Inter-housemate aggression
Managing Housemate Aggression: A Guide for Responsible Pet Owners
Interdog aggression is a challenging and potentially dangerous behavior problem that can arise between dogs living in the same household. It's essential for pet owners to understand the causes and signs of interdog aggression and learn how to manage and prevent it. This is a perfect Dirtbag Dogtor consultation so your dogs can be evaluated in their home environment.
In many cases, housemate aggression is a symptom of other underlying causes and not primary aggression. It can be from resource guarding (a resource can be food, toy, attention, person or even a chair/couch), fear or anxiety, lack of socialization, competition for attention or medical issues. By trying to figure out a trigger, managing their underlying anxiety and treating BOTH dogs, we can try to reduce or eliminate their fights.
Housemate aggression can be expressed by fighting or less obviously, growing, snarling, or stiff body language.
If your pets exhibit resource guarding, we want to limit triggers so taking away that resource for both dogs for some time. Take away toys and treats, don’t allow either dog on the couch, and feed dogs separately with physical boundaries between them.
Work on their confidence by asking each dog to sit before they get fed, sit before they get pet, sit before going through a door. This will build their confidence and show them attention is not limited, not earned. Reward calm, non-aggressive behavior.
These links go through a very thorough explanation of resource guarding and the modification required to rehabilitate it.
https://cattledogpublishing.com/blog/resource-guarding-in-dogs/
https://www.happynaturaldog.com/how-to-stop-resource-guarding-in-dogs/
Prioritize safety
Keep dogs physically separated
Use crates or separate rooms when necessary
Consider muzzle training for safety during interactions
Keep a structured routine and regular exercises to reduce anxious energy.
Consider natural calming supplements that have quality control. These can take 4 - 6 weeks to take effect.
Vetriscience Composure
Purina Calming Care probiotic
Zylkene
Solliquin
Adaptil is dog appeasing pheromone, a hormone dogs can smell but we can’t. It comes in spray, diffuser or collar form.
Please seek veterinary consult if the fighting continues or escalates.
Managing this requires patience, consistency and professional guidance. By understanding the causes, recognizing the signs and implementing appropriate management, you can create a peaceful and harmonious environment for all your furry family members.
