HELP! My dogs got in horrible fight! With each other!!!
- Thread starter CobaltBlu
- Start date
Both Labrador Retrievers and Ridgebacks (like pit bulls) are prone to dog aggression. (Most terriers and many hunting and sporting breeds are).
Like NemoandChula said... It could be redirected aggression resulting from the excitement of the lab's little escapade.
OR it could be simple dog aggression, which can come on at any time, especially around maturity in unaltered dogs.
How old are these dogs, what are their genders and which ones are altered?
There could also be health issues involved (Likely the lab mix, possibly the shepherd). Or stress from a recent change in routine or lifestyle.
For the time being, you may want to separate and crate all four of the dogs when you can't supervise them. The Golden didn't get into it, but the Golden could be injured by the other two. Likewise, the other two could hurt each other.
Like NemoandChula said... It could be redirected aggression resulting from the excitement of the lab's little escapade.
OR it could be simple dog aggression, which can come on at any time, especially around maturity in unaltered dogs.
How old are these dogs, what are their genders and which ones are altered?
There could also be health issues involved (Likely the lab mix, possibly the shepherd). Or stress from a recent change in routine or lifestyle.
For the time being, you may want to separate and crate all four of the dogs when you can't supervise them. The Golden didn't get into it, but the Golden could be injured by the other two. Likewise, the other two could hurt each other.
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I am so so sorry CB! That must have been awful! 
I am making this short because my computer keeps crapping out on me but do you think since you have been spending a lot of time at the new property they are establishing a new pack hierarchy? When you go to the new house, do you take all or a few of them? Starting with the new habit of wandering out the gate, then the fight, something has changed the dynamic.
I would keep them on leashes and work with them (start individually then as a group) everyday to re-establish yourself as pack leader. And I would try to keep them on a routine. I am going to look online and see if I find anything that is close to what happened. Again, that was horrible and I am so sorry.
I am making this short because my computer keeps crapping out on me but do you think since you have been spending a lot of time at the new property they are establishing a new pack hierarchy? When you go to the new house, do you take all or a few of them? Starting with the new habit of wandering out the gate, then the fight, something has changed the dynamic.
I would keep them on leashes and work with them (start individually then as a group) everyday to re-establish yourself as pack leader. And I would try to keep them on a routine. I am going to look online and see if I find anything that is close to what happened. Again, that was horrible and I am so sorry.
Thank you again everybody....we have all been trying to assemble clues...
EH, you are spot on...I have been at the new property, sleeping there most nights, and more recently, DD was gone as well, leaving a lesser pack member (YG) here (that is a friend of my daughter, the Young Gentleman)...then, my mom arrived...and we were scooping the dogs to the side so as not to bump her and scare her....
and SO reminded me, soon after I took the last two to the vet, I got my period, and I was wound tighter than a piano wire for days prior to this. Every routine every one of us had was thrown out the window...to top it off, the girl who helped clean for me brought her puppy here a few days earlier...she stayed in the house but still, it had to have had some residual impact.
I dont know if I am looking for excuses, but in reality, we really were in a maelstrom of shifting routines.
The way SO put it was that the dogs may a have been looking for something to protect me from, and chose gypsy pretty much at random that day.
It was weird, too, because I often take the two little dogs with me, and that morning gypsy was really intent on going with me, she must have been feeling protective of me, and maybe the other two sensed that.
tonight we were all talking about how much dogs feel and sense that is so beyond us, I am sure the answer lies there.
but even with all of this, I am so worried about tomorrow, for our life to return to normal, they are going to have to run free again eventually, KWIM...
I just am so appreciative of all the support here, please keep your thoughts coming...
EH, you are spot on...I have been at the new property, sleeping there most nights, and more recently, DD was gone as well, leaving a lesser pack member (YG) here (that is a friend of my daughter, the Young Gentleman)...then, my mom arrived...and we were scooping the dogs to the side so as not to bump her and scare her....
and SO reminded me, soon after I took the last two to the vet, I got my period, and I was wound tighter than a piano wire for days prior to this. Every routine every one of us had was thrown out the window...to top it off, the girl who helped clean for me brought her puppy here a few days earlier...she stayed in the house but still, it had to have had some residual impact.
I dont know if I am looking for excuses, but in reality, we really were in a maelstrom of shifting routines.
The way SO put it was that the dogs may a have been looking for something to protect me from, and chose gypsy pretty much at random that day.
It was weird, too, because I often take the two little dogs with me, and that morning gypsy was really intent on going with me, she must have been feeling protective of me, and maybe the other two sensed that.
tonight we were all talking about how much dogs feel and sense that is so beyond us, I am sure the answer lies there.
but even with all of this, I am so worried about tomorrow, for our life to return to normal, they are going to have to run free again eventually, KWIM...
I just am so appreciative of all the support here, please keep your thoughts coming...
The shepherd (victim) is a spayed female, so is the ridgeback mix.
The golden is the only intact dog in our family...
The lab mix is a male, neutered.
The two "little dogs" the doxie and chi/rat terrier are spayed females, and they were in the car the entire time (honestly I think the doxie would have joined in this fiasco, she is the fiercest hunter of all of them...)
The golden, doxie, and chi/RT are clearly submissive, but the other three toggle for power. The shepherd that was injured is really the one that guards ME...she always escorts me to the gate and back, makes sure she knows where I am, she is a true shepherd trying to keep all of us in her sight...She may have been too intense that morning, as I was as well.
wow....
I have been trying to make sure I give everyone attention, and dominate them...
my mom is still here, but I am also really trying to stay focused and not spin out for the sake of the pack dynamic....
I'm sorry to hear this happened to you, be thankful that you were there to stop the fight.
I had a friend who went on vacation, leaving 6 of his dogs in the care of a house sitter/ranch hand. He lives on a very large range in a rural area, the dogs are given free range of several thousand acres. On his 4th day of vacation the ranch hand called to tell him there had been a bad fight between all the females (3 altered females, one altered male, and a breeding pair), with the losing dog beat up pretty badly. He instructed his guy to separate all the animals into their kennels and keep them there until he returned. This did not happen. When he returned home, he found the victim of the original fight dead and the three females ripping her apart.
They never have figured out why the fight happened, but it has been very hard for them. I can't imagine coming home to find a beloved pet in that state. The only thing they can imagine went wrong is that the victim had been ill, and was possibly sick, but other than that, nothing.
I would keep them separate until I figured out the root of the problem, it just sounds like dominance pack issues to me.
I had a friend who went on vacation, leaving 6 of his dogs in the care of a house sitter/ranch hand. He lives on a very large range in a rural area, the dogs are given free range of several thousand acres. On his 4th day of vacation the ranch hand called to tell him there had been a bad fight between all the females (3 altered females, one altered male, and a breeding pair), with the losing dog beat up pretty badly. He instructed his guy to separate all the animals into their kennels and keep them there until he returned. This did not happen. When he returned home, he found the victim of the original fight dead and the three females ripping her apart.
They never have figured out why the fight happened, but it has been very hard for them. I can't imagine coming home to find a beloved pet in that state. The only thing they can imagine went wrong is that the victim had been ill, and was possibly sick, but other than that, nothing.
I would keep them separate until I figured out the root of the problem, it just sounds like dominance pack issues to me.
I have tears in my eyes too and a lump in my throat from reading this! Cobalt, I'm sorry I can't offer advice because I have no idea what could have brought this on. I just wanted to say that I am so sorry to hear what happened. It must have been horrifying, I can't even imagine. I hope you get some answers and get it resolved.
I am so sorry this happened to you, I have been crying reading this thread. You are lucky you had neighbors who could jump in and help.
I have a dominant female boxer, and I am amazed (and terrified) by how quickly her rage can escalate. I've had to pull her out of a fight or two, and it leaves me shaking and in tears all day. I'm now extremely cautious around other dogs, and nothing has ever come near to what you witnessed. I can't imagine how upsetting it must be for you.
No advice to offer. It sounds like you are responsible and intuitive dog owner. I hope everything can resolve peacefully.
I have a dominant female boxer, and I am amazed (and terrified) by how quickly her rage can escalate. I've had to pull her out of a fight or two, and it leaves me shaking and in tears all day. I'm now extremely cautious around other dogs, and nothing has ever come near to what you witnessed. I can't imagine how upsetting it must be for you.
No advice to offer. It sounds like you are responsible and intuitive dog owner. I hope everything can resolve peacefully.
Just something I am wondering. Our dogs are kept indoors, in a small home, someone is always at home due to alternating schedules. Our family members all seem to be alphas.
The dogs are usually supervised when they are in our yards exercising. Is this why we have almost zero serious aggression.
Is constant supervision by human alphas the deterrent here?
I know everyone's situation is different with the indoor/outdoor. I'm just trying to find out more about what happened with Cobalts' dogs, and consider many angles.
All the feedback here has got my brain in action.
The dogs are usually supervised when they are in our yards exercising. Is this why we have almost zero serious aggression.
Is constant supervision by human alphas the deterrent here?
I know everyone's situation is different with the indoor/outdoor. I'm just trying to find out more about what happened with Cobalts' dogs, and consider many angles.
All the feedback here has got my brain in action.
I'm SOOOOOO sorry, OP! I know how you feel. DH and I adopted 2 big dogs from the shelter a couple of years ago. We were told from the people there that they were friends and got along well.
Within 24 hours the larger one attacked the other. After 3 days of them fighting and me crying, I went to the vet and he told me just to bring them both back to the shelter since we hadn't had them that long. I bawled my eyes out for a week afterwards.
I still have a hard time being around a lot of large dogs because I'm terrified that they'll start fighting.
I don't have much advice except what someone else already said: muzzle them. They can eat before you leave and after you get home, and that's really the safest thing at this point, IMO.
to you!
Within 24 hours the larger one attacked the other. After 3 days of them fighting and me crying, I went to the vet and he told me just to bring them both back to the shelter since we hadn't had them that long. I bawled my eyes out for a week afterwards.
I still have a hard time being around a lot of large dogs because I'm terrified that they'll start fighting.
I don't have much advice except what someone else already said: muzzle them. They can eat before you leave and after you get home, and that's really the safest thing at this point, IMO.
to you!
Thank you again everybody....we have all been trying to assemble clues...
EH, you are spot on...I have been at the new property, sleeping there most nights, and more recently, DD was gone as well, leaving a lesser pack member (YG) here (that is a friend of my daughter, the Young Gentleman)...then, my mom arrived...and we were scooping the dogs to the side so as not to bump her and scare her....
and SO reminded me, soon after I took the last two to the vet, I got my period, and I was wound tighter than a piano wire for days prior to this. Every routine every one of us had was thrown out the window...to top it off, the girl who helped clean for me brought her puppy here a few days earlier...she stayed in the house but still, it had to have had some residual impact.
I dont know if I am looking for excuses, but in reality, we really were in a maelstrom of shifting routines.
The way SO put it was that the dogs may a have been looking for something to protect me from, and chose gypsy pretty much at random that day.
It was weird, too, because I often take the two little dogs with me, and that morning gypsy was really intent on going with me, she must have been feeling protective of me, and maybe the other two sensed that.
tonight we were all talking about how much dogs feel and sense that is so beyond us, I am sure the answer lies there.
but even with all of this, I am so worried about tomorrow, for our life to return to normal, they are going to have to run free again eventually, KWIM...
I just am so appreciative of all the support here, please keep your thoughts coming...
CB, you have so much going on, I think it was the perfect storm. Your pack is thrown off with all the temporary change that has no consistancy to what their routine used to be. Dogs like/need order and consistancy, and looks like they started making pack decisions themselves. Six dogs is a lot of brains looking around and thinking 'who am I in the scheme of things here'. Idle paws become the devil's tools or something like that LOL
I know you are really busy but Iwould try to get them on some routine which includes exercise. Establish yourself again as pack leader, take back control. IMHO the heirachy changed and for the moment the new leader is one of the dogs that wandered down the road. With Gypsy, maybe she was feeling the 'gonna get you' vibes from the other dogs and that is why she really wanted to go with. The dogs were fine before and the changes with family/home are temporary. I think it will be fine with some tuning during this period.
Well...we have reintegrated the pack. We were not able to find any muzzles, so we used the "outnumber the dogs and try to relax approach." There were thee extra people on hand just in case, but we all put out extreme calm vibes and happy happy joy joy.
we had loose leashes on the perpetrators. The lab mix did not come out to greet gypsy, and but the ridgeback was all smiles (missing tooth and all)...we finally got the lab out to say hello, and got all the butt-sniffing out of the way, and everybody went to their "spots" ... it was pouring rain so the dogs all napped the afternoon away.
I am really making sure to give all of them separate but equal attention, even if only in small doses, and also trying to keep my stress managed ... I literally was a basket case the morning this happened, and I am sure that must have had an impact on the dynamic. For the dogs, and for myself, I pulled back on a few things I had going on this week, and spent the afternoon home to keep an eye on things and just chill.
I will keep you posted. i was worried because gypsy looks like she has been in a war....but she was wagging her tail and looking happy to be home.
thank you all so much for the insights and suggestions and the support!!!
we had loose leashes on the perpetrators. The lab mix did not come out to greet gypsy, and but the ridgeback was all smiles (missing tooth and all)...we finally got the lab out to say hello, and got all the butt-sniffing out of the way, and everybody went to their "spots" ... it was pouring rain so the dogs all napped the afternoon away.
I am really making sure to give all of them separate but equal attention, even if only in small doses, and also trying to keep my stress managed ... I literally was a basket case the morning this happened, and I am sure that must have had an impact on the dynamic. For the dogs, and for myself, I pulled back on a few things I had going on this week, and spent the afternoon home to keep an eye on things and just chill.
I will keep you posted. i was worried because gypsy looks like she has been in a war....but she was wagging her tail and looking happy to be home.
thank you all so much for the insights and suggestions and the support!!!
Please do not leave the lab unattended with any of the other dogs. At least until a new routine and normalcy is established. If he gets at her again, with or without the ridgeback's help, and no one is there to stop it... He could kill Gypsy in her injured state.
If it is stress from all that is going on that caused the scuffle, that will not fully subside until a routine is re-established. And even then, you'll need to keep an eye on the two aggressors, especially the lab. It may never happen again, but you don't want to risk setting it up to happen again.
If it is stress from all that is going on that caused the scuffle, that will not fully subside until a routine is re-established. And even then, you'll need to keep an eye on the two aggressors, especially the lab. It may never happen again, but you don't want to risk setting it up to happen again.