Dog Fights: How to Stop Fighting in the House

Dogs commonly engage in fights and often one dog inflicts a great deal of harm onto another. If you are struggling to keep the peace among multiple dogs in your family, it is important to learn not only what disciplines can be enforced but what to do when your dog is harmed by another family dog. While some veterinarians may recommend putting a dog to sleep after inflicting harm on another dog, there are some other options to consider.

Why Dogs Fight
When two dogs engage in a fight, it is often because there is a dispute over the hierarchy in the family. As the dog owner, you can engage one dog in more activity, over several weeks, which will give that dog the greater power among the pack of canines in your home. In the recommendations by the Leerburg dog training group, it is important to never break up a dog fight when you are alone but, instead, to break up the fight only when another person is with you.

Dog Owner Taking Control
When a dog fight occurs, it is necessary to allow dogs to fight out whatever issues they have, provided they are not causing harm to one another. If you know that one dog will harm another, then when in the presence of another person, each dog should be lifted by their hind legs in an effort to gain control over their behavior. When a dog loses the ability to stand on their hind legs, they often will not be able to fight and, in turn, won't be able to bite you either.

Encouraging Assimilation
Establishing hierarchy with the dogs is important and they should first understand that you are the leader of the pack. Within the pack, the eldest dog should be considered a pack leader, unless there is another male dog that is larger and healthier. At no time should the most aggressive dog be granted authority over the pack as this will only further promote the aggressive nature. By finding the eldest dog, and giving that dog more attention and direction, the other dogs will learn to follow and understand that particular dog is in control over the home.

Of course, when your dogs cannot get along, then it is always wise to find another home, use a no-kill animal shelter or, in worst case scenario, put the most aggressive dog to sleep. Always be sure your dogs are up-to-date on their shots and you'll find that it is far easier to find a more suitable home when your home only provides an environment for hostility and aggression. For some breeds of dogs, living in a one-dog home may be the best option.

Sources:
Leerburg Dog Training
http://www.spca.org/
http://www.nonlineardogs.com/socialorganisation.html