Agressive dogs :(

Kate Bentley

I hope someone can help, last resort, as i really dont want to put 1 of them in a home...
basically i have 2 labs, both 5, brought up together since they were 6 months old. they ate, slept, played together, and no problems what so ever. When Amber (choc lab) had a litter of pups 2 years ago, their relationship has been down hill since... My yello lab (already was abused and mistreated when we got her) cannot be left on her own, which wasnt a problem, as we had a 3rd pup. Willow & Mia were the new duo, and amber was very happy on her own... however, as Mia has now passed away, Willow & amber refuse to be in the same vicinty. everything sparks off fights, i dont know what to do, they are super scary - and make me feel sick, as they are going for blood, and I dont think they would stop if we couldnt pull them apart. a few times my hubby and i have been in the crossfire - i just dont know what else to do. if they so much can see each other the teeth come out and hackles are up!

if anyone could help - i dont know what else todo. I dont want to get rid of one or the other, but i am worried that when i am not here they will kill each other. we cant even walk them together as they go for each other

xx
any help would be appreciated

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27 Aug 2009 21:06

Cat the Vet

Hi Kate,

I am sorry to hear about your dogs, it must be very stressful in your house at the moment. This is clearly an in-grained issue with these dogs and one which you have managed for a long time by ensuring they have been kept away from each other but obviously this is no longer practical. The best approach, I feel, is for you to seek professional behavioural advice as soon as possible. This is not a problem which is going to be cleared up quickly and if it is handled badly then you may never succeed in getting them to live together.

The best way to find a reputable dog behaviourist is either to call your vet, they will likely have esperience of this sort of issue, or have a look at the website for the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellers (www.apbc.org.uk), they only list properly trained and registered behaviourists.

Do let me know how you get on.

Cat