How can I stop my 2 pit bulls from fighting?

Question

I got a mixed-breed but predominantly pitbull dog 3 years ago. About 18 months ago, I got a pure-bred pitbull puppy. The other dog is now 3+ years old. For a year and a half, both dogs got along just fine. They would play fight sometimes, but, it was clearly just that. All of a sudden, the younger dog, who is EXTREMELY people-friendly, began attacking the older one and these fights are REAL. I found an online article that said when dogs in the same "pack" fight, it's to establish dominance, and the owner should let them fight it out. But because both my dogs are pit bulls I'm afriad they'll kill each other. Having to keep them 100% separated at all times is a ROYAL pain and inconvenience. Anyone out there have experience with this? I just bought muzzles for both of them, figuring at least this way they probably won't kill each other. I need some real, first-hand advice from someone with PIT BULL experience.

Answer 1

The first 2 answers are closer to being correct about being the leader of the pack. Too many owners and trainers don't understand dogs. Libertydogtraining is off the mark where he/she says "Even if you establish yourself as the "leader," your dogs will most likely continue to fight, as it was bred into their nature.". It is not a lost cause. However, he was right in saying they should be neutered. Don't put them down at all. If you have cable watch the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic channel. This guy knows what he is doing. Use his techniques. See http://www.pitbull-dogs.net/avoiding-a-pitbull-dog-fight.php
go to the National Geographic channel website see some videos there. He has helped many dogs (that had seen many trainers that could not help and often suggested putting them down) and owners that have been successful. ..Pitbulls and Rotweilers

Answer 2

I am a pitbull owner and know a lot about the breed.

It is natural for dog on dog (animal aggression in general) aggression to exist with pitbulls, and it can be worse if both dogs are the same gender, and if both are intact, meaning not neutered or spayed.

Unfortunately, even pitbulls that are best friends should be separated when not supervised to avoid coming home to dead or dying, severely injured dogs. Dog or animal aggression can come out any time in a pitbull's life, but is more apt to come out betwen 18 months and 2 years of age.

I highly recommend that you crate and rotate these dogs, to avoid future problems. Also, be sure to get them both neutered or spayed (cheap if you buy a certificate at http://www.friendsofanimals.org or you can go through http://www.pbrc.net and apply through their spay/neuter program.)

Also, do you know what the triggers for the fights are? Most common causes are food, treats, toys, and human affection/attention. Make sure you don't leave any food, treats, or toys out that could be the basis of a fight.

Even if you establish yourself as the "leader," your dogs will most likely continue to fight, as it was bred into their nature. Any multi-dog household that has at least one pitbull should always crate and separate when the dogs can't be supervised. You never know when a fight will be triggered.


Keep in mind that dog or animal aggression is not the same as human aggression!!!! Just because your dogs fight each other or other dogs/animals does not mean they will every attack a human!!!!!

Also, if you plan on taking these dogs, one or both, to a shelter, they will most likely be euthanized.

Pit bull ownership is a lot to handle, but it is absolutely essential if we want to continue to own a pit bull type dog.

Please email me if I can be of further help, through my website.
http://www.libertydogtraining.com

Answer 3

I have a full blooded pit bull and my wife is screaming at me to get rid of her cause she thinks they are so dangerous. Mine is just six weeks old so I don't know much about them but I do have a friend at work who came home just a week ago and found his older pit bull that was killed by the younger pit. Like you said they got along for over a year but they just turned on each other. my best guess would be if you feed them together to stop. I know dogs are very mean when it comes to there food but if they keep fighting I would just keep them away from each other no matter how much a pain it is, or they will probably kill each other.

Answer 4

The principal is the same whatever the breed. You are right, the dogs are fighting for dominance of the pack. I agree you cannot possibly let them fight it out, so there is very little to do except keep them strictly separated or rehome one. Sorry its not better news for you...:(
Just a thought...maybe a dog behaviourist could help...see link below

Answer 5

my nieghbor has 2 pitbull/rotti brothers and they fight. but they keep one in the cage and the other out. amd they switch the dogs like every 3hrs. and there like 2yrs old. try the cage idea. and i own one right now. and have had 2 other before.

Answer 6

Pit bulls are bred to fight. They are doing what comes naturally to them.

I think you need to get BOTH of them into obedience training. They don't need to establish which of them is dominant because the dominant member of the pack should be YOU. That is what needs to be trained into them.

Answer 7

become the pack leader and show them whose boss. if you exert your dominance over them and make them submissive then they will not want to fight.

try watching the dog whisper cesar milan. he always has good tips on how to deal with this.

Answer 8

I would let them see eachother a lot and get aggressive. Then I'd like charge people to watch and bet as they fought to the death in my basement. Note that this may be illegal in some states. But if you can do it legally, then I'd let them fight to the death. You could make a nice amount of money.

Answer 9

seperate them in a different room.