Fighting for leadership role - 2009-03-09

Question

my young Springer bitch often keeps starting fights for no reason with my older 10 year old bitch. how do I stop it happening why is it happening .eg older one got tail caught in bramble bush out on walk tried to free tail once it was free they just started fighting my husband had to stop them .they seem to fight for no apparent reason little one seems to just suddenly go for older one .some advice would be great .thankyou

Answer

The younger dog is starting to assert herself for the pack leadership role. Something that happens often with same sex dogs from different ages/litters. The older dog gets pushed out ‘the doggie way’. The younger dog asserts herself as the leader, and this may be enhanced by you still giving the old dog more attention that possibly is seen as preferential treatment. Bullying occurs after that – for the younger one to make a point that she should have had the attention. The best thing I can recommend is paying them attention at the same time, or alternatively the young one first and then the older dog. Please ensure that there is no reason to fight over any supplies – eg food, bones, toys etc. If persist, get some professional help.