please help me

[ldt87]

My one year old staffy has suddenly started attacking my 9 year old. Both females. My brother and husband got hurt separating them last night and now I'm scared to have them near each other. I adore my dogs but I'm thinking the only way around this is to re home my pup?

Has anyone got any advice or experience of this? I'm scared of not being able to get them apart if I'm alone and they fight. After spending easter weekend miscarrying, this has devastated me. I have never got rid of an animal before. Please be kind, I've been up all night distraught.

The there are dog 'fights' and there are dog fights. Dog 'fights' are ritualistic, sound absolutely godawful, but don't result in injury or if they do it's usually very minor and accidental. Actual dog fights, on the other hand, do result in injury, often serious, almost always requiring veterinary treatment and they will become progressively worse.

Most people will see what is a ritualistic fight and think its very serious, it sounds it, but they do come within what is normal behaviour for dogs and don't really mean much in the scheme of things.

OP, only you will know in which way your dogs are fighting, but it makes sense to get professional help either way.
Actual dog fights (that result in serious injury every time) are serious and should not be taken lightly, especially when it is two bitches fighting.

Totally agree with midori who said what I was trying to only much more coherently! My two fight in a ritualistic manner: never any blood, much growling and snarling occasional yelping then back to tail wagging and being ok with each other. At the time it sounds serious but never results in injury. I agree though either way it is best to seek help. No idea about muzzles to be honest.

Muzzling isnt a long term solution. You could get a dog walker to make sure they were getting proper exercise (regular long walks-the garden isnt enough) & have a regular routine & feed separate. Get a professional behaviouralist consult in the home & definitely definitely get them spayed -this is so important for health reasons anyway- especially for the 9 year old -any vet will say this - so a good first step is to have a chat with your vet before it gets worse.

Hi again everyone. I this weekend my girls are with their dad. I have limited funds for trainers, walkers etc. But I want to try and resolve this this weekend. Can anyone advise me on training methods, what to do if they fight, how to re introduce them, any advice at all would be great.
Thank you all for your help.

Most Vets will be happy to give you a free 'pre spay' check - to health check them before the operation and to discuss it fully with you- so you would be able to discuss behavioural concerns with them then too. Also many practices may offer free nurse clinics - although not behaviouralists it may be a good place to start without costing much.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm taking it all on board and talking everything through with my husband.

Can I ask, in my position if someone you knew and trusted offered to rehome your dog would you take them up on it or try and make things work?

I would take her back if there was any problem at all. She would also be an only dog in that home.

I have two bitches of differing breeds who have fought a few times. Food aggression is an issue as is sudden instantaneous dislike! They are both reactive rescues, they have left scars on each other and me... but if meticulous in my prep they do ok.

I exercise them a lot, reduction in this causes problems. No feeding together and no being together around our food etc. Separate beds, spaces and rewards for calm behaviour.

Both are great with the kids but have trained all children to NEVER intervene, am yet to train self...

I think she will be going to a new home this week. It is with my ex and the girls dad, so she will be with the kids still and in the same family. I think it is fairer for the younger dog to be an only pet, and not need a muzzle etc. And it is better for the older dog to be left alone. I have said that if for any reason it doesn't work out she is to come back to me, not be rehomed.

Please don't think I have taken this decision lightly, I am terrified of any of my animals getting hurt, or starting a fight i can't separate.
I am heartbroken to do this but I'm scared of what will happen if I leave them and feel that I would always be on edge. The Trust is gone and I don't feel that they are safe together.

The young one will be spayed but I'm not getting my old girls done. There's not a chance I would breed any dog so I won't be adding to the dog population. I just don't want my older girl to have an unneeded operation at her age.

Girl sorry not girls.