Trouble with dogs fighting

[koneal]

Hi,

We have 2 boxers, Duke & Athena. Duke is 3 and Athena is 1. We are having some problems lately with them fighting. She seems to want to take over and not let Duke get attention. Once they get that stare and look at each other, they get into it. We spray them with water when they do but they seem to be fighting more often. Am not sure what to do. They have not actually bitten each other but it does sound like they are killing each other. We separate them but they sit there and whine til they are together again. Then they are fine. Last night, when we went to bed (both dogs normally sleep in the bed with us, she got on the bed and when Duke came to the room, she started growling and didn't want him to get on the bed. Any advise would be helpful. We love our dogs and are not sure what to do.

 

[Krikkit]

Sounds like Athena may be turning into a bit of a resource guarder, not uncommon with girls BTW. Below are some previous threads and links about this.

A great book that might help you out is 'MINE!' A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs' by Jean Donaldson. Details at: http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB740

Threads:

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49756

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51416

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52481

Links:

Possessiveness - Teaching Dogs It's Okay to Share

Social Hierarchies

Guarding and Showing Aggression Over Resources

Resource Guarding

Help for Object Guarding

Managing A Multiple Dog Household

Wishing you all the best with this - calling in a behaviourist (who uses positive methods) is a good option, they can help you manage this and make a fair call on what might be happening

Sharon

 

[koneal]

Thank you. I will certainly get the book and look at the other options as well. It is great to know there is a place to go for questions. This is a great site and I will be a frequent visitor