How to Help Two Dogs to Get Along When One Is Aggressive

Dogs are often seen as beloved family members, and some people choose to have more than one dog at the same time. When you have two dogs that like each other, life is harmonious, but living with two dogs that do not get along can be stressful and unsafe. When one dog is aggressive, you should address the situation right away through a series of training steps designed to help ease tension between them. This requires consistency, dedication and patience.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 dog crates
  • dog treats
  • 2 leashes
  • 2 dog collars
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the source of your dogs' fighting. Make a list of incidences of aggression between your dogs and the circumstances of each incidence. Try to recall if they fought over a treat, a toy or your attention, for example. Also try to determine which dog is being aggressive in these situations.

    • 2

      Keep your dogs separated when the object of conflict is present, using dog crates. Place one dog in each crate and close the door to give it privacy.

    • 3

      Remove the non-aggressive dog from its crate and put a collar and leash on it. Have someone assist you by holding this dog in a separate area.

    • 4

      Remove the aggressive dog from its crate and secure it with a collar and leash. Hold onto this dog yourself.

    • 5

      Give the object of conflict to the aggressive dog. For example, if this dog has tried to fight with your other dog over a toy, give that toy to the more aggressive dog. The non-aggressive dog should not be present, and the aggressive dog should be in a relaxed state while in possession of the special item. Continue to hold the leash securely for this dog.

    • 6

      Have your assistant bring the non-aggressive dog on-leash to a place where both dogs can see one another. Keep the dogs far enough apart that the aggressive dog does not show signs of stress or anxiety; signs include the dog's ears pinned back against its head, eyes open very wide, and stiff or frozen body posture. There is a list of dog body language signals in the resources section.

    • 7

      Give the aggressive dog a treat if it showed no negative reaction to the presence of the other dog. Make sure these treats are highly desirable and rewarding to the dog. Continue to keep the non-aggressive dog at a comfortable distance from the aggressive dog, and also give treats to the non-aggressive dog to reward its attitude.

    • 8

      Remove the non-aggressive dog from the area to end the first exercise.

    • 9

      Wait a few minutes, and repeat steps 6-8 as many times as possible until you notice that the aggressive dog anticipates receiving a treat when the non-aggressive dog is presented.

    • 10

      Repeat steps 6-8, but this time while slowly decreasing the amount of distance between the two dogs, always monitoring the aggressive dog for signs of stress, anxiety or anger. Do not give the aggressive dog a treat if he reacts negatively in any way- just start steps 6-8 over with slightly more distance between the dogs. This process will slowly desensitize the aggressive dog to the presence of the other dog, and teach it that seeing the other dog is always followed by getting a treat.