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Hi
My two pups (3-4yrs each *grin*) a staffie male and a huntaway female have great fun playing and usually get along really well. Occasionally they have a scrap (usually over a toy) but they get over it. They often come out of these squabbles with scratches under the chin and on their muzzel and v. occasionally toothmarks on their legs (accidently connecting with the others mouth - not intentional biting).
The other weekend however they had a really nasty scrap and sable our huntaway ended up with a chunk missing just below her eye (thankfully missed the eye). We patched her up only to discover 2 days later that she either 'got' Otis (staffie) during the fight or made up for it afterwards and he had a big puncture under his jaw.
Both dogs are nearly the same height and weight. Otis has always been the dominant one and we think Sable may be challenging him more now. Our concern is what do we do if this becomes regular? They do adore each other most the time and are usually fine.. Any suggestions? please
Owner of two big (30kg each) puppies and one wee cat :)
Sorry if this is short and sweet but didnt want to leave this one unanswered.... (really need to go to bed!)....
1/ Exercise each dog seperately (ie do one walk together, one seperate each day).
Make sure that both dogs are not only physically tired but mentally so incorporate some training and games on the walk, not just a run round in a field.
2/ Do seperate training exercise with each dog as well as the walking stuff - even a couple of five minute sessions each day with each dog will do. Really get them using their brains and working out what it is you want (google clicker training).
Both these will mean each dog is more responsive and bonded to you, and much less likely to need to play to the point where they fall out (imagine two toddlers.... you dont leave them to amuse themselves for long as one will end up bashing the other or poking him in the eye and then tis world war three!).
It is highly likely that the ***** will end up the dominant dog of the pair, although its worth remembering that 'dominance' or really group heirachy between dogs in a home is often very fluid - one dog will take the lead in the home but be quite happy to allow the other to make decisions out on a walk for example.
Have a really good think about which dog is more naturally the boss of the two - try to seperate your own feelings about each dog out of this, doesnt matter who is your particular favourite, they dont really care.
If it seems you can tell that one dog is more naturally teh boss then back that dog up (again, doesnt matter which one you think it is, or want it to be!), so fuss that one first, walk him or her first, treat and feed first.
If you got it right then the challenging dog may well see the heirarchy much clearer and not feel the need to challenge any more.
Do be careful though, if you are backing up the wrong dog then the fighting will quite probably get worse (often happens when someone has a dog, gets another and then tries to keep the first dog as the boss dog when naturally the newcomer is the dominant one).
Will start working on that tonight. Am so glad you didn't suggest re-homing one as everyone else (who ,naturally, don't have two dogs) keep putting that annoying know-it-all tone on to tell me it (with that false sympathy along the lines of "I don't know why you got two dogs, they're so much work!). Grrr!
Owner of two big (30kg each) puppies and one wee cat :)
Wait for them to whinge about their childrena nd tell 'em to rehome one of them!
Soon shuts them up!
Most of these issues can be solved but these days as you are hearing, a lot of people dont want to deal with problems and just think 'oh get rid' instead.
Anything for an easy life and s*d the implications for the dog or other animal involved!
