Shaken to the core - Page 2

You can't build a pack, it has to grow into a pack.   Take's time.

Now that the fighting has started, you will have to keep them separated forever. They might be fine for a while, but the risk of a terrible--even lethal--fight down the road is just too great. You can also be severely injured breaking up a fight. And you are right to be badly shaken up. This does not reflect inexperience, ignorance, or stupidity on your part. Anyone who loves their dogs is badly shaken up by a nasty fight. It's very distressing to see your dogs try to kill each other, even when you understand that this is normal. It's just simple human decency on your part. I wish there was more of that in the world.

My 17 month old GSD loves to work & gets pissed when I take another dog from the van to work them instead of her.  At which point she goes crazy barking, bitting at the water bucket, etc.  She looks like a completely crazy dog but when she is very good otherwise.  The only thing I've seen her do while training, is she will get up from her long down if she see's me near another dog & come to me.  She doesn't try to fight, just wants my attention!!!  She is fine with all my other dogs in the yard but obviously pissed at not getting to work all the time!!!!  I am afraid this will lead to jealousy that will later lead into a fight(s), which I would rather not deal with.  I'm not Lazy, I just don't want anyone getting hurt.  It's not practical to leave everyone else at home especially when I plan to work both sisters in Schutzhund so taking them to training together is the most practical thing for me to do.  The girls do a separate SAR discipline and travel with other dogs to that training.  She is Jealous of any and all of my dogs if I am working them and not her, not just her younger sister.  Any suggestions on reducing and/or eliminating his green eyed monster?

Teri 

i have two females that had a few fight ove six years ago they still hold a grudge for each other .only the tide turned as the older dog is now twelve and the younger 8 not so good odds an the older more dominate bitch holding her. own i keep my eye on them still and have had to for years

Just to answer your questions I own 4 females and 1 neutered male, they are all kenneled separately at night or if I am not home (which is not very often), during the day they are out in in 50 meter square runs.

They each go for 1 hour long walks am and pm,( yes it keeps my OH and me fit also), also have training time and of course they have play time, which is what we were doing yesterday when one of the neighbours terriers came on the scene. My 2 bitches saw it and went crazy, we were all in an enclosure with 6 foot fence so no chance of my dogs being able to give chase, instead they accidently clashed into each other and that is when the fight happened.

These 2 have always been together when they are in the outside runs and the older is the alpha and the younger has always been submissive, so no problems there (so I thought,) this morning I see the younger one is on heat so that also may have also had something to do with the fight.

I do know my dogs, I have a 21/2 year old that I know is also alpha and she never ever goes with either of these bitches, because I am fully aware that she would challenge given half a chance, she is usually with her 8 year old mother during play time and as long as there is a ball or a tug these 2 just love to play. YES so did the other 2 until a 3rd party entered their territory.

Kerschberger I agree a couple of muzzles for a while might be a good idea, if I let them back together any time soon.

I loved the idea of buying a larger property for my dogs and it is great, we built a large shed and kennels inside it for night time and large 6 ft meshed day runs and when you can exercise your dogs in your own forest or paddocks it is, but when you have neighbours that allow their 3 dogs to roam free it is a nightmare.

If one bitch is coming into heat that definately has something to do with it.

This doesn't sound that serious to me.   Not if one's in heat.   It happen's here all the time.

Separate them when one's in heat.  

As scary as it was did anyone bleed?   Mine would seem like grizzly bear's going at it but they have never drawn blood.

Your's may be different.    You decide when to separate them, but when you let them back together they will go thru the ritual again.

Never a dull moment.

Dogshome9, Do not be shaken to the core.You need to address to your neighbor that they should be wise to take care of their small dogs and train them to not impede your fenceline.That is first!! The two girls whom adjust to one another became a pack and probably stirred eachother up...to get to the crossing meal..haha. As well to protect their land.It would be the worst thing to totally separate them because of your fear.Just take pre-caution in doing so.If you have an area set up..turn the two out.Be there.Have no food around. Just sit and observe. If the Alpha of the two goes after the other.You give a big (No)..(Nine)..(off)!! Speak loudly as soon as she is in prey.If she is teeing up on the other.Be bolder in your voice to get an (Off)..Praise her for doing so and place her in a sit or Platz to not move while you praise the other dog.If the Alpha moves..Put her back into place and praise her again.She should not move unless you call her.Do the same with the other...and let the Alpha see.Move them in closer for a down stay...over a period of time.You be the Alpha.They are your pups.

Agree, once bitches get it in for one another, there is no stopping them from fighting. Just keep them separated.

        Two Moons  NO, No Blood.