Alpha Female Huskies

Question
QUESTION: Thank you for you quick reply. They are both fixed never had a liter. I got them both 6-7 years ago within a couple months of each other. The bigger one (Kelsey) I got from the Animal Shelter and the smaller one (Lilly)I got from a Husky Rescue. They got along great until about 4 years ago and the first "big" fight hit that put Lilly in the Er hospital and then her regular vet for 3 dys with a neck injury. This last time was last night and she got a broken leg out of the deal. We know not to show either attention in front of the other as that usually promotes small issues but I don't know what triggered this one last night as we were in the house. Kelsey the bigger one is possesive but Lilly is stubborn and once the fight starts she WILL NOT QUIT. Kelsey will walk away but Lilly will not and she is the smaller one. They are my only 2 dogs. After teh first incident we put in separate "areas" for them and that works well but they do love to play with each other and I hate to deprive them of that but I also can't have then fighting either. I just need to know if this is something I can fix with the proper training.

ANSWER: Well, there's good news and bad news here.  First, the bad news - same sex pairings, especially among dominant dogs, can lead to severe fights and sometimes, those may never be able to be corrected.  Some dogs just will not get a long.

Now, the good news.  If the first fight was after several years, that might be an indication that they can live together peacefully.  Also, if they like playing together, that's also a good indicator.

Now, the problem is that without seeing how the dogs interact, it's really difficult to diagnose what's going on.  In fact, it's just plain impossible.  So the best I can give you is some helpful pointers, and this recommendation:  Find a trusted animal behaviorist or really good dog trainer to come out and watch the dogs interact.  That's the only way to get a really good idea of what's going on and perhaps how to fix it.  In the meantime, here's some advice that might help you out.

1) Avoid giving the dogs the opportunity to fight.  Keep them separated when you are not around to supervise

2) If there is a dog that is the aggressor, you need to really work on obedience training with the dog.  Actually, it's a good idea to really work both, but the more dominant dog needs to be reigned in some.  No treat training either.  Everything should be because you, as the ultimate leader, said so.  If you need advice on how to work this training, I would definitely recommend a professional trainer, but I can help you get started.

3) Avoid anything that encourages the dogs to fight.  Don't feed or water together, no treats, etc.

4) Encourage activities where they are together, but not directly interacting.  Long walks or runs together with you there is a good start.  If you have someone who can help with your walks, that's a good idea to.  This will help keep them socializing with each other without focusing on their interactions.

5) Slowly add in small treats that you give.  Have both dogs sit, or lie down, and feed them the treats, alpha first (the more dominant one) and then the second.  Make sure the treats are small and easily consumed.  This will get them used to things coming from you, and that you are fair, but respect their order.

These are just some things to start with, but hopefully it will help some.  I hate that I can't give you a better fix right now, but you need someone who can be there to watch the dog interactions.  Check with your vet or a trainer and they hopefully can recommend someone in your area.

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QUESTION: Does the old addage "Can't treat an old dog new treats" come into play here. Are they too old and set in their ways for a trainer to be effective? Can you break one from being alpha? The smaller one does act submissive most the time but it's like she get PMS or something and snaps.
They are 6-7yrs old.

Answer
It's never "too late" to teach a dog, but you have to deal with years of conditioned responses behind it.  So . . . you have to work harder and be more consistent with older dogs.  Really, the best thing is to teach the "alpha" that you are in charge and that you don't tolerate the abuse.  At the same time, you have to make sure the smaller one stays in line beneath the other dog.  Tough balancing act, but a lot of obedience work usually helps.  And with their ages, they will be adult enough to understand quickly, but also set in their ways enough that they will challenge you quite a bit.  Consistency is key, but it will work eventually.