TulsaPets Magazine November 2023

November / December 2023 • TulsaPets 25 Family Dogfight Treatment Can Reduce Aggression by Karen Dugan Holman, B.S., B.S.E., M.S. A ggression between familiar dogs in the same household is a common oc- currence. It is the problem that leads to more surrendered, rehomed, and eutha- nized dogs than any other behavioral issue. Interdog aggression is often rooted in underlying anxiety or a lack of appropri- ate social skills in one or both dogs. It is important to look at each dog individually and work toward decreasing the fear and anxiety levels. When fights occur, damage to the relationship between the dogs can be difficult to mend. It is much easier to avoid or prevent situations that lead to interdog aggression than to break up fights that might lead to serious injuries. As with most behavioral issues in dogs, always have your veterinarian check for a medical pathology that might have caused a shift in behavior, especially if the onset of the behavior is new and out of context for that particular dog. Management of the environment is key — it is not about reintroducing your dogs. Causes of Aggression Interdog aggression can be triggered by a variety of situations, including: Excitement or arousal. One dog becomes excited, fearful, or anxious, and that triggers the other dog. Maneuvering in small spaces. Doggie doors, doorways, and the space between a coffee table and sofa are examples of tight spaces. What one dog determines is a small space might not be the case for the other, however. Arrival of visitors. Many variables can apply here — a car drives up and parks, the doorbell rings, someone enters the home, or eye contact occurs between the dog and a person. An established visitor routine is necessary and safest. Barking or whining by one dog. One dog becomes vocal, and it can trigger the other dog. Vocalizing is a normal dog behavior, and when one dog communicates fear and anxiety, the other dog might do so also. They feed off each other, in a sense. Competition over (or proximity to) food, toys, favored resting places, and the owner’s attention. Establishing a structured feeding routine is crucial. Never free-feed multiple dogs in your home. Each dog needs a unique place to eat. A closed door between dogs is a must. Dogs will need to be separated to prevent aggression. That is a great reason to teach go-to-spot, mat, or crate training. Crates are meant as a safe haven, never a punishment. All high-value toys or chews must be given only when dogs are unable to roam freely. It is worth mentioning that the items that each dog regards as high value are different and special. I have observed dogs that will guard toilet-paper rolls with every bit of vicious- ness they can muster. Interdog aggression can be frightening and heartbreaking. I receive more calls for help because of family dogs fighting than from any other behavior issue. Treatment plans will vary from household to household, and all situations are unique. The initial goal of a behavior treatment plan is to improve the welfare of the dogs and to maintain a safe environment for all dogs and family members. It requires a great deal of management on the owner’s part. Management of the environment is key. The dogs will need to be separated, and this includes no eye contact between them. It is likely that you will use equipment, includ- ing leashes, crates, gates, tethers, and closed doors. Dogs are very good at communicating. We just don’t read it very well. Some dogs can be very subtle. Others exhibit a variety of warnings. All family members will need to become proficient at reading each dog’s body language by observing and document- ing what they see. That will help to deter- mine each dog’s way of communicating through posturing. Body posturing is one of