Here are some steps you can take to help stop your dogs from fighting:
1. Safety First:
* Separate immediately: If your dogs are fighting, separate them safely. Do not put yourself in harm's way. Use a leash, a barrier, or anything available to create distance.
* Do not intervene physically: Trying to pull your dogs apart can result in bites.
* Seek veterinary attention: If either dog is injured, contact your veterinarian immediately.
2. Understanding the Cause:
* Resource guarding: Is the fight over food, toys, or a specific space?
* Territoriality: Is the fight related to their territory, such as a room, yard, or even a person?
* Fear/anxiety: Could one dog be afraid of the other or stressed in a particular situation?
* Medical issues: Sometimes, medical issues can lead to aggression. Rule out any underlying health problems by consulting your veterinarian.
3. Professional Help:
* Certified Professional Dog Trainer: A certified trainer can assess your dogs' behavior and help you develop a personalized training plan.
* Veterinarian: Your vet can rule out medical reasons for the fighting and may be able to recommend behavior specialists.
* Animal Behaviorist: If the fighting is severe or you need more in-depth help, a certified animal behaviorist can provide specialized support.
4. Training and Management:
* Separate when not supervised: Keep your dogs in separate areas when you can't monitor them.
* Individual attention and exercise: Provide each dog with plenty of individual attention, exercise, and mental stimulation.
* Reduce triggers: Identify and minimize the situations that trigger the fighting.
* Teach calm behaviors: Train your dogs to respond to commands like "leave it" and "go to your place."
* Positive reinforcement: Use rewards-based training methods to encourage desired behaviors.
* Desensitization: Gradually expose your dogs to each other in safe and controlled environments, building up their comfort levels.
5. Important Considerations:
* Be consistent: Training and management strategies need to be applied consistently.
* Patience is key: It takes time and effort to resolve dog-on-dog aggression.
* Don't punish: Punishing your dogs for fighting will only make the situation worse.
* Consult with a professional: If you're unable to manage the fighting on your own, seek the guidance of a qualified professional.
Remember, seeking professional help is vital to address this issue effectively. Your dogs' safety and well-being are paramount.