Re: [PyrNet-L] Fighting?

["Tracy Bassett" <espinay@dynamite.com.au>]

<<Anyone got any ideas on how to minimize the chances of a major fight
between these two dogs, or whether I should just let them go and duke it out
between themselves?  I'd appreciate any ideas or solutions other people have
tried when a young Pyr decides to no longer back down to a dog who has
always been alpha dog.  And if the fighting was caused by Sadie's threat to
me, then I can try to make sure Bonnie is not in the room when I remind
Sadie who's the boss (happening more frequently than it used to).>>Tammy

It is a situation I am extremely aware of at the moment with my 5yo
Dalmatian and 15 month old Pyr - both entire and both dominant bitches.
Perhaps I can tell you a little of what I have been doing so far.

As soon as Milou came to stay at 4 months of age I knew that this would be
an issue I was likely to encounter :-/, so from the beginning I reinforced
Cookie's (the Dally) existing position as my 'second in command' (or alfa-
dog).  I also reinforced my position as leader with all of them through day
to day activities.  Milou is a very strong-willed girl so we have had our
moments! LOL!

Things started to 'hot up' at around 10 months of age, when Milou started to
show signs that she wanted to move up the pecking order. She was now bigger
than Cookie, and liked to throw her weight around, posturing and standing
over her, challenging her with her body language etc.  For the moment I
continued to support Cookie in 'disagreements'.  Most of which I tried to
keep out of and observe (they were not 'fights' at this stage, just
posturing and often some 'noise').  Where Milou stepped out of line in some
way, and Cookie chastised her, I also chastised her.  I did not tell Cookie
off for correcting her behaviour.

Milou had her first season at 11 months.  At this time things started to get
'serious' with several small fights. These scuffles were very short and over
very quickly with no real intervention needed. Subtle changes happened with
Cookie beginning to show some signs of backing down to Milou.  I immediately
shifted my allegiance to Milou and supported her as 'alpha- dog' (I
continued to reinforce my own leadership position so she didn't get any
ideas about climbing higher! LOL!).  During this time I was careful not to
get too involved in any 'posturing', but instead defused arguments by
distracting the dogs with other things (acting 'happy' rather than
'growling' at them) and making a big fuss of Milou.  Twice I needed to
separate them to different rooms after breaking up a fight that went on a
bit longer. I spent time soothing Milou's ego (by fussing with her and
patting her) and ignoring Cookie and after about 5 minutes of 'breathing
space' brought them back together to sit in the kitchen and be given a treat
(Milou first, Cookie second, and Halley as well at the end of the cue :-) ).
End of argument and a few minutes later they were curled up together on the
couch.

Over about a month, the pack order rearranged into the new structure of
Milou as alpha-dog and Cookie next in line (Halley as usual remained a
'delta' through and through).  Interestingly, Cookie seems happier with her
role as 2IC.  She seems more relaxed than when she 'had' to be alpha.

Now the situation is in no way resolved.  It is still a fairly fine line and
I am ever aware of watching 'signs'.  They get along fine and play together
like maniacs! LOL! I will not trust them together when eating bones though
as this can be the cause of major arguments between them (we have had one or
two when I was not as vigilant as I should be).  As I feed bones frequently
they are simply separated when eating all the time now.  Sometimes Cookie
will accidentally step out of line.  Like the other night when she jumped
over Milou in the hallway to get to the front door in a hurry.  This was a
major affront to Milou's status and resulted in some stiff-legged posturing.
I distracted Milou and soothed her ruffled feathers by praising her a lot
and giving her attention.  This diffused the situation very quickly.

Cookie is due in season shortly (unsure of Milou as she has only had one).
Her last season was when Milou was a young puppy and was not at a 'crucial'
stage.  So I will be watching them closely during the next few months to
watch for tensions and changes.

From what you have related, it sounds like the tables may be turning in your
household.  Is your older dog attempting to hold on to her status as
alpha-dog?  This is perhaps where her challenges to you are coming from.  Is
she likely to hold onto it?  This is perhaps the most difficult stage IMO as
it is hard to know which is the best dog to support.  The current alpha-dog,
or the possible new one.  For the moment IMO it is probably best to support
the current alpha-dog, but be on the look-out for subtle signs that may mean
that things are shifting.  Try to stay out of any posturing as much as
possible.  This will be your chance to observe and see who is backing
down/deferring to the other etc.  If things start to get rather tense, do
not 'wade in' and growl at them, keep your distance, but distract them with
an activity (even calling them into another room to do someting) and always
give attention on the alpha-dog first.

At the same time reinforcing your leadership position with both dogs is a
good idea. You are the one that needs to be in control.   Daily 'rituals'
such as sits/stays etc for any attention, treats, meals; making sure you
walk through doors first; placing your hand gently over the dogs muzzle at
the end of any pats or handling sessions etc etc are good things to do (and
yes, removing the other dog from the room when you need to do things like
take a bone from your older dog would probably be a good idea at this
stage).  It is a good idea too, I think, to remove things that are 'high
value' from the equasion, at least for now.  Separate and supervise with
things like bones etc.

I am not too sure if this will help.  It can take some observation on your
part to try and understand some of the subtleties of what is going on
between them.  IMO it is better to stand back and observe a bit though
rather than wading in every time they look sideways at each other.  Often
the human intervention (and unkowing support for the wrong dog) can tip the
balance the wrong way. You may find Turid Rugaas's book "Calming Signals"
useful in helping you to understand some of the body language.

In the end though, it is wise to be prepared, so reading Linda's article on
how to break up a dog fight
(http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/dogfight.htm) is probably a very
good idea! LOL! :-/

Tracy Bassett
Canberra, Australia
espinay@dynamite.com.au
visit my webpage at http://members.dynamite.com.au/espinay/index.htm