Dita and Esk
Fighting.
Until a short time ago, Rocky, a large four-year-old Ridgeback-Mastiff cross lived with just his lady owner in a very small house. One room up and one down.
Now her friend has moved in with her two beautiful Siberian Huskies, female Dita, 2 and Male Esk, 3.
Previously each lady had lived happily with her own dog/s and no particular problems.
Tricky situation
Rocky
What an extremely tricky and complicated situation this is.
The environment, with only two rooms and no garden, is small and crowded for three large dogs. Living closely in harmony is a real challenge.
Add to this, male Esk is not good with other dogs and Rocky considers this his home and territory. He now spends most of his time in the bedroom upstairs, and they keep the Huskies well away from him, downstairs.
The ladies have to operate what they call an ‘air-lock’ system to take the dogs out which needs to be done regularly because of having no garden.
Fighting
There have been a couple of massive fights resulting in injury down to the bone to Esk – his shoulder and leg. One of the ladies got bitten when she tried to break them up and got in the way. The wound on her arm is dreadful.
None of these fighting dogs is in any way aggressive to people. The two Huskies that we sat with downstairs were delightful with Dita showing none of her usual fears towards me. Esk peacefully occupied the only remaining bit of floor space.
Later Esk was put on lead and Rocky was brought down on lead. Esk eyeballed and growled across the small remaining space between them.
Then Rocky lunged and barked with poor Dita getting bowled over as she got in between, doing her best to split things up. They had to take Rocky back upstairs.
Insufficient exercise and enrichment.
Added to the unhelpful environment is the general atmosphere due to human health problems. It’s not always calm and consistent. Because of their humans’ lack of strength, the two Huskies are unable to receive sufficient exercise, stimulation, enrichment and toilet trips. Fighting is more or less inevitable.
The dogs are dearly loved and I know these two ladies will do their very best against the enormous odds. I will do everything in my power to help them whilst also feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the unavoidable restrictions on the choices of action available.
Four months later: Just wanted to give you a quick update on the unbelievable progress of The Guys! Rocky and Esk have been working really hard to be friendly towards each other. And would you believe it? They are BOTH lying on the same bed together with Phil! Please see attached pics! Up until now Dita has still tried to work as a “go between” and step between them if there appears to be any trouble brewing! But recently her services have not been necessary. I honestly couldn’t be more proud of our wee boys!!!
