Why had Ziggy and Buddy’s fighting suddenly escalated? Common denominators: Food or a chew has been involved. Ziggy may have been on the stairs up ahead of Buddy (they live in a town house with the living room upstairs). Ziggy was already aroused in some way. Buddy has always been Read more
Why had River and Charlie’s fighting escalated? River and Charlie are fighting. They have two black male Working Cockers. River and Indie are 13 and have been together since they were puppies. Charlie, a Springer cross is 10 joined the other two a couple of years ago. Lost his hearing Read more
The two dogs have been so close and now, unless it’s on a walk, they can’t look at one another without breaking into a fight
Why was Ruby growling at Chester and starting fights as she approached adolescence? 5-month-old Cocker Spaniel Ruby is coming into early season and gaining attitude. She is increasingly growling at their other Cocker – Chester. He’s 18 months old. It’s like she now goads him until he reacts and then, Read more
Why did Bella start going for Sophie after the couple moved in together? Lhasa Yorkie mix Bella has lived in the house with the lady for most of her eleven years. A short while ago the gentleman moved in – with Sophie. She is also 11 and is a Yorkie Read more
Why did Monty suddenly turn on Teddy, and how can they rebuild peace between the two dogs? Three weeks ago Cocker Spaniels Monty and Teddy were playmates – if sometimes a bit rough. Now they are sworn enemies. Monty is one year old and they have had 8-month-old Teddy for Read more
Underpinning everything is keeping stress/arousal levels as low as they can. Too much of anything, whether it’s attention, fuss, exercise or play, causes stress of sorts. Arousal primes the two dogs so that the smallest, most insignificant thing then tips them over and can trigger an explosion. Just a look, even.
Archie came from a home of domestic violence, was kicked and thrown against a wall.
It’s no wonder that when his stress levels rise, his insecurity increases.
Now the two dogs fight.
Bo
Cherry has lived with Bo and the family for nearly a year and all was well until a few weeks ago. The two four-year-old Pugs played together and slept together.
They noticed little hints of unrest shortly before the day Cherry went for Bo.
Food was involved. A friend’s dog, Skye, was with them.
Soon after this it happened again only this time the fight didn’t involve food.
The family now had to watch the dogs closely to prevent further fights breaking out.
Boris, Betsy and Buster
All three Boxers have a wonderful life, with lots of freedom and lots of love. They have old boy Buster, 11 and entire. There is Boris aged 2 and they have six-year-old Betsy – in the middle. They had Boris castrated a month ago. (I didn’t take the photo as Boris never sat still enough while I was there).
The problems between the two boys have been growing over the past two years. Boris goes for Buster. Nearly always this is in times of arousal or excitement.
The most recent attack seemed to come out of nowhere. (more…)