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Why Do Dogs Living Together Fight? Understanding and Prevention

“Why do dogs living together fight” is one of the first questions that comes to the mind of pet parents who have recently adopted a new canine companion, and this new friend doesn't get along with their good old buddy. If you find yourself in a similar situation, the first thing to know is that conflicts between two dogs are not solely about territoriality; they can also be related to the routine each dog is accustomed to and their level of sociability, which is influenced by both genetic background and upbringing. Additionally, paying attention to home conditions is essential to avoid fights between two dogs living together.

But, relax! This article will tell you the main reasons why two dogs living together might fight, and it will also share tips to prevent these conflicts and promote good cohabitation in your home. Keep reading!

How to Tell If Two Dogs Are Fighting or Playing?

Dogs have different ways of expressing and interacting compared to humans. Sometimes, two dogs are just playing in a very dog-like manner, but their humans get alarmed by their rough movements and perhaps a nip or two. They might try to separate them, thinking it's a fight. This is quite common and usually happens when a pet parent is not familiar with the body language of dogs. A dog that has a friendly behavior while interacting with another dog shows very different body signals compared to one that is upset or angry.

So, the most efficient way to determine if two dogs are fighting or playing is to pay attention to their posture, gestures, or actions while interacting. In the article “Dog Postures and Their Meanings,” we discuss in more detail the calming signals indicating that a dog is trying to defuse a situation that bothers them, as well as the main signs that precede a direct attack on another dog. To help you quickly identify when a conflict is brewing between two dogs, here are the main signs of defensive and offensive behavior in dogs:

Defensive Posture in Dogs:

• Stiff limbs
• Raised hackles
• Growling
• Bared teeth
• Rapid and constant barking

Offensive Posture in Dogs:

• Intensified alert signals
• Stiffer limbs
• Wrinkled snout
• Louder and shorter barks

Reasons Why My Dogs Are Fighting?

Now that you've learned how to differentiate between two dogs playing and fighting, if you notice that yours are not getting along, it's time to ask yourself why these conflicts are happening. Identifying the reason two dogs living together are fighting is the first step to act appropriately to make them get along. Let's see, then, what the main causes of conflicts between dogs sharing the same territory are:

• Territorial Protection and Resource Guarding: Territoriality is instinctive in dogs and should not be confused with aggression, which is a very complex behavioral problem. A dog is not necessarily aggressive because it has a natural instinct to protect its territory and valuable resources (and we are not only talking about material resources, such as toys and food, but also about the attention of their humans, for example). However, any dog can become aggressive when it perceives that the balance of its environment and the possession of its resources are threatened by the presence of another individual (which will become the main object of its aggressive responses).
• Genetic Predisposition: The behavior and communication of dogs are strongly influenced by education and the environment, but they also have an important genetic component. In fact, some dogs have a greater genetic predisposition to aggression towards other dogs and individuals outside their social group.
• Socialization Problems: During their first weeks of life, puppies go through what we know as the "socialization period," in which the recognition of friendly species should occur, along with controlled and positive exposure to a variety of stimuli and individuals with whom the dog will interact throughout its life.
• Improper Introduction: Two dogs that will live together must be properly introduced so they have the opportunity to get to know each other. Ideally, the first interactions should take place on neutral ground (for example, a park or a square). You must understand that introducing a second dog into the house means a huge change in the routine of your good old best friend, so it's natural that this generates mistrust. And if this change occurs suddenly, without any introduction or adaptation period, it is most likely that your furry friend will have difficulty accepting its new companion, and any forced attempt at interaction can end up causing a fight.
• Impoverished Environment: Another circumstance that can lead to fights between two dogs living together is when there is a scarcity of resources and/or a low level of environmental enrichment. Remember that we said that dogs naturally have an instinct to protect their territory and resources. Now, imagine what happens when two dogs are forced to share these resources. It is likely that they end up fighting to ensure they have control over as many goods—material or not—that they recognize as essential to their well-being, right?

What to Do If My Dogs Living Together Are Fighting?

When two dogs living together are fighting, your action plan should be aimed at calming the situation, not aggravating it by increasing stress and anxiety levels inherent in a conflict. So, forget about yelling, scolding, or punishing your dogs. Keep calm, and if the fight has already started, try to implement these tips to separate two dogs fighting.

On the other hand, if we are talking about a conflict situation that has not yet evolved into a fight, we recommend doing the following:

Preventing Conflicts Between Dogs:

• Socialize Your Dogs: A well-socialized dog is more likely to get along with others. Start socializing your dogs from an early age, exposing them to various environments, individuals, and positive experiences. Gradual exposure helps them adapt to different situations without feeling threatened.
• Proper Introduction: Introduce new dogs gradually, preferably on neutral ground. Allow them to become accustomed to each other's presence before sharing the same living space. Be patient and give them time to establish a positive relationship.
• Avoid Forced Interactions: Respect each dog's pace in adapting to the new living situation. Forcing interactions may create resentment and escalate conflicts. Allow them to approach each other willingly.
• Non-Violent Training: Use positive reinforcement and consistent, non-aggressive training methods. Avoid verbal or physical violence as a means of discipline. Positive reinforcement strengthens the bond between you and your dogs.
• Consider Neutering/Spaying: For households with dogs of the same sex, consider neutering or spaying to manage hormonal influences and reduce the likelihood of conflicts. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best timing for the procedure.
• Seeking Professional Help: If conflicts persist despite your efforts, seeking assistance from a canine behavior specialist or ethologist is advisable. Professional guidance can identify underlying issues and provide a tailored approach to harmonize your dogs' living environment.

Tips to Separate Two Dogs Fighting:

If your dogs are already in the middle of a fight, here are some tips to help you separate them safely:

• Stay Calm: Your dogs can sense your emotions. Stay calm to avoid escalating the situation.
• Use Distractions: Create a distraction to divert their attention. Loud noises or throwing a blanket over them can help break their focus.
• Get Professional Help: If the situation is too intense or you feel unsafe, seek help from a professional dog trainer or veterinarian.

Understanding and addressing the factors contributing to conflicts among cohabiting dogs is crucial for fostering a positive and peaceful atmosphere. By implementing preventive measures and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can ensure a happy and harmonious life for your canine companions.

Alberto Pardal, As an expert in the dog world, I provide valuable information about dog breeds. With years of experience, I offer informative articles to help owners better understand their pets and promote a healthy bond