the fights are horrific...younger one pinning the older one, blood and broken glass everywhere...can't get them to stop for anything....threw towels over the younger one's head (i got trapped in bathroom as they were fighting)...don't know what to do...5 minutes before fight Roscoe (the aggressor) was sweet and affectionate and loving...i went into bathroom to take a shower for work and they followed me as always and then it was on...i dont want to get rid of him or put him down but it is getting worse and worse...
2007-02-21 02:49:36 · 5 answers · asked by bevks05 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
YOu need to reassert yourself as the alpha in the house. If that means keeping the aggressor on a leash with you at all times, and making him/her do what you tell him to ALL the time, it may be necessary. But you have to be consistent about it. He's probably pushing his boundaries with the older one, but he has to know that YOU are the boss and you won't take any crap. When you go through a door, you go first and then let him through. When you eat, make sure he sees you eating and don't feed him until after you eat. Make him sit and stay until YOU are ready for him to go. Just remember--CONSISTENCY! That's all they understand.
2007-02-21 02:53:27 · answer #1 · answered by Lindsay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess you know now that you need to keep them separated when you can't supervise them. The other thing to do is to be sure to lay down the law with both dogs after a fight--you're probably so freaked out and busy cleaning you didn't have time to put yourself in the middle of them. They need to know how bad they are when they do this, that you are in charge, and that you aren't happy with them.
You need to find the root of the problem. Just like with kid's fights on a playground, there is usually more to it than which dog jumped on the other first. Take a look at the way the dogs pick and play with each other before they are fighting. Then you can nip that kind of behavior before it turns into a fight. I had a freind who's dog would step on and mess with other dogs that were lying down, but wouldn't say anything until the other dog (interrupted his tv program and) growled at the first one or got up and snapped. Then the growler gets yelled at, so the instigator does it again--since it was so much fun last time.
2007-02-21 03:01:33 · answer #2 · answered by wayfaroutthere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to get an expert before you have a dead dog on your hands. Check in your area for dog behaviorists, though not many will deal with aggressive dogs. You have let the younger dog become pack leader, instead of you. Roscoe's behavior ("sweet and affectionate" one minute and aggressive the next) is not a good sign. If you don't want a dead dog in your living room, you better deal with it quickly.
2007-02-21 02:54:12 · answer #3 · answered by GSDotch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what is happening is the "changing" of the guard. The younger dog is sensing it and you are not. Keep and eye on the younger dog he will alert you when a fight is about to break out. Your job is to stop it prior. Which is hard to do, but must be done. Next time one breaks out you must make BOTH dogs submit to you. Good luck
2007-02-21 03:00:42 · answer #4 · answered by Beano 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First,I would have both dogs checked over by a vet . Sudden changes in personality is often a sign of illness.If nothing can be found physically wrong with either dog,I would consult a certified behaviorist as soon as possible.
2007-02-21 02:54:36 · answer #5 · answered by W. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋