household and minimize conflicts over resources.
Socialize your dogs:
Socializing your dogs is crucial to their development. Make sure they are exposed to other dogs and people from an early age. This will help them learn how to interact with others and reduce the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
Manage resources:
Dogs often fight over resources, such as food, toys, and attention. To minimize conflicts, make sure each dog has its own food bowl, bed, and toys. Also, avoid giving one dog more attention than the other, as this can trigger jealousy and fights.
Provide plenty of exercise:
Dogs need plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy and reduce stress. Take your dogs for daily walks or runs, play fetch with them, or enroll them in agility or obedience classes.
Seek professional help:
If your dogs fighting behavior is severe or persistent, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide you with specific advice and training techniques to help manage your dogs' behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fighting among dogs sharing the same household is not uncommon, and it can be a source of stress and danger for the dogs and the humans living in the home. However, with proper management, training, and socialization, conflicts between dogs can be minimized or prevented altogether. If you're having trouble managing your dogs' behavior, don't hesitate to the seek help from a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Can dogs fight if they've lived together for years?
A) Yes, dogs can start fighting at any time, even if they've lived together for years. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as changes in the household dynamics, health issues, or resource guarding.
Q) Should I punish my dogs if they fight?
A) No, punishing your dogs for fighting is not effective and can actually make the problem worse. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and reward good behavior.
Q) Can dogs learn to get along after fighting?
A) Yes, dogs can learn to get along after fighting. However, it may take time and patience, and you'll need to be vigilant about managing their behavior and providing positive reinforcement.
Q) Is it better to get a male or female dog if I already have a dog?
A) There is no definitive answer to this question, as the dynamics between dogs depend on a variety of factors, such as breed, temperament, and socialization. However, if you already have a male dogs, it may be better to get a female dog, as same-sex aggression is more common among male dogs.
Q) What should I do if my dogs start fighting?
A) If your dogs start fighting, try to separate them calmly and safely. Do not get in between the dogs, as you could get injured. Once the dogs are separated, take some time to calm them down before reintroducing them. If the problem persists, seek helps from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.