I'm having dog issues. Dupree, my female pug has hated my female bulldog Coli since they met. 99.9% of the time they tolerate each other, but on occasion, usually when I'm alone with them both, she decides that Coli has committed some serious crime and should be punished.
I pull them off each other and separate them instantly they aren't seriously hurting each other, but it has to stop. I usually see the warning signs and try to prevent the fights, but it almost seems to escalate things. I think the problem is that they have been in a battle for dominance since they met, and it never gets sorted out.
I have a strong suspicion that I'm the cause of all of this. Dupree is very bonded with me. I think I've been marked as her property. Coli is hesitant to come when I call. I think she's afraid of getting in trouble from Dupree. Both of them usually listen to my commands, but when they are about to fight, it is like I'm not there. They both ignore me. I've tried to "Cesar" them. For small misbehavior it works, but not for the fights. I don't really walk them. They are both older and have the typical smooshed-face dog illnesses. They don't seem to have excess energy. I have tried walking them together in the past to promote bonding, but it never made a difference.
I totally love my dogs but I'm starting to consider finding a new home for one of them. I've had Coli since she was a puppy, for 11 years now. I can't imagine not seeing her every day. Dupree is a pain, nobody who knew her would want to deal with her, and I love her to pieces. Anyone with any experience in multiple dog households please share!
Our neighbors had similar issues with their two female dogs; a coon hound mix and an Australian Shepherd. They finally kept them separate - which was a pain - but it kept them from fighting. They put a fence down the middle of the dog yard. One dog would be brought in downstairs and the other would come in upstairs. One slept in the living room and the other in the bedroom. It worked because the Aussie wasn't that dependent on human interaction.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you feel like you are the cause of the fights, our neighbor did too. It may be some sort of energy/tension that the dogs can feel.
We had some dog fights in the past - but it was usually one knock-down, drag out bid for dominance. Once a different dog became top dog, things settled down again.
Good luck - sounds like you have some tough decisions to make.
Thanks for your comment. It is good to hear others have managed a situation like this. The dogs never do this when my husband is around. It is so confusing. I guess I could just keep them caged when I'm home alone, but it just seems so sad to me that I would have to do that. I don't want either of them to suffer (being caged any more than they have to be) but I also don't want to get rid of either of them. =/
ReplyDeleteBeen there done that, though mainly with males. Luckily my gurls play well together.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, most likely Dupree feels your hubby is dominant which is why she doesn't feel so much a need to keep Coli in her place when he's about. When it's just you girls it's a differant story. Trying to Cesar without being conistant with it just won't work. Small things to establish "you" as leader. Feed her by hand a handful one bit of kibble at a time, asking for something to earn this "paycheck", then put the rest in her bowl. Take the bowl, have her sit, give it back....If she demands attention, ask her to do something for it, or ignore and give it only on your terms. Going thru doorways yourself first, play games that involve her listening. Be on the lookout for little looks to or from Coli that say "your Mother wears Army boots" to stop a fight before it is. Books could be written on the subject LOL
Like horses dogs need a leader, if one isn't there. Well, they'll take the job though they don't want it. Also like horses be as gentle as you can, as firm as you need.
Good luck, it's not fun and bitch fights can be ugly things for sure.
Thank you so much! I am going to follow your advice. I'll have to post an update. If I can get my huge pony to listen, I should be able to handle the pug.
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