I have a 2 yr old male white german shepherd and a 5 yr old male lab/husky mix, both of which I've had since young puppies. The german shepherd is mine, the lab is the hubbys. They've had their spats, but normally get along. I went in the hospital Jan. 10, '07 for 2 weeks for surgery, after I get home these 2 dogs begin fighting. Zuess, the shepherd, is much larger than the lab, Louie, so Louie is getting injured. Since I've been home from the hospital, the fighting has not stopped. My question is, is this a dominance thing or what and what can we do about it? At this point, they cannot both be in the house at the same time unless my husband is home. Help!
2007-02-18 12:42:01 · 13 answers · asked by ebbielynn 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Having american bulldogs...this always comes up. We have seen that even neutering does not help. When 2 males live together...or even grow up together...the play fighting turns real...then escalates into who is the alpha. First you have to let both of them know that either you or your hubby is the alpha. Not both...it doesn't work that way. The reason they fight in front of you is becuz to them...you are lower than they are or just a pack member. You need to stand up and show them calmly that when you hubby is gone...you are the alpha. It will help alot...but usually won't curb it completely. German Shepards are a dominat breed ....just like rotts/dobes/american bulldogs. They..above all else need structure. Labs and golden retrievers are not so dominat and so easy going that alpha male or female is just not that important. Remember your lab is mixed with husky...another dominat dog so those traits are coming out. In any pack, the fight for alpha is a yearly thing and will last the lifetime of the dog. We have found that showing who is #1 and who is #2...works very very well.Lots of love and patience. Dog Bless
2007-02-18 12:55:10 · answer #1 · answered by Vero 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would love to see your white shepherd! My female is sitting at my feet. First, are they neutered? Is one neutered and not the other? Does Louie fight back? Do they fight outside or only in the house? What I think is going on is because Louie is older, he has always been dominant, and now that Zuess has grown up, he is challenging for that position. You, as alpha female, were absent for 2 weeks and they don't understand why. They are now fighting over you. Your husband, as alpha male, needs to show his dominance when this happens and you need to be there too. They should submit to both of you, and when they fight, they need to know this won't be put up with. Wish I could help more, good luck!
2007-02-18 13:03:37 · answer #2 · answered by Ayla B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If 2 women human beings there is not any way wanting electric powered collars on the two.women human beings usually kill different women human beings esp if mom/Daughter. If adult males then decide that's Alpha and help him, he gets fed first, is going out first, petted first etc. If adult males and not neutered neuter the non alpha first, then the Alpha, each and every so often vets can provide meds to assist cut back scuffling with. lots relies upon on the breed and the canines sexes. The canines could be properly obed experienced and pepper spray is effectual for breaking apart fights. while you are the real Alpha chief then the canines shouldn't combat as much as long as you artwork out which one is over the different, age, and length do no longer count number, and help the dazzling dogs. helping the Beta dogs gets it killed..
2016-09-29 07:26:25 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to establish who is the dominent between the two of them after all you are above them so what you need to do is...
1 feed zuess first and foremost
2 give zuess attention first
3 when letting the dogs outside make shure zuess is first.
always make shure zuess is first if you are now determaning who is dominent they wont have to fight to find out who is the more dominent if you show them who is they are confused and so are you get your facts straight and your mind set and the problem will solve itself
good luck and i hope you feel better after your sugery
2007-02-18 12:53:30 · answer #4 · answered by Here i am 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because of your stay in the hosp. Zeus thinks he's next in line for "Alpha" it would be your job to knock him down a notch. Are you still weak from your stay at the hosp. if so; Zeus is sensing this, I know.... they are amazing! Next time you have to separate Zeus and Louie make Zeus retreat from the fight. Keep Louie behind you and make Zeus submit to you. If you can do this (sooner the better) you will re-gain control.
2007-02-18 12:56:05 · answer #5 · answered by Beano 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try watching the "Dog Whisper" that guy has a lot of good ideas to deal with dog behavior and has done many shows on that subject. With a little patience and instruction you can change the dogs behaviors. Hope this helps.
2007-02-18 12:47:21 · answer #6 · answered by Outside the box 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well i would suggest you or you hubby takeing the alpha job over this way they wont. i have 6 dogs and none of they are alpha i am alpha here.. lots of training and support will be needed to do this there is help out there search it or go here..
www.dogpsychologycenter.com
2007-02-18 12:52:15 · answer #7 · answered by dj.wildman 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Neuter if not done,
or take them to a (chain free) training class/trainer
2007-02-18 12:45:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Left to their own devices...? it's a nature call.
Options are: castration, training and/or separation.
2007-02-18 12:53:48 · answer #9 · answered by Kikkaz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to take the Alpha role.
2007-02-18 12:46:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋