[Jmschwa17]

I have a 4 and 2 year old Australian Cattle dog and recently the older one has been very aggressive towards the younger one. Kona (older) has gotten ahold of Piper (younger) and tore up her thigh and legs while we were out of town this past week. This used to be an every once in a while occurrence, but is lately becoming regular. Pipers cuts are deep to the point she may need stitches and we can only imagine what Kona could do if we didn’t rip them off of each other right away.

We’ve noticed the past few months Kona’s behavior worsen with dominance. If someone comes through the front door too quickly or is loud Kona will immediately run and jump/stand over piper (I’m assuming to tell her who is boss). One night we had a few friends over and we all laughed really loud at a joke which triggered Kona’s tic and she went after Piper again. It took two of us to separate them. The occurrences have been happening in the middle of the night while everyone is sleeping. We will be woken up to the sound of grunting, growling, yelping and screeching. It seems she goes into a blackout mode and doesn’t want to let go of Piper while biting/attacking her.

Kona is around other dogs often. We take her to the dog park weekly (this past week we were out of town and there was a slight difference in her everyday routine). When other dogs get into it at the dog park, Kona again goes straight after Piper.

A few friends have told me sometimes dogs have tumors in their brain that can be triggered by certain noises or atmospheres. I don’t really want to believe that because its too tragic, but I’m not ruling it out.

I’ve also found online that it could be a possible earache in which every time she hears a loud tone she goes into manic mode. I am in need of a trainer or advice. Has this happened between anyone’s dogs before and what did you do to prevent it?

We are in the midst of separating them throughout the day and caging them at night. However, I do not want to live like this full time. I want to exhaust all options before we ever think about giving her up. She is such a sweet girl when she is not acting crazy. Kona is so loving and has such a sweet heart. I just want to know what all I can do to help her and of course give piper some relief.

 

[RonE]

First up, a vet check to see if there is a medical reason for the behavior.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

You have two bitches. At one point there will be a fight to the death. Both dogs will be badly injured. Bitches start to fight there is NO END. Breed does not matter.

It is said that males will fight for breeding rights. Bitches will fight for BREATHING rights and there will be no peace until one is dead, or removed.

They will be fine.. for awhile.. then "something" .. a look.. a move SOMETHING will set them off. You will have vet bills and possibly two dead dogs if you do not.

You have two choices. Rehome one dog or separate the two PERMANENTLY. That is the advice.

 

[Lillith]

Vet check for both dogs to rule out medical problems first. Make sure to do a thyroid panel. If medically clear, move on from there.

Unfortunately, the only option is to keep them separate at all times. Clearly, Kona has something out for Piper and they can never, ever be trusted together based on their history. Kona is not playing around. It sounds like she seriously wants to hurt and/or kill Piper.

You might also get the help of a behaviorist. Their advice will likely be to keep the dogs separated, too, but perhaps they can help with some additional training. Sometimes these things are just in their heads, though, and there isn't much you can do about it other than management.

I would also stop taking Kona to the dog park. It's only a matter of time before she turns on another dog she has taken a dislike to that is not Piper and gets you into a nasty lawsuit. Some dogs are not dog park dogs, and that's okay.

 

[storyist]

You have two choices. Rehome one dog or separate the two PERMANENTLY. That is the advice.

I agree. Separate them now and save yourself vet bills and heartache and the younger dog injuries and pain. I have a similar situation with my two Rottie bitches. I choose to keep both, and it means living in a house with baby gates impeding free movement from room to room. One goes out to the yard, the other stays in. I leave the house, one goes in a strong crate in addition to the gate separation. At that I'm lucky because the aggressive one of my bitches (also the older) respects the gates and isn't so bad she's actively trying to get at the younger dog so long as I force a distance between them.