Bitches fighting

[clairelover]

We have two frenchies that have started to get into fights. Two females. They usually get along quite well but the last month or so they seem to fight alot. We have separated them during the day because they really go at each other while we are gone. This may not be the correct thread but I am really concerned. They got along so well before. Any suggestions?

[gmacleod]

Bitch fighting is an issue all of it's own - so I'm going to split your post off into a separate thread. You're far more likely to get meaningful responses that way than by appending the question to someone else's topic :)

[gmacleod]

How old are your two girls?

With bitches of many breeds, bitch fights can be quite notorious. The fighting usually starts (if it is going to) when the younger of the two reaches maturity - so anywhere from about 14 months to two years, depending on the breed. I have to say that this is a reason people need to think very carefully before getting two females, especially of the slightly scrappy bully breeds. The thing that makes bitch fights such an issue is that, unlike dogs who fight just to establish hierarchy, co-habitating bitches fight to get rid of the other bitch. That can, and has in some cases, meant fights to the death.

Now that doesn't mean that your two girls are necessarily going to kill each other (doesn't mean that bitches can never get along either - some do). But you do need to know that things can turn serious very quickly. And if they've been fighting for a month now, then things have been escalating toward that for some time more.

In the immediate term, I would certainly agree that you must not leave these two unattended together. And be very careful not to provoke fights by leaving "valuable" items such as bones or toys out when both dogs are loose.

I would suggest that you find yourself a behaviourist to some and take a look at you and your two girls. This is the sort of situation that really needs an experienced person who can physically see your dogs interact - with each other and with you. They should be able to help you learn to recognise any posturing that's going on, and defuse/avert fights before they begin.

Here are a few links for you:
Find someone to assist you
http://www.animalbehavior.org/Applied/CAAB_directory.html
http://www.inch.com/~dogs/behaviorists.html
http://www.inch.com/~dogs/tips.html

Trainer or behaviourist
http://www.geocities.com/jetflair/behaviorist.html

[clairelover]

One is Claire around 4 years old and Lucy is 3. I have now separated them during the day and have tried to keep food and toys away form them while they are together. I also have tried to spray them with water when they start fighting. Or, just get a can of coke with coins in it and shake it when they start. Also, I have separated them and sent them to separate corners, one upstairs and the other in a time out downstairs.

[clairelover]

I will definately try all these suggestions. It makes me feel so sad because they seemed to get along so well. Now, we have to watch them every minute.

[clairelover]

Just a happy note that we have not had any problems with fighting for the last few weeks. I gave the dogs both time- outs when they fought and separated them during the day. So far so good. All is calm. :) :rolleyes:

[Carolyn]

I'm relieved to hear that you are seeing some progress with your two girls. Roosje has such good advice with the female vs female issues. Hope you stay in touch and seek more advice from her (Roosje).

[clairelover]

Yes, they were both spayed. It actually all started after we got back from a trip, and I talked to the vet and she was telling me that maybe one of the dogs may have gotten more attention while they were at the kennel than the other. Maybe.... I don't know. But the time-outs definately work, and I try to give more attention to the older dog. Ex... Holding her first, letting her go out first, etc. The other dog, seems to really not notice a whole lot. Also, when she does she tries to bulldoz her way to the extra attention. But, in a rough poor social skill way. Lucy... really has no social skills. She doesn't seem to care if she sits on your head, squish claire out of the way, etc. She has to always be first in everything. But, now with reminders from me, she seems to do better. Whatever, I sound like I'm talking to a human rather than a dog. But, as I said they seem to be happy now. They really like being with each other. They follow each other around. :)