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*There are 2 situations in
which aggression between dogs occur.
*1-When one dog is unfamiliar with
another dog.
*2-Aggression between familiar
dogs that live in the same household.
*Dogs may encounter other dogs
while their owners are walking them. A
dog that is not well-socialized might have dominant body language and
stare other dogs straight in the eyes, which is conceived to be a
direct challenge. Dog's that are otherwise friendly when not on a leash
will more likely bark and lunge at another dog.
*To avoid these confrontations
owners should stay alert and keep their
dog on a short leash. They should have voice control at all times and
not let their dog sniff or come in contact with another dog. To prevent
aggression when a dog is on a leash is to train the dog early on he
can't visit with every canine he meets. Owners should also teach their
dog to sit and wait for permission before approaching another dog. They
should also train their dog not to pull on the leash. Behavior and
basic obedience training along
with voice control can help in
preventing aggression and fights.
*Along with keeping their dogs on
a leash and with proper training owners can also avoid fights by
keeping their dogs from roaming free,
neutering them before one year of age, and start socializing their dogs
when they are in the puppy stage between 5 and 10 weeks of age.
*There are 4 behavioral
clues to
look for if a fight is threatening to
start:
*1-A stern, deliberate, and
targeted stare.
*2-Body language; the tail held
stiffly up or down; lips pulled tight
against the teeth.
*3-Rigid body movement.
*4-A dominating posture stance.
*When dogs first meet they tend to
establish a social hierarchy and
determine whose top dog. They become involved in loud barking and
growling. Sometimes the aggression escalates where one will attack and
a fight starts.
*If you intervene don't put your
hands or get between them to avoid
getting bitten yourself. If another person is there you can take your
dog by the tail or hind legs and the other person takes the other dog
and both pull back until one of the dogs loosens its grip. You should
then move away quickly. This can be risky since dogs will sometimes
bite whoever is hanging on to them.
*Fights and aggression that occur
between dogs in the same household
will be about those resources that are considered most important to
dogs. These include territory, possession, food, sleeping-quarters, and
favored people.
*Fights often come about over
their sleeping territory near their
owners, treats, food, owner attention (or greeting the owner upon
return).
*Dogs of the same sex occur most
often than those of the opposite sex
and seems to be most intense between female dogs. Fights can also start
between familiar dogs where one is obviously dominant.
*There are some familiar
characteristics when it comes to fighting
between dogs in the same household.
*A-Adult dogs over 3 years old.
*B-Dogs fight only when the owner
is present.
*C-Dogs are of the same sex.
*D-A clash often between dogs is
which one will be the dominant dog in
the family pack.
*An owner might try punishment but
typically this only promotes more
aggression and creates new problems. Any
breed of dogs can get into
fights, and it depends more on the dogs training, temperament, and
socialization. Training collars
and leashes help if
used properly
in training and controlling a dog.
*Some fights can start so
quickly
the owner is caught off guard, but
many times you can spot behaviors that signal problems ahead. Keeping a
watch out for these signs can keep a fight from starting.
*Of course the best approach is
prevention and giving your dog proper
training and providing good leadership.