PET BEHAVIOR

DOGFIGHT:
Controlling Aggression Between Your Dogs

by Karen Sueda, DVM
exclusive to SPCA.com

[Note: Despite this article's title, it is not a reference to the recent news story about NFL player Michael Vick and his alleged dog fighting ring. SPCA International has issued a statement on that here. This article is about preventing fights between your own dogs.]

Dominance-status aggression (DSA) occurs when two dogs vie for a higher-ranking position in the same household. In many cases, DSA first occurs when a younger dog reaches social maturity, between the ages of one and three years. During this time, both dogs compete for resources, which may include food, treats, toys, personal space or your attention. In most cases, competition is subtle; the only behaviors you may notice are the dogs staring at one another, pushing each other out of the way or blocking access to resources.

Since it's very easy for excitement to escalate into aggressive behavior, fights can erupt between dogs with DSA when one or both dogs become extremely aroused -- even in the most innocuous situations, such as getting ready to go on a walk or getting out of the car. In such cases, a relatively minor interaction can turn into an all-out brawl.

Body language: Identifying "aggression"

It's important to observe the ways your dogs interact, so you can tell when a fight might occur as well as determine the dominance hierarchy in your home.

Watch for subtle signs of competition between your dogs, and note which dog "submits" to the other. Signs of competition include:

· One or both dogs staring at one another. The more "submissive" dog will look away first.

· One dog nudging the other out of the way. The submissive dog will back away and "wait his turn."

· One dog displacing another. The more dominant dog will walk toward the submissive dog, and the submissive dog will get up and walk away

· Avoidance. The more submissive dog will avoid confrontational situations by avoiding eye contact or walking away from the more dominant dog (especially when the dominant dog has a resource such as a toy, attention, food, etc.).

As long as one dog defers to the other, do not interfere if you see these types of interactions. You might feel bad for your more submissive dog, but this is normal behavior for dogs. Owners often interfere with proper canine communication by disciplining the dominant dog and supporting the subordinate "underdog." This sends the wrong message and may inadvertently contribute to the fighting.

Everyone in the household should take note of these interactions. Dogs behave differently around different people, and the way we interact with them affects the way they interact with one another.

Watch for subtle signs that a fight may occur. Be especially vigilant when one or both dogs get very excited by someone entering the house; going for a car ride; returning home; playtime; other dogs; etc.

Some early signs of aggression and arousal that you should look out for:

· One dog staring at the other and starting to stiffen or tense.

· One dog "holding his breath" (where his panting suddenly stops).

· One dog's hair standing on end, his tail wagging slowly and stiffly.

· One dog's raising his lip, baring his teeth or uttering a low growl. This may occur shortly before he starts snarling, snapping, lunging or biting.

If you notice any of these signs, disrupt the behavior (see below) and move the dogs away from each other using their leashes or calling one dog toward you.

If a fight occurs -- or may occur

If you think a fight's about to break out, the best thing you can do is disrupt your dogs' interaction by making a loud noise (clapping your hands, dropping a heavy book on the floor, etc.). Once the tension is broken, call the dogs away from each other. A word of caution: If either dog has been aggressive toward you before, make the noise from a safe distance or from a safe area (another room, behind the couch, etc.) and be sure that there aren't other people or dogs around that could be injured if the aggression becomes redirected.

If a fight occurs, do not get into the middle of it -- you will be bitten. Instead, use citronella spray or an air horn to temporarily disrupt the fight so you can separate the two dogs. You can also push a chair or other item of furniture between the two dogs to separate them. If this doesn't work, dump a large bowl of water on the dogs or spray them with a hose. If all fails, grasp one dog by the back legs to pull him away from the other dog.

With time, attention and discipline, you can help restore the natural order of your dogs' interactions with each other -- and bring peace to your home. In any event, don't go it alone: we highly recommend that you discuss your dogs' behavior with your primary care veterinarian. Medical problems can sometimes contribute to fighting between two dogs in one household, and your vet may also be able to provide additional behavioral recommendations if fights occur.

This SPCA article is intended to help further your understanding of your animal's needs. We understand your unique bond with your pet, and it is our pleasure to help you look after its welfare. Thanks to your continued support, the SPCA is able to provide you with important news regarding the safety of your pets. Thank you again for your donations -- every little bit helps!