Re: Dog aggression help needed please!

Jo Mackenzie — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:25:08 GMT

Can you describe the aggression in more detail? i.e. is it mostly growling/snarling and other warning signs, or has there been any actual snapping or biting? Does it happen at specific times like feeding times, when there is a toy involved or when the other dog is getting attention, or is it fairly random? Does one dog harass the other to play when it doesn't want to and that leads to aggression?

Its normal for there to be a bit of conflict when a new dog comes into another dog's environment, just until they figure out the rules and adjust to the changes. Problems can arise if they are not given a chance to sort out their pecking order - if they are continually separated every time they have a tiff they never get to settle who is top dog, and can get frustrated, making the problem worse the next time they see the other dog. Having said that, you've done the right thing by keeping them separated until you have a plan to work on the problem.

I would start by reintroducing them on neutral territory, with one person responsible for each dog. It's best to have them off-lead if possible, as having them on the lead can make them feel trapped and trigger an aggressive response. Lots of fun walks together, plenty of toys so they are not fighting over one ball, and lots of praise for friendly behaviour towards one another.

In the house, make sure each dog has his own safe space, either a room or a crate. Before reintroducing the dogs to each other in the house, I would give them both Zylkene for a week or two and maybe use a DAP diffuser. You could also give each dog a piece of bedding which has been used by the other dog too, so that they can get used to each others scent in a calm and peaceful environment without the other dog being there.

When you reintroduce them, I would take them for a good long walk first so they are nice and tired, then bring the new dog in to the original dog (it was his territory first, so he needs to decide if the new dog is going to be allowed to share it!) Make sure they can both get away to their safe area if they want to. Try to act naturally, don't stand over the dogs waiting to see what they do. There might be a bit of growling and snapping, but don't intervene unless you are seriously worried. It might sound quite vicious, but it's just how dogs communicate, so let them get on with it. It will mostly be warning signals, and eventually they should come to an agreement.

Even once they are happily living together, I would never leave them together unsupervised. I would also always feed them separately, and make sure the house rules are the same and consistently reinforced for both dogs i.e. if one isn't allowed on the sofa, neither is the other one. Making sure they are both well exercised and mentally stimulated should help too.

Some dogs just never learn to live together, but fingers crossed these two will. Hope this helps!