2 female boxers fighting

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 female boxers same litter have had them since they were 8 weeks old.  1 has been spayed the other hasn't.  they are 2 years old and just started fighting (blood shedding fights) I have kept them separated as much as possible giving attention to both but this is becoming to hard with the colder weather coming.    Before the fighting they were very close slept in same kennel.  Is there anything I can do to overcome their fighting and help them become friends again?

ANSWER: Hi Janesa,

Unfortunately, you're seeing why it's not recommended by reputable breeders, or many others in the profession, to house a female pairing.  I'd love to tell you that there's absolutely a sure-fire way to get past this but the reality is that often, when 2 females start this behavior, they continue the behavior for the rest of their lives.  Once 2 bitches begin to fight, they hold grudges so-to-speak.

If you can tell me what they're fighting over, what triggers the fights, I may be able to give you some tools if you're determined and able to work on the problem and see it through.  This, in all honesty, is going to take a tremendous amount of time and dedication on your part.  Only you know if you have the ability.  If you don't, the best thing to do would be to give one up to a local rescue.

If you'd like to continue this discussion and move on to some tips, we can.  I do need to know exactly what causes these fights...if there is no apparent cause (food, toys, attention, etc.) and the fights are coming out of nowhere...you'll need to have them personally assessed by a trained behaviorist to help you determine their triggers.

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QUESTION: Hi Nicole
I can't say for sure what the fight was over but there was food out and thats when the growling started.  The rest have been over nothing but looking at each other.  I can't give one of them away they are my childrens dogs and they don't want to give their dogs away hopefully by next spring they will be able to tkae their dogs to their own houses

ANSWER: Hi again =)

There are a couple things you can do.  Don't let them in the kitchen when you're cooking, don't let them in the room when you're eating and don't feed them treats, food, etc. in the same room.

Looking at each other isn't 'nothing'.  It's one of the first signs a fight is coming.  It's good that you noticed that.  Staring is not normal for dogs.  If you pay attention to two dogs that get along, they make brief eye contact but then the submissive dog will break it and all is right with the world.  This is the reason puppies have to be trained with a 'watch me' command...it's not normal for them to hold eye contact.

As soon as you see them looking at each other, distract them.  Other things to look for are posturing (standing very stiffly), raised hackles (the hair along the neck and shoulders...sometimes traveling down the spine to the base of the tail)...ear position (low to the head and held back) and tail position (hard to do with a Boxer).

I really would suggest a behaviorist assess them.  It will be easier for someone to give you more help if they can see the dogs together.

I know that it's difficult, in the winter especially, to keep dogs separated, however, if you cannot afford to have a behaviorist look at them, I strongly advise that you keep them apart as much as possible.  Unless you are ultra alert it's going to be hard for you to prevent fights.

If a fight does break out remember not to grab at the dogs' collars.  Stay as far away from their heads as possible.  Keep a squirt bottle handy so you can squirt them, bang a pot, do something to distract them.  If you must grab for them, grab for the hind legs and pull.

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QUESTION: thanks for what you have given me.  where can i find a behaviorist?  I have checked local phone books and vets and cannot locate a obedeince trainer.  These dogs look for each other when they come in the house and when they see the other one they will lower their front to the ground like they are sneaking up on something. could you possible send my some names of behaviorist around the Columbus, Oh  area and what would be an avg cost?

Answer
You don't need an obedience trainer, you need a behaviorist...the two are different.  Here's a list to get you started...you'll have to contact them for their fees.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the listing.

http://www.dogsos.com/surrendering.htm