Minnesota Valley Humane Society

Canine rivalry can be defined as repeated conflicts between two or more dogs living in the same house. Dogs are social animals who share a common language. Social signals such as body language and vocalizations communicate what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior and this helps keep the peace and maintains order within the group. It also reduces conflict and fighting, which benefits all members.

When a new dog enters the picture or when mixed signals are sent, conflict can arise. Dogs may snarl, growl or snap at one another. Sometimes, this escalates into actual bodily contact which may result in the injury of one or both dogs involved. You or your family may also get bitten if you try to physically separate the dogs. This is known as redirected aggression. Dogs don't usually intentionally bite people, people just get in the middle to stop the fighting, but then receive a redirected bite. If at all possible, never attempt to get between your dogs or grab one or the other when they are fighting.

Why Does Canine Rivalry Occur?

Canine rivalry may occur for one or more of the following reasons:

• A new dog is brought into the household.

• A resident dog returns after being absent for awhile.

• A young dog reaches social maturity (between 18 months and 3 years).

• An old dog weakens and cannot defend himself.

• A resident dog dies or no longer lives in the household.

Handling Canine Rivalry Problems

The dogs establish their standing in a group themselves. They do this most often with body language and vocalizations that don't result in injury. Behaviors such as staring, growling, the direction of the stance, and the position of the tail and ears are all signals as to who is boss. Contact can be anything from an initial rush and take-down, to mounting over the shoulder, head, or back-end. Some submissive dogs may roll on their belly, yelp, tuck the tail between the legs, and may even urinate when approached.

All dogs, when motivated, have the ability to be pushy and rude to other dogs. Surprisingly, things may change in different contexts or environments. One dog may act like the boss when everyone’s in the yard, but won’t act the same way in the house. One dog may aggressively defend rawhides, but in all other areas show submissive behavior. Dominance is fluid in nature and changes whenever the context changes. In other words, it’s not a constant character trait, as most people seem to think.

How to Deal With Rivalry Problems

• See the Minnesota Valley Humane Society Fact Sheet Introducing an Adult Dog to your Household and Tips on Bringing Home a Second Dog .

• Spay or neuter all dogs as soon as possible if this has not already been done. This can substantially reduce inter-dog aggression, especially between males.

• Do not interfere with small squabbles except by leaving the room or getting all dogs outside. "Take it outside."

• If your dog is threatening anyone in your family or over-guarding people or items, get professional help from an animal behaviorist or experienced dog behavior consultant.

• Do not expect new dogs to get along quickly, no matter how good each individual is on his own. There is an adjustment time needed and sometimes the first day or week can be the worst. Hang in there and realize that it will not be like this forever.

• Do not try to break up a fight between dogs by grabbing collars or getting any part of your body between them. Make noise and distract them. Dump a pot of water or throw a blanket onto fighting dogs and keep out of it. A dog staring at another dog is still challenging that dog, so keep dogs’ focus off of each other immediately after an altercation. Do not yell or scream or hit the dogs. This can make it worse.

• Get as much history on your new dog as you can and make sure he has not had previous dog aggression issues. If that is the case, seek help. Many of these dogs can eventually adjust to a multi-dog household over time, it just takes more home supervision and management on your part.

• Always remember to reward friendly and peaceful behavior with treats and praise whenever you see it.

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