Instructions
Find out why the dogs are acting aggressively with each other. Aggression is caused by a need for dominance, to claim territory, or out of fear or anxiety about something that is redirected into aggression at the other dog. Dogs that are left alone all day can face anxiety over their owners' absence, and take it out on each other. Or an aging pet may feel the need to establish its dominance when you introduce a newer, younger pet to the household.
Spay both females, if this has not been done. Removing a female dog's reproductive tract stops the production of estrogen and progesterone, which cause aggressive behavior. Having both dogs spayed should stop the aggressive behavior; additionally, spaying has been shown to cause "reduced incidences of some cancers and reproductive diseases," according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Take one or both dogs to the veterinarian in separate visits for a complete check-up. Aggression can be caused by a simple health problem, such as a bladder infection or pain, that can be cleared up with antibiotics or a routine medical procedure. Rule out any health problems that may be causing the aggression.
Research the breed specifics of each dog. Look for traits that might exacerbate the aggression. For instance, Yorkies refuse to back down in a fight, even to much larger dogs, and are frequently killed. According to the Pit Bull Rescue Center, pit bulls, which is a "breed" made up of three types of bull terriers, "carry the potential for dog aggression" because they were initially bred for hunting bears and bulls. While a dog's personality can overcome or contribute to the aggression, knowledge about the breeding of the two female dogs can give you direction on what may be causing the it, and what training can help stop it.
Do not allow aggressive female dogs to eat together. This includes treats, rawhide snacks and even chew toys. Eating and chewing appeals to a dog's deepest survival instincts. If the two females are already aggressive toward one another, putting them in a situation where they are eating or chewing around the other can cause jealousy or other unnecessary feelings that exacerbate the aggression.
Look for signs of aggressive behavior before a fight erupts between the two female dogs, such as a stiff tail or body movements, tails straight in the air, baring of teeth, lunging and posturing that shows dominance. Separate the dogs at the first indication of these signs.
Hire a behavior specialist or dog trainer to work with both females. A specialist can determine why the dogs are acting aggressively, if this is not obvious to you. A plan can then be formulated. The trainer will work with the dogs and the owner to teach behavioral modification and help both dogs realize the owner is the "alpha dog" who is in charge at all times.
How to Live with Two Female Dogs That Are Aggressive with Each Other
Aggressive dogs can be a danger to themselves and to the people around them if a fight gets out of hand. And two females in the same household are typically more aggressive with each other than they would be with another male. However, it is possible that the dogs can learn to get along peacefully with each other, with some research, understanding, patience and training from the humans who love them.