Dogs sometimes take a dislike to other dogs, and at times, dogs fight among themselves. Why do dog-to-dog conflict and aggression happen, and what can we do to help?
Dogs are social animals and often benefit from the enrichment of interacting with other dogs. But not all dogs are comfortable with social contact and not every dog-dog interaction is positive.
Even dogs that know each other, live together, and usually get along well will sometimes have moments of tension and occasionally snark, snap, or growl at each other. This is usually nothing to worry about, any more than we would worry about an occasional argument with a spouse, roommate, or a child. Problems occur, however, when these disagreements escalate into intense posturing or physical aggression and fights.
Why do dogs have conflict or behave aggressively toward each other?
- Sometimes, a dog that used to get along well with another dog becomes irritable and lashes out because he is in physical pain or discomfort. It is important to have your vet check for subtle causes of pain and discomfort, because medical issues cause between 30% to 80% of behavioral problems in dogs.
- When dogs are taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids, they can become more prone to aggressive behavior, and could take their frustration out on a dog pal.
- Some dogs have had few positive experiences with other dogs, or they may have had a traumatic experience, and that causes them to show aggressive behavior towards all dogs to protect themselves - even when there is no specific threat.
- Some dogs just don’t do well when socially interacting with dogs they don’t know. Even dogs that have dog friends or housemates may not accept or enjoy interacting with unknown dogs. This is normal for many adult dogs and is not a sign that something is wrong with the dog’s social skills or preferences.
- Some dogs protect things they deem valuable for their safety, comfort, and survival such as food, locations, or people. This leads to what we call resource guarding, where a dog might growl and show her teeth if a person or another dog gets too close to an item, food source, family member or location that she is protecting.
- Just as some people become overwhelmed in large crowds, dogs can be overwhelmed too. Even though you might dream of letting your dog “be free” to run and sniff to her heart’s content in the local dog park, she may not feel safe there. Dog parks are not for every dog, especially for dogs that are overwhelmed by dogs who play too rough or who do not do well with social interaction.
What does dog-to-dog aggressive behavior look like?
Especially when you’re holding the end of a leash or live in a multi-dog home where dogs are fighting, it can look quite scary. Since we can get frightened when our dogs fight or act aggressively, we might not notice all of the body language that they show both before and during aggressive episodes. But these details are the first step to understanding your dog and changing his behavior.
Dogs that live together might show aggressive behavior when they guard resources from each other. Signs of guarding can be very subtle to begin with. The dog might freeze and be very still, lick their lips, stare at the other dog, lift a lip, growl, or put their ears back. If these signals are not understood or tolerated by the other dog, the dog that is guarding might suddenly charge and snap.
Dogs that show aggressive behavior on the leash, for example, might become stiff at the sight of another dog approaching in the distance, then bark and lunge when that dog gets too close. You might notice that the fur on your dog’s back stands up (called hackles or piloerection). His ears may prick up or lay flat and back on his head and he might lick his lips or close his mouth in anticipation of what’s to come. His tail can become stiff or even wag quickly from side to side. If the other dog gets too close for comfort he may stiffen or change his stance and growl, warning it to stay away. If this warning language doesn’t work, he is likely to snarl, bark, lunge and/or bite in an effort to make the other dog go away and keep himself safe.
Dog-to-dog aggression in the same household
Disagreements between dogs in multi-dog households are very common. Behaviors like growling, snarling and even air snapping usually help to resolve conflict pretty quickly, and even though these behaviors might look and sound intense at times, they often don't escalate into serious physical or mental conflict. If we put this in human terms, you might argue with a family member about whose turn it is to do the dishes or get irritated if they don’t clean up, but these are pretty minor disagreements.
On the flip side, if aggressive behavior frequently erupts and causes emotional suffering and physical injury, this is a very serious issue and needs immediate intervention. In cases like these, separating dogs for safety and using constant environmental management is an effective way to deal with the problem while you contact a professional positive trainer to help you. They will do an assessment to begin with and then work with you to develop a management and training plan that works for your lifestyle and ensures that everyone stays as safe as possible.
Conflict with a new dog
Household conflicts also happen when new dogs are introduced too quickly. This can be prevented by managing the dogs’ interactions right from the start, so that they have enough time to get to know one another and to do things they enjoy together.
If your old dog just pinned your new puppy to the ground, that might mean there is a significant issue with the existing dog, who needs some guidance and management, or you went a little fast introducing the puppy and your older dog needs some time and help to get used to the new addition.
Just like human friendships, dogs need multiple, short positive experiences to build deep relationships before they share space, valuables, and their precious family members. Introducing your new dog or puppy to your existing canine family should be started with short interactions in neutral places, preferably doing something that both dogs enjoy.
Sometimes, however, conflict between dogs in the same household is more damaging, more long-lasting, or both. Some dogs do not do well living with other dogs and are happier being the only pup in the home. It might be hard to come to terms with, but if management and training become too difficult, it is time to have an honest conversation with yourself and your family members.
Rehoming a dog to somewhere more appropriate relieves stress and keeps everyone safe. Although it is always a tough decision to rehome a dog, sometimes it can be the best solution that allows everyone to have a better quality of life. A qualified professional will understand this, and can help you consider your options without judgement, as you weigh the welfare concerns of all involved, including you.
Dog-to-dog aggression during a leashed walk
Some dogs seem comfortable with other dogs at home or off leash, then transform into a snarling, growling lunging mess when walked on the leash past another dog. This is confusing for guardians, but is actually quite a common reaction for many dogs when they are walked on a leash.
Dogs who show aggressive behaviors on leash may be trying to get more space from the other dog, or they may be trying to get closer to them. That's right, two dogs showing these same behavior patterns may have opposite motives! Because the leash limits a dog's options, friendly but frustrated dogs AND fearful dogs might all look like you have Cujo at the end of the leash!
How a leash complicates the situation
Dogs snarl, bark, lunge and growl on leash for several reasons, and only one of them is properly called “aggressive.”
From a dog’s perspective, being tethered at the end of a leash is actually quite disempowering in that it severely limits his decisions and freedom of movement. Leashes are vital for keeping dogs safe, but they prevent dogs’ ability to act naturally; they do not allow dogs the freedom to put sufficient distance between themselves and perceived threats or to approach a dog to say hello.
When a dog is leashed, you are the one that makes most of the crucial decisions for your dog, so learning the early signs that she is uncomfortable or frustrated, and allowing her to choose another path can help you avoid putting her in situations where she feels the need to express those things more loudly. You can also empower her by teaching her new, more appropriate ways to get what she wants. For example, if she wants distance from the other dog, practicing simple, effective two-way communication can help her stop worrying and move past dogs quietly and confidently
What if she barks and lunges because she wants to get close to or greet the other dog? These ”frustrated greeters” want to decrease distance as fast as possible and say hello, but are prevented from doing so by the leash. In this case they are being “reactive” but not “aggressive” on leash. Whether your dog gets upset while on leash because he is frustrated or fearful, you can help him and restore peace by learning his language, and by teaching him other ways to communicate his needs and wants.
How can you help your dog?
Every dog is different, and it’s important to know your dog’s personality, needs, and environment. You can help him understand that you will keep him safe from whatever he finds scary, and this trust is critically important for the human-animal bond.
If your dog is displaying aggressive behavior, it is important to do the following:
1. Make a list of everything that triggers your dog. Be specific as you can, for example, “my dog lunges at small, white dogs but is fine with large brown ones.”
2. Make a list of the body language you see before your dog reacts aggressively (it might be as subtle as a body freeze or as loud as a growl).
3. Identify your dog’s specific wants and needs. (For example, being safe is a need, socializing with strange dogs is not.) If your list includes only wants, management will be your best friend! If it includes needs, like feeling safe in their own home, management will STILL be your best friend, but often won't be enough. This is when you will need a more detailed training plan.
4. Contact a dog behavior professional who can help you and your dog find a solution that allows everyone to relax and enjoy safety, peace, and comfort.
Next steps
Avoid situations that trigger your dog, at least for now
If your dog cannot cope with noisy, busy, or crowded places, like busy streets or the dog park, it’s important to avoid them for now. Dogs who display aggressive behaviors in those environments will not “get over it” with repeated exposures. Instead, those repeated instances will often strengthen their aggressive responses.
In many cases, a qualified positive trainer can help you slowly teach him that something really scary can become just moderately scary, which can then turn into something that’s not scary at all. This involves methods called desensitization and counter-conditioning. For example, if you give your dog a yummy treat when he sees another dog and before he becomes uncomfortable, then you will help him change the way he emotionally reacts to other dogs by building positive associations.
With enough of this practice, you can potentially bring in some fun life skills or “games” such as hand targeting away from the dog when he notices him, or scattering treats or toys on the ground so he can use his brain and engage his nose to find the treats. It is important to observe your dog’s body language, and if he is communicating that he is uncomfortable, give your dog a break and walk with him away from what’s upsetting him.
While you are teaching your dog to feel safer in busier environments, take him on solitary walks, or walk with a small group instead. Try to find wide open spaces where your dog can do doggie things, like sniffing. Consider ways to empower your dog to explore with confidence. One great option is finding a quieter location where your dog can be on a long line (a 15-20- leash) without being off leash or exposed to other off leash dogs. There are even fenced spaces that can be rented by the hour to let your dog run safely without fearing that another dog will cross his path.
Avoid punishing your dog for aggressive behaviors
As upsetting as it is to see your dog be aggressive towards another, don’t punish this behavior.
Punishing will only serve to heighten your dog’s insecurity and maybe even cause her to fear you, too. She will also learn that bad things happen to her when she sees another dog, creating a stronger negative emotional feeling.
Of course, staying calm can be easier said than done: when we are scared, embarrassed, or feeling insecure about our dog’s behavior we often find ourselves getting angry and reaching for punishment.
Even though you do not want to act on these emotions, be kind to yourself about these feelings; they are a great opportunity for empathy and connection with your dog’s experience. After all, you may be feeling the exact same way as your dog does in front of her trigger! Feeling scared or helpless can provoke us and dogs and make us want to aggressively to cope with and change the situation.
Avoid asking your dog to sit still and watch whatever she’s afraid of get closer.
This is expecting too much from her and can have the opposite effect from what you’re trying to accomplish. Instead, when your dog asks for distance with her body language, help her move away to where she can feel safe. Meeting her need for safety this way will improve her future behavior and her trust in you. Not wanting to be around other dogs is normal, too!
There are also some dogs who do not enjoy being around other dogs - and that’s completely fine. Some dogs, like people, prefer a quieter life with their human families and do much better when they don’t have to interact with members of their own species. Many dogs and puppies are more social with strange or new dogs when they are younger, but may become more selective about which dogs they enjoy as they age and reach social maturity. Again, they’re not so different from us in that respect: many young children play with everyone, but as we age, especially around adolescence and beyond, we develop stronger preferences and interests and become more selective about our friends. Both are developmentally normal!
Can I reintroduce my dog to other dogs safely?
It can take a long time to help your dog feel safe and comfortable around other dogs. Hiring a positive trainer can help you create a path forward that is customized to your dog’s needs. Every dog’s needs are different, and when it comes to aggressive behaviors, successful outcomes require individualized plans.
Once you’ve got your dog to the point where he feels more comfortable seeing other dogs from a distance or walking past them, a trainer can guide you about whether slow and gentle introductions may be made. This is best done under professional supervision with an assistant dog who is very calm and skilled at “speaking dog.”
Should I allow my dog to meet other dogs on leash?
When dogs meet on leash, they cannot communicate clearly with one another, and so these greetings are often tense and unnatural. Even very social dogs often struggle in this scenario. For dogs with a history of aggressive behavior on or off leash, face-to-face greetings are not recommended. That doesn’t mean your dog cannot learn to enjoy leashed outings with other leashed dogs. Simply experiencing positive things in the other dog’s presence, such as walking or other activities that your dog enjoys at a comfortable distance, can help build a positive association.
Parallel walking or following the calm dog on a walk will give many opportunities for your dog to use his nose and explore the environment in the presence of the other dog without having to interact. Please contact a qualified positive trainer to guide initial interactions.
I need more help
Don’t worry! We are here to help. Dogs that display aggressive behaviors can be scary to deal with, so take a deep breath.
Managing aggressive behaviors between dogs is a skill that often involves environmental management, such as putting up baby gates, closing doors, or using other barriers. You may be learning how to do this, so be patient with yourself too.
A professional trainer will help you develop a plan and give you specific guidance based on your dog’s needs.
