me and cousin have six month old staffs?

Question

we would like to take them for walks together they used to go out together but all they done was fight i would like for them to get on any suggestion on how to interduce them again please help both girls

Answer 1

Dog or puppy socialisation classes should work here. NEVER use an E-Collar or Choke Chain or anything like this as it will increase the aggression.

First off i would suggest getting them spayed and a vet check to make sure that the aggression is not due to pain or one of them being in heat.

Then call up a trainer - not a huge company but one of he smaller local ones as they tend not to be so snobby about it and genuinely care about the dogs rather than just want the money. An make sure they are one that only used positive reinforcement.

Also take them both to somewhere you have never walked either of them before, both on lead, and let them meet each other there. Keep praising them and giving them treats when they are good and ignore the bad behaviour {obviously pull them back from each other if they go to bite or attack but nothing else.}. If you do this slowly over a few weeks it should work.

But seriously, consider taking them to training or socialisation classes - they're so helpful with this kind of problem.

Answer 2

Truly the only way is to make sure that you show them that you are in charge and they must follow. By this I mean, not to ask them to do something, or baby them because of a conflict, but to make them listen and obey. Even if it means turning them to their sides or backs, show them who's in charge. The worst thing to do is to scream or cry dismay with them, you've lost everything by then. My Staffy isn't that old, but both her and the Boxer/Australian Shepperd know that they have to listen, and they do get along well. Both are made to maintain themselves on walks, or indoors ,and I walk them on separate leads on the same side of me.

One thing that helped with the control of the mix, since he thinks he has to be in front walking with her, is to use a gentle lead. They are a bit pricey, but they work, like a horse you control their head, which control where they go, unlike a regular collar that acts like a pulling harness. It doesn't hurt them, but when they pull on it the collar puts pressure on the top of the snout and back of the skull, and they don't like it, so when they let off all is ok.

I know it's easier said than done, but don't push the dogs on each other, let them acknowledge each other, walk them so each sees each other, not so much by each other, and correct any outbreaks if they fuss.

Maybe we've been luck, but with the last Pit mix, and these two, I can take them anywhere, and walk by anything with little trouble.... but they are family members, babied, but mannered. One thing that I have everyone do is when they come home the dogs have to settle down and sit before you pet and greet them.... calm is wha t I think the key is.

Answer 3

Are they fighting with snarling and snapping or are they play fighting? There is a difference and play fighting can look a lot like fighting to us. Before you take them walking you need to get them used to each other on neutral ground....so not at each other's homes or they may be territorial. Have treats on hand for good behavior to reward them, make them sit and stay and pay attention to you the owner (each dog to it's owner) reward them for doing this...then once they are both calm let them sniff each other out, always introduce the one dog to the other butt to face, strange I know but to them that's how they check out another dog and introducing a dog face to face will create aggression, the butt first does not. Let them sniff and get to know one another till you can tell they are calming down and not ready to go at it. When taking them for a walk keep a bit of space between them so they cannot reach each other either. If you cannot hold them back then you don't have control of your dogs and need to learn to walk alone first or get a good choke chain.

Answer 4

All staffs that I have ever met have been horrid with other dogs. I have a very large german Shepherd who is terrified of staffys because they are just so aggressive towards him.

Maybe its the breed, maybe the popularity and status of owning a staffy has attracted those not suitable for owning any dog (i.e Chavs). I am not saying as a breed they are horrible, all I am saying is that the examples or the breed I have met have been horrible (and yes, usually attached to a spikey lead held tight by some burberry-ridden youth who cant talk properly).

It fills me with great joy that you are willing to do something with this (incredibly powerful, loyal) little dog, believe me owners I have met wouldn't think twice about letting it get into a fight with another dog.

I would suggest you take the pups to a puppy class or socialisation class. They are often aggressive because they are such loyal family pets that they see any other dog as a threat to their owners. Once you retrain them to see other dogs a potential play mate you should have no trouble.

If you are ever going to get these two to play together you MUST do so on neutral ground, so one doesnt feel she has to protect her home.

Good luck

Answer 5

Yeah I know what you mean I have 2 Jack Russells 1 male and 1 female. My sister in law has a male Rottweiler and my male dog hates him, we keep them apart as they have full force fights. It gets really bad its a territorial thing with us. I think if you just keep at it and tell them off when they fight eventually they will get used to one another.

Answer 6

in response to Rhia H i have got a 15 month old staffy and he loves other dogs other dogs go for him he was attacked by a german shepard ! keeping trying to introduce them gradually they are only babies staffies don't reach maturity until they are at least 2 years old have some toys for them to play with and keep them interested and take their minds off each other. hope this helps.

Answer 7

You and your cousin should get the dogs to meet in your garden.
Keep them both on leads and don't let them get to close to each other until they have both calmed down.
When they have calmed, still on leads take them to meet.
If they are good and there is no aggression, reward them with a treat. if there is aggression, separate them in the garden and start again.

Answer 8

You've each got to assert your dominance and teach the dog that it is not ok to fight.

Answer 9

SPAY and training class,,, if they are fighting with each other,, they very well could be a danger to others pets.... YOU NEED TRAINING,, so you will be able to handle your dog........ i guess you got these dogs to feel like you would be cool?? UGH

Answer 10

Have you ever watched the Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan? - if not, do!! - he is bloomin unbelievable and always has really good tips!!