I hope I don't sound stupid but....

[CaseyGirl]

I recently posted in the behavior section about my male and female fighting. Since then I have been just keeping them separated. My male (1 year) out of nowhere just started attacking my female (2 years). When the two of them are separated during a fight it's my male who keeps trying to get back in the fight. He's definitely in the "red zone". There's never an obvious trigger and it happened 3X in a day. The reason I'm posting this in the health issue section is because I'm wondering if since my female has Lyme disease does that mean she might be.....I don't know....sending off weird vibes or something. I hope this doesn't sound like the dumbest question ever. But we have young children in our home and this is a huge safety concern for us. We have had to consider the possibility of finding Chucky a new home. Not something we want to do. He's been neutered and his health checks out fine and so that's ruled out. We're running out of ideas and maybe I'm just grasping at straws. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[gmacleod]

Have you considered consulting a behaviourist? A behaviour modification specialist, that is, not a trainer. It is possible that someone with that sort of experience, who comes to work with you and the dogs, will be able to identify triggers and/or indicators that you don't see. Sometimes just being an outsider helps for seeing those things - and someone like that may well be able to help you with ways to (a) see it coming, and (b) stop it before it starts. Worth consideration, anyway. Dog fighting isn't something easy to deal with, but it's a whole lot easier with someone who knows what they're doing there with you to help.

 

[ELubas]

I see you are in Mass. I also had a fighting male/female pair, though my young girl was the instigator. We went to Tufts Behavorial and they were great. You can also do a consult long distance but I would encourage you to go. It was reasonable and it worked. No guaruntees obviously but very common sense approach and for us very effective. We went last June and by fall the fighting had ceased. I do not think the lyme is a factor. Dogs can be opportunistic with an obviously sick dog, but that is not the case with Lyme. I think it is thier ages and status they are fighting over. I can not say enough what a difference this made for us. As a general rule a male and a female will get along so I really think they could help you. Dog fights were a daily event for us for awhile and now I can not remember the last time it happened and the dogs truly enjoy each other and we can enjoy them -best of luck to you and let me know how you make out

 

[Rocky's-Mom]

Believe me I understand!

I have a one year old boxer girl and a 10 year old male daushound. They get into big dog fights and the little male want give up. Tonight they had abig fight and my husband had to tear them apart and Addy had Tobey's ear bleeding. It just breaks my heart when this happens. Our male boxer that we lost last year grew up with Tobey and they never once had a fight. I think they are both very jealous of each other and don't want the other getting attention from my husband and I. We try o give them both attention at the same time but there's just times they just have adog fight. So believe me I don't think you sound stupid. Good luck and keep me posted!

 

[ELubas]

I have a one year old boxer girl and Addy had Tobey's ear bleeding. QUOTE]

I do not think there is anything worse than a young female as she starts to mature if she fights. They are relentless. My girl will never back down and the sounds she makes are horrific. I would not have have known what to do if we had not consulted a behavorist-best money I ever spent on a dog. Mostly I learned how to handle it appropriately and not make it worse, which is easy to do depending on what is causing them to fight. I wish you luck-it is not fun :(

 

[CaseyGirl]

Thanks for getting back to me. I really appreciate all the feedback. I think it is time we consult with a behaviorist. Maybe I am missing triggers or something. It's just so hard to have a houseful of young children and be worried about 150 pounds of muscle and teeth going at it. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

 

[simmons]

Thanks for getting back to me. I really appreciate all the feedback. I think it is time we consult with a behaviorist. Maybe I am missing triggers or something. It's just so hard to have a houseful of young children and be worried about 150 pounds of muscle and teeth going at it. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

That's great!! Believe me, when a behavourilists comes into your home they will point out the triggers that you normally wouldn't catch. Well, we never noticed the triggers from our boy...also the calming signals he did when he was real nervous. I agree, it is money well spent.

I also learned how to react the proper way when Bosco would start to attack. He also goes into a "zone" I was also trained!!!

Good Luck and continue practicing lots of NILF