male dogs fighting

Question
I have a schnauzer and a lhasa apso they get along well and ive had them for a year but recently they are violent with each other and when we pull them apart the la..bites at us. we cant keep them together anymore. why has this happened. there r no new changes in our daily habits and i give them the same attention.

Answer

Hi Rosa,

If one of your dogs was a young puppy and has now reached maturity that could explain the aggressive behavior, especially if neither dog is neutered. You should have both of your dogs neutered, if they haven't yet been "fixed".

Aggression issues often occur when the dog owner is not seen as the "leader" by the dogs, so they battle for the leadership position in the "pack". It can help if you worked with your dogs, and trained them obedience commands, and lots of pop quizzed during the day to further enhance your position as the pack leader. You may want to consult with a dog trainer if you find it hard to train your dogs. Giving each dog additional exercise during the day in the form of leashed walks can also help to reduce aggression between dogs.

Don't put your dogs in situations where attacks happen. Separate the dogs during mealtimes, or any other time attacks occur. Don't just give your dogs attention, make them "work" for the reward of your attention.  A simple to follow regimen called "Nothing In Life Is Free",  works along these lines. It can also help with aggression. Read about that here:

http://www.greyhoundlist.org/nothing_is_free.htm

Best of luck,

Patti