Fights Between My Adult Catahoula and New Heeler Puppy

962 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by sarah.15, Mar 8, 2021

sarah.15

Discussion Starter · Mar 5, 2021

Ever since we adopted Luna, a rambunctious heeler/aussie mix, she and our older rescue, Lexi, have been struggling to get along. Some days, I'll find them sleeping near each other with no issues, but then there are the days that they squabble. And while there hasn't been any blood up until yesterday, these aren't just petty fights. The two of them are snarling and yelping and growling and tearing around, and it's scary.

Yesterday, Luna knicked Lexi's nose and although it was superficial, it was bleeding. I feel bad for the both of them; they shouldn't have to feel like a fight is the only way to solve whatever problem arises between them. I realize that they're both the same sex, which causes issues, but they are both spayed (Luna was spayed a week ago), and Lexi is not generally aggressive. Which leads me to believe it's Luna who starts the fights. She's a typical heeler mix, sweet and loving to humans but not always the best with other pups.

gOur biggest problem with the two of them and their fights is that we don't know the trigger. They'll be out in the yard playing or chilling in their (big) pen when they just go crazy. The last fight they had - there was no food, no toys, no humans involved. Nothing was around them that should've gotten Luna angry. I just don't know what to do or how to stop the fights before they get worse, and if they do, I don't know if we'll be able to keep sweet Luna, which would be a real heartbreaker.

Any help would be much appreciated.

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RonE

· #2 · Mar 6, 2021

I'm very sorry to tell you that this will likely not end well. They're not likely to outgrow it and it's nearly impossible to train out of it. One or both dogs will probably end up seriously injured. Somebody might die. Spaying doesn't make any difference in this regard.

Yes, some pairs of bitches can live together without aggression. I had a pair of them that lived together in harmony. The one time I thought there was a fight I realized it was just a stern correction from the bigger, stronger and wiser Plott hound.

There's a high probability that you will either need to keep them separated at all times (which is difficult, but people do it) or rehome the younger dog.

I'm sorry to paint such a dark picture. Others may chime in to tell you that everything will be fine and just let them work it out.

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parus

· #3 · Mar 6, 2021

How long have you had Luna?

If it's only been a little while and most of that time she's been recovering from surgery, I'd consider letting thing settle for a bit before making any decisions. It's generally best to keep a dog that is suffering in some way away from other dogs until recovered. Anesthesia, pain medication, and having pain can all make a dog's behavior unpredictable.

Otherwise I agree with Ron.

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storyist

· #4 · Mar 6, 2021

I'm one in total agreement with RonE. I live with two spayed Rottweiler bitches who have to be kept separate, as in at least two barriers between them at all times, and for my peace of mind usually three. If I had it to do over, I'd rehome the younger one when the problem first appeared. The older bitch, who is the aggressor, now wants to kill the younger one but was tolerant of her until she outgrew her puppy license.

I have had females that got along fine in the past, but I don't believe there's any safe way to deal with dogs that don't get along not in minor scuffle ways but with the intensity that causes injury except total separation. I do know people who've had 5-figure vet bills and dead dogs over this kind of thing.

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sarah.15

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 8, 2021

parus said:
How long have you had Luna?

If it's only been a little while and most of that time she's been recovering from surgery, I'd consider letting thing settle for a bit before making any decisions. It's generally best to keep a dog that is suffering in some way away from other dogs until recovered. Anesthesia, pain medication, and having pain can all make a dog's behavior unpredictable.

Otherwise I agree with Ron.

We've had her since last July. And yes, it could be due to the surgery so I guess we will try and wait. Thanks for the help.

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