Establishing Peace Between Two Female Dogs: Effective Strategies and Professional Advice

Introduction

Bringing two female dogs into the same household can sometimes lead to conflicts and disagreements over territory, resources, and the pecking order. It's crucial to understand how to establish a peaceful coexistence between them. This guide will provide you with effective strategies and professional advice to help ensure your two female dogs can live harmoniously.

Understanding the Situation

The breed and size of the dogs play a significant role in their interactions. If one is significantly larger or more dominant than the other, this can exacerbate potential conflicts. Furthermore, external factors such as changes in the environment or the presence of strangers can trigger aggression. It's important to address these underlying issues to prevent further disputes.

Preventing Dog Fights

When you notice signs of aggression or readiness to attack, it's essential to intervene immediately. For instance, if the dogs are outdoors, using a water hose can be a humane and effective way to break up a fight. This approach is not always necessary but is a last resort; be cautious to avoid accidental injury.

Another effective tool is an air horn. This small but loud device can startle the dogs and stop them from continuing their aggressive behavior. You can find these devices on Amazon and carry them on you at all times when dealing with two or more dogs.

Nurturing a Shared Pack Identity

Dogs thrive on a sense of belonging and structure within a pack. Walking your dogs together can help them understand that they are part of a unified group rather than separate individuals vying for dominance. Consistency and repetition are key. The more time they spend together, the sooner they will feel a sense of camaraderie.

Feeding Separately

Feeding the dogs in separate rooms at the same time can help them have individual experiences without feeling threatened or resource-protected by the other. This separation during mealtime can reduce dominance struggles and promote a sense of independence and belonging.

Establishing Leadership and Supervision

One of the most critical aspects of resolving disputes between dogs is establishing yourself as the pack leader. Consistency and clear boundaries are essential. If one dog is clearly taking the lead, find ways to counterbalance this and maintain a balanced hierarchy.

Professional advice from Rachel Neumeier highlights the importance of recognizing female animal behavior. She shared a disturbing experience where two female dogs who lived together for years suddenly had a fatal fight. This serves as a stark reminder that when females start fighting, their disputes can be intense and even lethal.

She advises finding ways to mitigate conflicts without any blame, but also stresses the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of aggression. If, despite your efforts, the dogs continue to fight, it might be best to consider separating them permanently, ideally in different rooms of the same house to avoid being sent to a shelter.

Personal Experience

Don't waste money on trainers; your time and effort are worth more than their hourly rates. A trainer might simply rehash the same advice but charge a premium for their supposed expertise. Instead, take the initiative to set leadership boundaries and instill a harmonious environment through consistent and compassionate guidance.

Conclusion

By following these strategies and professional advice, you can help your female dogs establish a peaceful coexistence. Remember, patience and consistency are key. By understanding and addressing the underlying issues, you can create a balanced and harmonious pack atmosphere for your dogs.