Dogs Not Getting Along?

Dogs Fighting Each Other. Here’s What You Can Do.

Like us, your pets can go through difficult times, where they are fighting each other or you have dogs not getting along in general. You might think that this would only be the case when you introduce a newcomer to the established “pack.” However, even pets who have been getting along well can have fall-outs. 

Just as with young children, it is challenging to talk them out of situations where they are fighting! Fortunately, there are things you can do to remove the frustrations of dealing with the problem of your dog’s not getting along.

Therefore, keep reading to discover what to do when your pets behave like contentious children.

Dogs Not Getting Along May be Over Territory Disputes

Disputes over territory are one of the most common reasons why your dogs are not getting along. Dominance is crucial in the animal world to ensure a position in the hierarchy, leading to disputes over territory. If you bring two dominant pets together, you will likely witness your dogs fighting each other, as this is a struggle for dominance.

You might think this situation is rare or limited to species. However, it is valid for a cat with another cat, a dog with another dog, or a cat with a dog.

 Dogs Fighting Each Other? Neutering or Spaying them May Help

Spaying or neutering your pet will make them much less aggressive and territorial and this will lessen the chances of your dogs not getting along. Therefore, you should consider having this done as a matter of course. Indeed, you should avoid introducing a new animal to your existing pets without it.

You should also check that the contentious animals are not suffering from a psychological issue. Aggressive behavior can be a sign of such problems. Therefore, you should consult your vet if you suspect this to be the case for your pet.

If you struggle to introduce a new pet to the one you already have, you should not force them together. Instead, try to get the pets used to each other gradually, and only let them in the same area when you can supervise them. Of course, this will mean having separate areas for beds, food, toys, and anything else they are likely to share.

You should also maintain impartiality and not favor one animal over the other. For instance, if the existing pet is used to sleeping in your bedroom, do not kick them out just because the new pet arrives. Instead, only allow the newcomer to do the same when the introduction is complete. Showing favor can contribute to your dog’s fighting each other.

Of course, you should also be aware of the existing pet using their rights to your bedroom as a dominance lever over the newcomer. You might have to show them both who is boss at these times!

Over a week or two, you can start moving your pets’ stuff closer together. Depending on how they react, you might be able to keep them close. However, you should be prepared to re-establish the boundaries if your dogs fighting each other persists. Therefore, only bring their things together gradually, when you are confident they’ll get along. The essential aspect is that they are comfortable with each other.

One way to encourage them to get along is to reward them when they do. If they receive a treat every time they get along, they’ll gradually associate that behavior with being good.

What Should You Do If Their Behavior Changes?

Introducing the measures we’ve outlined above may seem natural when introducing pets who’ve never met before. However, what should you do if previously friendly pets start to fight?

You should treat these situations precisely as you would have if introducing new pets. Established pets will still try to assert their authority, and younger ones may try to raise their status through dominance. Of course, remember that this behavior could be brought on by illness or psychological issues. Therefore, you might want to check with your vet that there is no underlying issue.

One thing you should never do if your pet is not getting on with another animal is strike them. All this will do is increase the stress your pet is experiencing. It is much better to use encouragement through treats to alter their behavior.

Of course, there may be a situation where your pet gets into a fight with another animal. It is vital that you do not get physically involved, as you might get injured by either pet. Instead, try spraying both pets with water, as this may shock them into separation.

Conclusion

Hopefully, if you introduce a new pet into your home, they will have no issues co-existing with your existing animals. If you do, following the tips in this article should soon have them getting along fine.