Going to the Dogs! - No More Dog Fights

So what are you supposed to do if your dogs don't get along?

Separating the dogs all the time only creates several different "dog packs" and keeps tension building.

You need to start bringing the dogs together and letting them smell each other. Any dog who growls or snaps (new dog or old dog) should be correctly promptly. It's not allowed.

Obviously, you have to use common sense and do it in stages ...

Sure, there will be some spats. That's normal, and to a reasonable extent, you let them work it out. They will decide who is going to be the dominant dog. But if your dogs get into severe dog fights, you need the help of a professional dog behavior trainer.

Face it. Living on a knife's edge to make sure you don't open the wrong door at the wrong time is no way to live. Not only is your house going to the dogs, but so are you!

Dog fights among two dogs of the same sex are very common. So the best thing to do is try to get a second dog that's the opposite sex.

If you insist on having more than one dog of the same sex, be sure that he or she is lower energy than your present dog. A higher level of energy can create a struggle for dog dominance.

Until next time, work with your dogs to become a "dog pack."

Rena

Dog Feeding - Are There Rules To Do Dog Feeding Right?

Feeding time is a very serious mental activity for dogs, as well as a physically restoring, energy-producing time.

Yes, it is very important to feed your dog every day... but the WAY you feed him matters. When you feed a dog, you are feeding energy to him ... so he needs to be in a calmer state before you start. You don't need to be feeding energy to a dog who is in an aggressive state.

Having a dog training business, my dog constantly has to adjust to new dogs coming and going. And everybody has to learn consistent rules. Sometimes I get separate dishes for everyone, and sometimes I have them all share the same dish. But no matter which way it is, nobody touches the food until I say so.

Food and mating rights are the two things that cause a dog fight more than anything else in dog packs.

It's also important for dogs to eat together. Dog packs do.

Separation is often the chosen solution for owners who don't know what else to do with a dog aggression problem beyond their control. But it's not an answer. It only increases the problem to keep an animal separated at dog feeding time.

So... YES ... Feed your dog!