We have 2 female dogs who wont stop fighting, any ideas on how to stop them?

Question

Gizmo is a Imperial Shih tzu and Polly is a Maltese, they have lived together for 6 + years and just started this about 4 months ago. I've had to take polly to the vet bc Gizmo hurt her leg. Polly is my dog and Gizmo is my dad's dog. I think they're jealous of each other but I don't know what to do to stop them. I've tried yelling at them and giving them both whippings and put in their crates but when they get out they go right back at each other. Its getting so bad that I have to pick up Polly to take her from my room to outside to go to the bathroom so Giz won't attack her. Any help would be greatly appreciated :D

My sister also has a male pug who is about 7 months old, he is not neutered yet but both of the girls are spayed. Gizmo is 8 yrs old and Polly is 7, Gizmo was in the house by herself for a year before we got polly

Answer 1

Hi Tiffy!!
This is a very volatile sitution that needs to be seriously addressed.

The jealous of the fight you describe, has not come unexpectedly, because there has been a history of between the younger and older females for some time. I am not surprised that their level of competition has escalated and will continue to do so until the senior female completely defers to the younger one. There is a struggle going on for a new pack leader and it is taking a dangerous turn.

It is advisable that at the onset of any sign of aggression, all possible medical causes are ruled out. BEFORE you consult a trainer.

If an injury, disease or genetic congenital defect, is deemed the cause of the dog's mood swings or aggression, then no training will be effective until the problem has been resolved or controlled.

There are many conditions that can cause unusual or aggressive behavior in dogs. Anything from problems with teeth and eyesight to joint pain.

Visit to vet important BEFORE you consult a trainer.
Jason Homan

Answer 2

Two females in a household can either be a great combination or a tragic one. Females will fight to the end. It's possibly the worst combination of dogs a person can have. While it is not always a bad situation,many times it will turn out that two females simply will not live peacefully under the same roof. Been there,done that and tried everything to make it work.Good luck.

Answer 3

gizmo thinks she was the leader of the house and all then polly came along and she thinks polly is trying to take her throan you need to become the queen not your dogs they need to learn that you are in charge not them you and they need to fallow you you should try with a calm temper not being all yelling or mad at them but calm and quick and say no shhht and corect them yellig at them is not gonna do anything

Answer 4

are they spayed? who was in the house first. if it was Gizmo then she is to be the dominant dog in house. it sound like you you are going to have to keep them apart. if they are going to be around each then put both of them on a leash. How old is gizmo that might be the problem. please have your vet check out how gizmo is doing.

Answer 5

Very Simple, Get Two male dogs in the House. Their attention will be directed towards the male dogs and not each other.

Answer 6

this is a power struggle and its a tragedy just waiting to happen.plus there is alot of jeasousy as well and there is no need for whipping cause this behaviour is instint and you will not be able to change this.all i can say is keep them apart from one another.thats all i can say.

Answer 7

well you coulld put them in a different rooms and put the other one in another room.

Answer 8

poorkidon or whatever has a good answer