Why Do Puppies Fight?
Puppies learn normal social behavior, what is acceptable and okay and what is not, from interacting with other puppies. This starts even before puppies are weaned from their mother. Healthy play allows a pup to not only build a good foundation of socialization but it also helps them learn body language and other nonverbal behavioral cues. What they learn as puppies in regards to normal dog-on-dog behavior sets the ground work for skills they will utilize throughout their life.
What is Healthy Play and What is a True Fight?
Being able to read body language and behavioral cues yourself is of utmost importance in order to differentiate puppy play from puppy fighting. Puppies that are engaged in healthy, happy play will be loose, having bounding, bouncy, sometimes exaggerated movements with a big, silly, open mouth. You may see the stereotypical play bow and you may hear loud and/or continuous growling. Healthy play between puppies has no winners or losers. Instead, there are constant role reversals where you may see the chaser become the chasee only to become the chaser again. In addition, when puppies are exhibiting healthy play you may see one pup ‘self-handicap’ him or herself by laying on their side or back or crouching down lower (if they are playing with a smaller puppy). You will also see puppies taking breaks from healthy play. Two puppies may be tussling on the ground one second and then getting up to go get a drink of water the next second.
Puppies that are engaged in a fight will have markedly different behavioral cues and body language. Instead of loose, bounding movements they will become stiff and tense. You may even see their hackles raise up. Instead of a happy, open mouthed, tongue lolling face, they will tight lipped with either a snarl or a low, quiet growl. The ears will become flat and pinned back.
If you happen to catch your puppy in a fight you want to separate the puppies as quickly and safely as possible. If your puppy has their leash and harness on them this usually can be done without much difficulty. Of course, most puppies don’t play with their leashes attached to them all the time. As much as you are tempted to do so, do not reach out for your puppy’s scruff or try to get in between your puppy and the other one. You may get injured in the process. Instead, redirect them with other toys or try to momentarily distract the puppies with a loud noise, such as whistle or clap. From there, if your puppy has a well-trained recall already, you can call him/her over to you or you can simply clip his/her leash on and lead them away from the other puppy.
LAST RESORT: Rehome a Dog
If you’ve tried everything but your dogs still can’t get along, you may want to consider rehoming one.
I know that this is a horrible thought. The dogs are our family.
But if you are unable to manage the situation and the dogs fight, each dog lives a very stressful life. And they may also become severely physically injured.
I rarely recommend this, as the situation can often be managed. But, in some cases, rehoming may be the kindest thing for everyone involved.