Content
It may be that one of your bitches has never tried to fight and that, until recently, it was very peaceful. However, in recent days it has started to growl to the point of attack your other bitch. While this is a cause for concern, this is more common than you think, and it's a situation that has some explanations rooted in animal biology and psychology. Part of the solution is recognizing that you are the alpha male/female of the pack at home. He has the authority to make the rules, especially the one that says "there are no fights here", and to enforce them for all family members.
It is always wiser and safer to prevent a fight than to try to stop one that started. Continue reading this PeritoAnimal article to get an answer to the question: because your bitch attacks your other bitch? We will help you understand your pet's behavior and give you possible solutions to avoid or at least reduce attacks.
the pack leader
There are few fights that start without a reason, although it is inside your dog's mind and as a human being you cannot understand it. If you observe your dog's behavior, she will always be ready to argue and then attack, in a matter of seconds. An inward growl, followed by an outward growl and a sneering look is just the beginning. This is the time to cut through the negative and wrong energy. However, why does this happen?
Dogs, although noble, loyal and big-hearted, have their moments and can fight for many reasons: bad mood, games that end badly, something that hurts them, food, toys or just don't get along with other dogs , among other reasons. But, the most common reasons, especially if they are of the same sex, are the fights that are generated for gain and maintain status within the pack.
The nature of dogs works by hierarchy, so there will always be a dog with superior authority and a pack leader. As long as each member knows their place, follows the rules and sticks to their "moral" site, everything will be in order. If any of the dogs try to reveal themselves, then there's trouble. What may be happening (and although it doesn't seem like it) is that there is an internal struggle between your two bitches, one of them (the one that attacks) tries to maintain her position, while the other one wants to move up in "position" or seems a bit rebellious to the bitch who is going to attack her.
It should also be noted that many of the attacks occur when the human companion is present. This is a clear result of the competition between the bitches to get the attention of the pack leader, in this case you. Remember that for your dogs you are the leader of the family group.
Hormones destabilize
Fighting nature itself is a difficult task. As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, it may be that your bitch has not always tried to attack the other bitch and what happens right now is that she is going through a difficult phase. Bitches (just like people) have periods of aggression that alternate with periods of greater calm. It is important to know when these periods start, because if the attacks increase and worsen they can cause big fights where the damage can be severe. We are talking about heat in bitches.
It doesn't always happen, but some bitches change character after the arrival of their first heat. Hormonal and physical changes affect your dog's mood and personality. Always opting for prevention, the best thing you can do to avoid attacks and for a dog to change character is sterilize it before entering the heat process.
If the topic is just hormonal, sterilization can make the attitude of dominance diminish, and even disappear. This is a case of power struggle, with the difference that the powers are to see who is more irritable and sensitive.
How to prevent your bitch from attacking your other bitch?
Get ahead of your dog's future behavior while you're thinking about attacking, it's the most effective key. When you see that you growl or behave in the slightest way, correct it in a firm, deep voice. Don't be afraid to appear a little harsh, the intent is that you understand that this type of behavior will not be allowed. Do not opt for physical violence or punishment, as it will only make the situation worse. With a firm "No" you will understand that your attitude is not the right one. Also, pay attention to the following advice if your bitch attacks another bitch:
- If the attack happens and you come in late, not knowing who started it, correct both bitches equally. Although one of the dogs is the one causing the problems, training is the same for all the dogs in the pack.
- At the least aggressive sound your bitch makes, ask her to sit down, stand in front of you, between her and the other bitch and focus your attention on you.
- It helps a lot to understand your dog's personality and breed. There are some animals that just don't get along without what we call "natural chemistry." Some breeds are less sociable than others and some are problematic. In these cases, you will have to separate them from rooms until you do a character rehabilitation and the bitch that propitiates the attacks will reduce the aggressive attitude.
- Although attacks can get worse and not stop, never consider getting rid of one of the bitches. Familiarize yourself and rely on the separation system for hours. It's a bit complicated and not so pleasant but it will always be better than abandoning or parting with one of your bitches. A female dog spends part of the day in one place while the other is removed, it can be in the garden or in another part of the house. Then they change position. In this case, try not to leave either one alone, the whole family should share and alternate their attention. This should be the last option in case you don't get any kind of positive result, as the separation could develop jealousy in one of the bitches if not carried out correctly.
- Use an ethologist. If you can't prevent your bitch from attacking your other bitch, it's best to consult a professional who will guide you and correct the situation.
