Dogs fight when I'm not around

AmandaDes · 11-05-2009, 04:33 PM

I'm hoping I can gain some insight on a particular issue I am having with 2 of my 3 dogs. Some background information:

1 - 8 year old neutered male boxer, 75 lbs, had him since 8 weeks old
1 - 6 year old neutered male english bulldog, 50 lbs, had since 3 years old (rescue dog, no information on background)
1 - 8 month old spayed femail english bulldogs, 45 lbs, had since 10 weeks old

We've done obedience training with both males and the female is currently enrolled in a 12 week obedience training course. The female and male bulldogs will fight over attention and toys, but only sometimes. The times they've fought in my presence, my boyfriend and I have both been able to stop the fight without getting involved physically. We have both established leadership over the dogs.

When we are not home and my mother visits the house to let the dogs out, the female and male bulldogs get in really aggressive fights. Luckily neither have had serious injuries. It seems to be happening more. I'm presuming it's for my mother's attention. I've tried to teach her how to establish leadership, but nothing seems to be working.

Then there are times that the two dogs cuddle up next to each other and sleep. The other male boxer stays out of it. When we first got the male bulldog, the boxer and male bulldog had one fight over a bone, so we no longer offer them.

Is there any advice or thoughts on this matter? Has anyone experienced this before?

RedyreRottweilers · 11-05-2009, 04:36 PM

Bulldogs can be quite aggressive with other dogs.

My suggestion would be for your mother to let them out one at a time when you are not there.

If I were you, I would not leave these 2 together unattended anymore, either. Time to crate one and rotate who gets crated to avoid this. These things can tend to escalate, and one day you might come home to one or two dogs instead of 3.

Xeph · 11-05-2009, 04:36 PM

Easiest thing to do...when YOU are not there to supervise and maintain peace, the dogs should be separated and should be let out separately to maintain serious issues.

pugmom · 11-05-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xeph

Easiest thing to do...when YOU are not there to supervise and maintain peace, the dogs should be separated and should be let out separately to maintain serious issues.

This^^^^^^^^

Xeph · 11-05-2009, 11:40 PM

Please note I meant AVOID serious issues, not maintain x.x. I meant everything else though!

AmandaDes · 11-06-2009, 08:37 AM

Thanks everyone! This is all great feedback. I'm hoping that by keeping them separated when I'm not around and constantly monitoring them for any type of potential fight, will eventually stop these fights.

BC3 · 11-06-2009, 11:59 AM

I have just been through my dogs fighting for the past several months. You have gotten good advice to keep them separate when you can not supervise them but I'd like to also add even when you are around keep short leads on both of them.

It gives you something to grab or step on if needed. It can mean the difference between a full blown fight, injuries to the dogs or you.

Time out for the one who starts the posturing can work as well. I suggest when the time out is up bring the dog out with lead in hand. This does two things, lets the dog know you are in charge and keeps the dog from charging any other dog.

Not until I upped my disapproval did the fighting stop with my dogs. By that I mean as soon as the offender gave a wrong look, started to stare, low growl, anything, I made all 3 lay down in close proximity to each other and I stood by them. I released them one at a time and since that strategy was implemented there have been no more fights.
I wish you luck in getting this under control.

AmandaDes · 11-06-2009, 01:05 PM

Thanks BC3! This forum is so great. I'm delighted that I signed up. Everyone has provided such helpful information. Hopefully I can get a profile image up soon.