In most households where there is more than one dog, people find that they can live quite nicely without any serious arguments. However, once in a while a dispute arises that has to be dealt with tact and some discipline.
What causes two dogs to suddenly get into an argument? Dogs are much like people, they have likes and dislikes, they feel emotions, they may be possessive about their toys, and like most of us, they could be having a “bad day.”
Any number of things can cause a sudden disagreement, one dog taking the other dog’s favorite toy, sitting in the other dog’s favorite spot, a squabble over a treat left on the floor or even too much lap time with mom or dad can cause some jealousy. Keep in mind, the things that throw you off track and make you upset with other people, can be similar to what dogs feel about their housemates.
Dogs on the whole are not fighters; they really enjoy peace and quiet. Even in feral packs they tend not to fight. It has been said time and time again that dogs are pack animals and have a leader. We also have been told that when we adopt a dog we are supposed to become the “alpha dog” and thereby become the leader, as the family is now the pack.
While this may be true, many dog behaviorists say that dogs do not have a fixed hierarchy, even in feral packs. Granted some dogs are pushier than others are, but as a general rule you would be hard pressed to find the “real leader.” Dogs that live in-groups find it much easier to get along, than continually fighting and jockeying for lead position. Living like that would cause more stress and would not solve any problems of leadership.
Most mentally healthy dogs do not want to fight. They somehow have the inborn knowledge that fighting can lead to being hurt. However, they will fight if it is necessary. Dogs are prone to give warnings to other dogs if they are upset over something. The average dog will not jump into a fight without first giving several hints that it is not pleased with something.
Most often a dog will growl a warning or two, lip curling while showing it teeth is another strong reminder that they are not happy with what is going on. Many times a dog will stand tall, raise its hackles and stare at the offender until it backs down. If the other dog shows submission by crouching low, turning its back or baring its belly that will generally appease the upset dog and all should be well.
As a dog owner when we see trouble brewing between two dogs in your household the best thing you can do if you are in the house is to make a loud noise (bang a pot) or yell “cut it out.” This will provide a distraction and give you time to separate the two dogs. Do not however, dive right in if they have started fighting, as you can get hurt. If they are outside a surprise squirt with a hose will do the trick quite nicely.
If a fight does happen and you are in the house, do not try to grab the dogs by the collar, you may get bit. With small dogs grab each dog by a hind leg and pull them apart. If the dogs are large and someone else is with you, each grab a hind leg and pull the dogs apart. You have to realize that in a dogfight, the dogs are not thinking and may bite you, unaware that it is you.
Once you have them separated and you are in the house put each in a separate room until they have calmed down (at least for a couple of hours). If there happens to be any blood around clean it up and make certain there is none around, as it will only incite the dogs again.
When the dogs have relaxed and their breathing is normal and their eyes are not dilated, leash them and take them for a walk to some neutral ground to become reacquainted again.
How can you prevent outbursts? First of all you cannot prevent all outbursts, just like in a home filled with humans, there will be a time when things get a bit rough. However, a very good idea is to train the dogs together for a few “sit, stay and come” sessions where both dogs (or more) all do the same thing at the same time and get treats for behaving, this creates a sense of equality.
Spend some time alone with each dog, this is very important to have alone time where the dog feels special and the other one is not around.
If you have lap dogs do not favor one over the other with lap time, it is very important to keep the two dogs on the same level of treatment when they are in eyesight of each other. Sit in a place where both can be on the couch or chair with you. Or sit on the floor, what ever you do, do not let one be higher than the other, it may not make sense to you, but in each dog’s eyes it makes a great deal of sense and can create jealousy. Do not play favorites or you are asking for trouble.
Make certain the dogs have been socialized and if you are bringing a new dog home, make certain you follow the rules of introduction and do not bring a dog home and plop it down in front of the senior dog.
Make certain each dog has its own feeding bowl and water dish and has its own special place. Many fights occur when the owners do not realize dogs have feelings of “rights of possession” and many times sharing does not have a place in their lives when it comes to certain things and food is one of them.
Having two or more dogs means that you may have to change your routine in order to accommodate the dogs and give them their special time. Dogs can and do live peacefully together and in a human household you, the owner, has to make some adjustments as well as the dogs. Having one, two or more dogs in your life can be fun and very worthwhile.
If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com
Author: Audrey Frederick
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger