Is this the best decision?

Question

I have 2 dogs (brothers, Dobermans, one year old) and because they fight I have been advised to get rid of one. How in the world do I choose which one and how will I ever get over the feeling of loss? It is breaking my heart. We've tried everything for them to get along but it's just in their nature to compete to be dominant. Is this the only option? The breeder did not warn us of this or of course we never would have gotten 2 boys. Unfortunately, now I know I should have researched more.

The one who I feel is more dominant (and a little hyper) is neutered, the one that is very laid back is not. I will definitely talk to my vet to see if that will help.
They always "play fight." I don't really see a pattern as to what causes the serious fighting. It's less than once a week that it occurs...sometimes a month without a fight. But, my husband is away a lot and when it's just me there's no way for me to separate them. People have told me to hit them and I can not hit a dog other than a little swat on the behind. I will look for a trainer. Thank you all for your answers. I'm glad that some of you feel it can be worked out.

Answer 1

are they neutered?? i would do that if they aren't,, I would also enroll in obedience classes. if all else fails you need to call the breeder,,, reputable breeders will take a dog back and place it in another home for you ( of course you won't get your money back - but that is the least of your problems) plus,,, 8months - 16 months is the worst age for dogs THEY are teenagers try to hang in there and get some training....

Answer 2

I can not help with your decision as to which dog you should keep it is a choice you have to make if you take that route. I would suggest taking them to a behavioist and/or training because a good instructor can help with your problems ( I do not mean petsmart or petco) I think you should look into Doberman breed clubs there are alot of knowledgeable people that can help. Also if your dogs are not neutered you should get it done, it doesn't always fix the problem but it may help. To keep them from fighting when you are not home keep them crated away from each other. When you are home and they start playing to rough end it by making them each lie down in front of you or crate them again. I have three male GSD and I will not tolerate my dogs fighting. I did neuter one to curtail his behaviors and I also did a lot of obedience work (mostly downs) with the offending dog and it has gotten better although he does still try to fight. I must say they may never get along so you may have to figure out how to keep the fighting down or find a new home for one. I am sorry for your plight and I hope you are able to work it out so that you can keep both.

Answer 3

If they have not been desexed they have just gone thru puberty and now they are fighting for top dog position.Have them neutered and have a really good training regime for them. Remind them that YOU are top dog. I know how you feel, i have 2 female dobermans, one i have had from a pup(now 4), the other was 4 yrs old (spayed)when i got her(now 6). I also have 3 other dogs, but it was only the dobes that fought for my attention(4 yr old was a rescue that needed rehabilitating). As soon as i got my girl spayed i started them both on strict training (agility and obedience) and they stopped fighting. Crating one whilst i worked with the other also helped but as soon as you have finished with one give the other lots of attention. I hope this helps and i hope you dont have to choose between your beautiful boys.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, as you have learned, this is a common problem, especially with dobes. You cannot let them continue to fight, so you must either train them to get along or, you'll have to keep them separate or rehome one. I know that neither of the last two options is appealing......

You MIGHT try talking to a trainer/behaviorist who has experience working with fighting siblings, but it's a long road with slim chance of payback.

Answer 5

Before you give one away try 2 things. Get them both neutered and ask your vet for a referral to a dog behavioral specialist. He can work with the dogs on getting along better once the testosterone isn't an issue and he can help you work with your dogs. Please try this before giving up one of your dogs.

Answer 6

Are they neutered? If they aren't then perhaps you should try that first. Otherwise there may be no choice. Though you could see if a friend/family member wants a dog, then at least you would get to see them again.

Answer 7

You may want to speak with your vet about neutering both dogs. I know that when I spayed my female chessies, that solved our dominance issues. Neutering maycalm them down enough and remove their drive to compete for mates, breeding, territory, etc. allowing you to keep both. Good luck!

Answer 8

No its not the best decision. The best decision would be to hire a trainer- no petsmart junk. The trainer can help you establish you place and have them in control.
Neutering would be one of the top priorities
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_neuter.html

Find a trainer through this group
http://www.apdt.com/
Your situation is deffinately mannagable.
Start this
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/nilif.pdf
Great info
http://www.ddfl.org/tips_dogs.htm

Answer 9

If they are not neutered... that will help... but if they are and this still does not help then try getting them trained... otherwise you should do what you feel best for your dogs...are they playfully fighting or is it a vicious fight?

Answer 10

you could keep one dog in a room when the other one is out and change places or if they are not neutered that could also help, it must be soo bad for that to happen but just keep them apart.