Dogs are fighting.

Question
I have two female dogs Saturn is a 4 year old American Bulldog and I've had her since she was 2 months old, then I have Venus she is a 1 year old Rottweiler and I've had her since she was 6 weeks old. Venus got parvo when she was like 6 months old and she hasn't been the same since. Anyway they just started fighting last night and Venus was the one to start it. I live alone with them and I would like to feel confident enough in myself to break up a fight if needed. My friend was here last night so thankfully I wasn't alone. Any help you can give is much appreciated. Thank you.  

Answer
Dear Colleen,
Thanks for the question. Inter-dog aggression is a complex issue and breaking up dog fights can be dangerous.

To learn how to manage and enjoy your multi-dog household, visit a bookstore and buy the book, Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy a Multi-dog household, by Patricia B McConnell.

Did they fight over a chew toy or food? If so, feed them in different places and avoid giving them chew toys unless they are separated. Basically you'll try to avoid any situations which trigger their disagreements.

Teach them both to comply with obedience commands, so that you can tell them to go-to-place and lay if they start posturing before a fight.

Breaking up dog fights can be scary and dangerous. I know all the professionals say- "do not get involved" but hey, if your dogs are hurting each other it's tough to ignore that!

There's a citronella spray, called Direct Stop that can be a good tool. The dogs feel it, see it, hear it, taste it and smell it. It doesn't hurt them, only overwhelms their senses! Some dogs, like my terrier Bentley, are not bothered by it - others will stop as if to say "Whoa--what's that stinky stuff?"

Here are some other ideas- You always want to stay out of the "middle" of the two dogs. From the outside of the fight - throw a blanket over the head of the dog that is the aggressor, pull her away- grab the rear legs of the aggressor and pull her away.

Depending on the dog's levels of arousal, a toot from a pocket fog horn- might interrupt the fight. You can get these at the boating section of Walmart.

You'll want to prevent and interrupt before they actually get into it.

Good Luck!
AT
http://howsbentley.com