Why is my new dog fighting with my existing dog?

Question

For reasons of a question, I had to form it like I was clueless. Here is the scenario:

I have a 5 year old Siberian Husky Male, and have recently taken in a 1 year old Black Lab Male as a stray. The new lab is very healthy and has gotten all the necessary shots. He has a great temperment and shows no signs of aggression. My Siberian Husky has always been an easy going dog, very un-husky like... very relaxed, and extremely obiendent.

The first two days of the Labs arrival were perfect. They both played together, layed together and even did not bother one another while they eat or drank. Out of the blue, my Husky started attacking the Lab. The husky has grown up with other dogs (another husky female 8 years old and a yellow lab 3 years old but both live in another house now). Since this fight, my husky has not let the lab go anywhere near him without putting up a fight. I scold him with a firm "no" and he knows he is doing bad.... however it has not gotten any better.

A few more tidbits after I have received some good information:

the dogs are excellent on a leash. The husky, is trained on a "pinch-collar". The two will happily walk next to one another for the longevity of the walk. No problems. I am hoping that this is a sign of acceptance rather than just a territory issue. Huskies are very difficult to dominate over. They are very free spirited dogs who only see something fit if it has a benefit. However, he will listen to me and knows I am his master when he does wrong. I am wondering if I should hire a specialist to visit my home and sort things out. It seems that this might be a behavioral issue that is out of my control. It is crucial that I spend time with the Lab in order to train it, but it seems that more attention needs to be given to the husky to ease his nerves. A specialist, who is neutral, might be able to do things that I would not be able to alone.

More info:

The husky has always been allowed free roam... of the kitchen and family room only. He is not allowed in other rooms of the house unless he has permission. The Lab is caged. It was advised to keep the Lab caged in the same room as the husky while at work to make the husky used of the new dog.

Answer 1

That's a tough one. Sounds like you are the pack leader so I'm not sure of the change. Are they caged or free to roam? I would go with the immediate correction with a big consequence (touch, make submissive) every time it is about to happen, at any sign of aggression, of if you have to at the start of the conflict. It is much easier to control before it blows out of control (wow, that was not profound at all, sorry). You may have to reassert your control as the dominant leader so that both are submissive. Sometimes a lack of exercise can play an impact but that is impossible for me to judge. Here is what I would do, take both for a 45 minute brisk walk... weight the dog down or have them carry something if necessary to make the walk more intense. Correct any misbehaviors with your voice and a touch if you have to. Any mistep gets corrected. Then back to the house for your observation. Just a thought.

Check out Cesar Milan... He is also on the discovery channel as the dog whisperer. Best of luck to you. I know you'll get it done.

Answer 2

Easiest solutions might be to provide again the followed puppy. Alternatively appear up behavioural strategies. I'm conscious of a quandary wherein two puppies fought while one was once further to a household. The proprietor muzzled them and while the instigator began they had been squirted with water which they did not like in order that they found out that after I do that anything no exceptional occurs. Same if different puppy began. Praise and provide a deal with while well interplay with different puppy. Give first puppy tons if awareness. Consistency is vital. This calls for you to consider tough approximately this. It might result in behavioural issues with the primary puppy who just about was once the highest puppy earlier than different puppy arrived. Secondly the individual I knew who did it had 2 identical sized puppies. Dogs will have to constantly accept time to combine with new puppies earlier than dedication is made. Some vet clinics put it up for sale socialisation categories for homeowners to deliver there puppies so probably you might search recommendation right here. It's no longer going to be convenient however the selection of what path you make a decision demands to be performed swiftly.

Answer 3

Your husky is most likely the dominate one he is just letting your new dog know who runs the house. The fights are often worse if it is male to male or female to female that is just what dogs do. I have a lab mix that is like that we can't even get another dog cause he'll just attack it!!
You might just have to give up the new dog!
Hope this helps good luck!


What is Canine Rivalry?

Canine rivalry refers to repeated conflicts between dogs living in the same household. Animals that live in social groups establish a social structure within that group. This social structure is hierarchical and dogs determine their place in the hierarchy through control of and access to various resources, such as food, toys and attention from people. A stable hierarchy in which each individual knows and accepts his rank provides dogs with a sense of comfort and belonging. Conflicts arise between household dogs when there is instability in the social structure; that is, when the ranking of each dog is not clear or is in contention. Dogs may warn each other initially by snarling, growling or snapping, but not causing injury. However, the conflict may sometimes intensify into prolonged bouts of dangerous fighting, which may result in one or both dogs being becoming injured.

Getting Professional Help
Ongoing canine rivalry is potentially dangerous. Dogs or human family members could be severely injured as a result of fighting. Because resolving rivalry problems requires managing the dogs’ somewhat complex social behaviors, it’s often necessary for owners to obtain assistance from a professional animal behaviorist. Certified animal behaviorists are trained to observe, interpret and modify animal behavior.

Why Conflict Occurs
Conflicts between household dogs develop for a wide variety of reasons. Conflicts may occur if:

A new animal has been introduced to the household.
A resident animal has died or no longer lives in the house.
A resident animal is re-introduced after an absence.
A young dog reaches social maturity, which is usually between 10 months and 2 years of age, and challenges the established higher-ranking dog.
A high-ranking dog ages or becomes ill and cannot maintain his higher status.
Understanding Status Seeking Behavior and Social Structure
The dogs’ positions in the hierarchy are determined by the outcome of their interactions. The results of this complex and dynamic process will depend on the dogs themselves, without regard to your preferences. Any attempt on your part to interfere may result in increased conflict.

Answer 4

Maybe the husky is trying to establish dominance over the lab.

Answer 5

simply, your husky wants to be the alpha dog. i had a similar situation and wound up gwetting rid of one of my dogs. but, dogs are pack animals escpecially huskies. so when there is more than one male areound then they will fight until one proves dominance.

We now have three dogs, a black and tan coon dog (male), a husky (female) which are both outside and then i have a yorkie/maltese (male) inside.

Answer 6

Some dogs just can't get along with certain dogs.

Answer 7

Well keep your dogs in diffrent places keep 1 outside and i inside! I hope this helps!
Emmie

Answer 8

Your new dog may not like the other dog.

Answer 9

Murph!!!