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Many users in the Cybervet forum complain that their dogs are fighting with each other. What can pet owners do to sort this out? Here are some tips from the experts:
- If both dogs are male, consider having the less dominant one castrated, as this will help reduce the threat that he presents to the other dog. This will reduce the fighting.
- If there is a female on heat in the area, it could be affecting the dogs' behaviour. This is fortunately a temporary problem.
- Same-sex dogs often compete with each other. This seems to quieten down when they are spayed or castrated. Dogs are territorial animals, and if one arrives after the other has already established its territory, problems could arise.
- Never try to treat the dogs 'fairly' – they are pack animals and vie for dominance. If you give attention to the non-dominant one in front of the dominant one, you are upsetting the balance, and they will fight. Wait until the non-dominant one isn't around before giving the other one attention. Don't upset this natural balance by trying to be fair.
- The dominant (often the older dog) dog should always be greeted first, given attention first and fed first. If you don't do this, you could be the cause of constant fighting for supremacy.
- It is also an idea to feed dogs separately for a while, if they are fighting over food.
- If your dogs have not been properly socialised, they may fight with other dogs in public places. Contact an animal behaviourist and get this sorted out, otherwise your pet may create ongoing unpleasantness wherever you go.
- (Health24, December 2008)
Last updated: June 2010
