If you’ve noticed that your dogs are frequently fighting or showing signs of aggression toward each other, it might be time to consider training options. Aggressive behavior can disrupt the harmony of your household and create a stressful environment for both you and your pets. We know sudden aggression is scary, and we want to help eliminate this behavior to keep you, your family, and your dogs safe from any mistakes that can happen.
The Root Causes of Aggression
When two dogs are fighting or being aggressive with each other, it usually means there is an issue that owners need to address. In many cases, you can’t expect an older dog to love a new addition to the home, especially if it causes unexpected schedule changes and new priorities for their owner. There are distinct ways that aggression can manifest, and owners should keep an eye out to learn which issue is occurring to address the problem effectively.
Stress
Dogs can’t speak, so dog aggression isn’t easy to understand for most owners. However, that doesn’t mean you have no way to identify what is going on or what is exacerbating the issue. Just as humans may lash out due to accumulated stress, dogs can react aggressively when their stress levels become too high. That doesn’t mean that one dog hates the other – it may simply result from their environment, leaving them with limited options to feel safe and secure.
For example, one dog might suffer from separation anxiety, making it highly stressed when left alone. Another dog might have a naturally combative or rough attitude, adding to the overall tension in the household. These stressors can accumulate, causing a breaking point where aggression surfaces, often directed at the other dog.
Dogs aren’t known to hold onto grudges or develop a permanent negative view toward another dog in the house. If they can get over their issues and eliminate negative feelings, you may find that their behavior rapidly improves and helps bring your home back into a peaceful state.
Household Hierarchy
There may still be some situations where fights between dogs occur because both animals vie for the top position in the household hierarchy. While it may seem unfair, a clear hierarchy can reduce these power struggles and create a more harmonious environment. One effective way to achieve this is by designating a “leader” dog in the household.
Typically, an older dog that is more established in the household should be chosen as the leader. This dog should be given some preferential treatment in a structured manner to reinforce its status, possibly through an earlier feeding time or first dibs at attention from its owner. Even if it’s just a puppy, an older dog may view their introduction as a threat, and ensuring their previous position in the household is not jeopardized can help them overcome their fears.
The dominant dog in the home shouldn’t get extra privileges. More important than preferential treatment is making sure that the established dog does not feel left behind or overlooked. Ultimately, if it reduces conflict, this will be beneficial to the newer dog as well.
Training To Assist With Aggression Between Two Dogs
Your specific training will vary depending on the issues you see between your dogs. Stress can result from dozens of unique issues, so speak to your vet or work with an experienced dog trainer to learn what your next steps should be. Whatever you do, the important part is to stay consistent. To address deep-seated issues, you must work daily to fix them or risk losing your progress.
While home training can yield positive results, sometimes additional support is necessary, especially if you don’t have the time for dedicated training or are gone for extended parts of the day. If you’re not seeing the progress you hoped for or the aggression persists, it may be worth seeking a dedicated training program. Investing in a professional training program can provide the structured environment needed to effectively manage and reduce aggression in your household before it gets out of hand.
It’s not too late to fix anger issues and violent tendencies between your dogs. Contact Gulf Coast Dog Training today to get started on a new training program and work toward a peaceful home once again.
