Second dog fight in a week.

[QED]

Last week one of my dogs had another by the neck, shaking her. She had puncture wounds and was treated. She's fine now. Tonight she attacked my older dog who has a torn ear but thankfully no puncture wounds. I've got to figure out what to do about the aggression. In the first case the dogs got overly excited because the yard guy was there. Tonight it was over food. Where do I start?

[niyad]

1. I know otherss will provide truly helpful suggestions. My first thought

was an animal behaviour specialist. If a person started exhibiting out-of-character behaviour like aggression and physical violence, I would suggest a check on any meds they might be taking, and an exam to see if there is some organic or physical cause.

I hope you can find good answers very soon.

[QED]

2. The ER vet said just that

She recommended trainer she's worked with and suggested I have my vet do an evaluation of the aggressor.

There were triggers in both situations but the other dogs didn't become aggressive.

[Ferrets are Cool]

5. We had a pet become very agressive because of a sever medical issue that was not immediately

evident by us or our vet. Just a thought.

[Dear_Prudence]

3. Check with your vet.

The dog is attacking your fur family, which sounds dangerous to me. I am concerned for your safety as well as your other dogs. Perhaps the aggression is due to illness or to pain. A vet could help determine the source of the aggression and also the level of risk. I only have cats, but one feral stray that we fed a long time bit my husband. Turns out the poor kitty had severe tooth or mouth infection, which the woman who trapped him could smell. Since he was feral, he had to be humanely euthanized. It was very sad. I hope you are able to resolve your troubles more happily than we did. Take care.

[QED]

7. I have appointments with my vet for both

After my vet assesses the aggressor, Ellie, I'll call the trainer. Ellie gets so hyper. I needs advice on helping her calm down. She's a beautiful, goofy, sweet dog - except when triggered.

[Bayard]

4. Are you feeding them all in the same room?

Of our current 3 dogs, one is fed in the kitchen, one in the dining area, and one in the bathroom. I think we've avoided food aggression this way.

I would get dog muzzles for the immediate situation, until you can get some other answers. I just get the cheap, easy velcro kind, where one strap goes behind the ears, and one around the muzzle. I learned the hard way to use these when introducing a new dog to the pack, until everyone figures out the rules. They come in different sizes.

Is the female a new dog? It sounds like she's trying to establish dominance over the others. I would definitely muzzle her, and do some obedience training, so she figures out you are top dog.

[QED]

8. I feed them in their crates

I've done this since I had foster dogs. These dogs are all mine, foster failures all. But there are 7 of them. Three are 15+ years so I keep that in mind. This pack has been together since June when two joined us. Before that, it had been at least two years, some had been together 8 or more.

[Bayard]

12. When did this girl come in?

[QED]

13. I've had her since June.

[imaginary girl]

6. I agree about finding a behaviorist...

But in the meantime, I'd keep the one who bit the others separated. You could use baby gates or separate rooms or crate and rotate. It's the safest option until you figure out and address the cause.

[QED]

9. I'm definitely more vigilant.

Everyone gets along unless there's a trigger. She is a bit hyper at times - that's what I need to work on I think. After the vet appointments I'll contact the trainer.

[imaginary girl]

10. Yes, it's easier for dogs in high arousal...

(good or bad) to switch into aggression. But resource guarding can be an issue at any time. Does she have any pain or itchiness right now? Pain, itchiness, and GI issues can definitely contribute to behaviors you don't normally see.

[QED]

11. I don't see any of that.

It may be an energy thing - she may need more exercise.