Aggression between dogs living under the same roof can be both puzzling and distressing. From the dogs’ perspectives, imagine living in constant tension, unsure of your safety and security at any given moment. Dogs are amazing creatures, but they can’t be reasoned the way humans can. Today, we want to help you understand your dogs’ reasonings for acting the way they do and give you practical tips to address this behavior before it gets out of hand.
Aggression Between Dogs in the Same Household
Dogs may become aggressive toward each other for various reasons, and the root causes are often tied to their instincts and past experiences. Territorial behavior is one of the most common triggers. Dogs are naturally protective of their space and resources, and when two dogs feel that they have to compete for these, sparks can fly. Territory can refer to many other aspects of modern living than just physical space, like food, toys, and even your attention.
But it’s not just about territory. Sometimes, the dogs’ personalities simply don’t mix well. Just like people, some dogs clash due to differences in temperament or energy levels. If one dog is more crazy while the other is more mellow or anxious, their interactions can become fraught with tension.
That being said, there isn’t always an apparent reason for aggression. Some of it comes down to past experiences and trauma that you are unaware of. If you adopt a dog or find a stray, unknown underlying issues may cause your dog to become aggressive based on specific triggers. When this is the case, it can take a lot of effort and patience to work through the issues and keep the peace within your home.
Training to Reduce Aggression and Promote Harmony
If you want your house to be a safe and secure place for dogs and humans alike, your goal shouldn’t be to stop fights when they occur. If so, you will constantly be putting out fires. Instead, you should aim to address underlying issues and prevent altercations before they manifest into real-world aggression. Here’s a quick look at what you can try in your home:
1. Basic Obedience Training
Basic obedience commands like “sit” and “stay” are some of the simplest tools you can make use of, but their power is immense. If you can reliably control your dogs’ behaviors and stop fights in their tracks, the risks of harm and injury decrease. This means that future training doesn’t have to be a life-or-death scenario, and you can instead focus on taking your time and laying the groundwork for future success. However, if you are completely unable to maintain any semblance of control through basic training, it may be worth considering skipping to advanced training to protect you and your furry friends from further harm.
2. Establishing Leadership and Boundaries
Dogs are pack animals and must learn that you are the leader. Part of their aggression may simply arise from constant leadership jockeying. Placing yourself at the top of the totem pole can sometimes eliminate concerns, and your dogs will naturally see you in this role as you continue training. In addition, you can add in some simple everyday actions like making your dogs sit before meals to reinforce your role as the leader. When both dogs recognize your authority, they’re less likely to challenge each other for dominance.
3. Structured Reintroduction
Once you’ve established basic obedience and leadership, it’s time to start reintroducing the dogs to each other in a controlled way. Remember, if things go away, you should try to use previous training to get things under control. Dogs that don’t respond well to commands like “Stop” or “Come” should remain on a leash to prevent dangerous situations from worsening.
Begin with parallel walks, where each dog can smell and see the other without being in direct contact. Keeping them at a safe distance will also make them less likely to react aggressively. Over time, as they become more comfortable, you can gradually decrease the distance between them.
After successfully completing parallel walks, you can move to supervised interactions in a neutral space. Use the commands you’ve practiced to maintain control during these sessions. Keep the interactions short and positive, ending on a good note before any signs of aggression appear. If you don’t have any safety concerns, gradually increase the time they spend together as they show signs of improvement.
4. Professional Training Programs
Finally, if the aggression is severe or doesn’t improve with the above steps, it’s time to consider enrolling in professional training programs. These programs can specifically address behavioral issues by safely introducing your dog to others enrolled in the program and teaching them how to act when they aren’t the head honcho of the household. Training will occur in one-on-one and group settings to ensure your dog is a pleasant pup no matter the situation.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training offers effective dog training programs to help your dog overcome issues and stay safe when interacting with other dogs. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how our professional trainers can help.
