Keep the dogs separated at first
Many people tend to think that when dogs interact more with each other, the faster they can get along. Thus, they force the dogs to share the same dog bowl, play with the same toys and sleep in the same den. Unfortunately, thats not going work. It is safe to assume that every dog needs some alone time, particularly for two dogs that aren’t familiar with each other. Give each dog its own room and space where it won’t feel threatened by the other dog’s presence .
Keep the dogs separated when they are eating. You may feed them at different corners or in a different room. Training should be done separately too. By the time you feel that both dogs are getting used to each other and doesn’t show any aggressive or hostile behaviour towards one another, separation is not necessary anymore. The baby gate may do wonder in helping you to separate the dogs. It allows the dogs to see each other but doesnt allow them access to one another.
Dogs are pack animals by nature. Every animal pack has a leader, an alpha animal who dominates and leads the other members in the pack. As Cesar Millan, a world renowned dog expert says in his article Dog Pack Hierarcy, “They are happiest when they have this structure because the followers want to be told what to do and know what the leaders expect of them.”
Therefore, every dog pack must have a leader. Dogs will instinctively compete to become the alpha in the pack. This is obvious when a new dog is being introduced to the pack. The interesting thing is you and your family are also considered part of the pack. Hence, what you need to is to seize the alpha position in the pack and dominate the pack. If your dogs see you as leader, they won’t see each other as rivals in the pack and could possibly get along well.
The second and most important step with a dog fight is how you handle it after. The right way: forget it happened, because your dogs will. The wrong way: start worrying about the next fight, because that is the quickest way to guarantee that it will happen.
Have you had problems with fights in your pack? Let us know what worked for you in the comments below!
It doesn’t have to be this way and, short of having one or more dogs that are red zone cases (which will require a professional trainer’s help), you can take steps to prevent this problem before it happens or solve it if it does.
Even the most seemingly balanced dog pack may occasionally have a fight in it. The important thing to remember is that you are in charge and conflict like this is not the end of the world. Break the fight up quickly and calmly, redirect the dog’s attention, take them for a walk together, and don’t worry that it’s going to happen again.
It’s an all-too-familiar scenario. Two humans try to blend their existing packs and wind up with their dogs fighting and creating chaos. It can happen with roommates moving in together, people trying to date, or even when bringing a new dog into an existing pack.
The most important thing you can do, whether introducing a new puppy or trying to maintain a good relationship between doggy siblings, is use a calming, authoritative voice. When you have to be gone from home, setting up a Furbo® Dog Camera can allow you to talk to your dogs even though youâre not there. Your soothing voice might be all it takes to calm a stressful situation and bring calm.
Massages are wonderful for both humans and their furbabies. Simply petting your dog helps, but TTouch can be learned easily and can relax a dog that is at the end of his rope. Dogs can also benefit from aromatherapy, and adding a drop or two of lavender to a bandana or on his bedding can help to create a calming atmosphere.
Suppose your husband (or wife) told you I love you so much that I think having two wives (or husbands) would be even better! You probably wouldnât be so enthusiastic about the addition to your family, would you? Thatâs kind of what itâs like for our current furbabies when we decide to add to our canine family members. Even if Fidoâs an outgoing dog, bringing a new dog home can still get his nose out of joint. Hereâs what to do to make the transition from single dog family to multi-dog family a pleasant and successful one.
The Humane Society says that about 40% of dog households have more than one dog, and the majority of those dog owners (28%) have two dogs. Thatâs entirely understandable because dog people simply love dogs. After all, whatâs not to love? Kisses, wagging tails, and cuddles from our furbabies are very hard to resist. And if itâs great to have one dog, wouldnât two be twice as wonderful? You may think so, but what does your dog think?
Not all dogs are alpha dogs. Sometimes the current dog will happily allow the newcomer to take over as the boss, once he is established in the home. However, you must allow the dogs themselves to make that decision rather than automatically trying to install the first dog as the leader. In my home, our oldest dog doesnât want to be the pack leader, and is perfectly happy to let someone else have that positionâafter he has welcomed the stranger on his own terms.
How Dogs (Eventually) Became Our Best Friends
When you add a second dog to your household, its important to start things off right and allow it to be properly introduced to your current dog. It may take several weeks for the two dogs to get used to each other, so patience is required.
But most of the time, dogs are accepting of other dogs, often welcoming the companionship. Its just a matter of an owner setting expectations and being consistent.