Dog Training Tips - When Your Dogs Don't Get Along

When Your Dogs Don't Get Along with Each Other When dogs don't get along inside the home, it causes unnecessary stress for them and for their human family members. No one knows when the aggressor will snap again, and there's always a chance that the next dogfight will be worse than the last. Because this is potentially dangerous (and nerve wracking), it's critical that you help your dogs get along with each other.

Change Your Perspective The human mindset is one of the biggest barriers to stopping dogs from fighting in the home. We tend to treat dogs like humans, meaning we expect them to treat each other as equals and respond well to reason. But, if you want your fighting dogs to get along, you must think like a dog-and act like one. Dogs naturally create a hierarchy of power within their groups, and they dominate each other to establish their ranks and territory. Perhaps your dogs are battling for the top position, or the aggressor is "picking on" the submissive one. In any case, you must establish yourself as the top dog.

Walk Out the Tension A long daily walk with your dogs will help you with overall obedience and with curbing the tension. Walk quickly with one dog on either side of you, and with the leashes relaxed. You want them to focus on the walk and on your commands-not on each other. Do not allow them to stop or sniff at anything without your permission.

Control Toy Aggression If your dogs fight over toys, do not leave the toys lying around the house. First, train them individually to "drop it," by exchanging treats for toys. Afterward, command the dogs to "sit" in the same room, and reward them each with a toy when they are calm and obedient. If either dog escalates, command him to drop the toy, and remove it. With severe cases of toy aggression, only allow toys when the dogs are in separate rooms. It's important that you not yank toys from the dogs, and that you forbid tug of war games.

Control Food Aggression Keep the dogs on a consistent feeding schedule, preferably one that feeds them after long walks. Fill their separate dishes with food, and instruct them to "sit." The first dog that calmly sits is the first to get his food. Monitor their behavior as they eat. If one dog escalates, walk toward him to back him away from his dish. You control the food, so give it back to him when he is calm and obedient. For severe cases of food aggression, feed the dogs in separate rooms and consult a trainer for in-home help.

Take Precautions Aggressive dogs can severely injure each other and their owners. Keep the dogs separated when you're not there to monitor them, and do not attempt to get between them if a fight breaks out. Consult a trainer for a thorough analysis and strategy if your dogs don't get along inside after consistent use of leadership strategies.