Can Dogs Live Together After Fighting? (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Live Together After Fighting? ›

Can dogs live together after fighting? The answer is, most of the time, YES. There are times when dogs may be like an incompatible couple and need to divorce, but in general, there are things you can do to help combative pups get along.

They're social animals, so it stands to reason that they tend to cooperate and try to minimize conflict. But what happens when there's a small dust-up or a fight? While they'll sometimes just walk away and leave each other alone, other times, they'll go through a process of reconciliation and make up after the fight.

Some have recommended that the dogs not be anywhere near one another for at least 48 hours following the fight, even if they live in the same household, while others recommend that getting a positive interaction between the two animals as soon as possible is the best course of action -- at the end of the day, however, ...

The dogs are kept separated or closely supervised anytime they are together for the remainder of their lives. Sometimes the potential risk of injury (physical or emotional) is too great to have them live together. Sometimes the triggers are not easy to control so the safest option is to keep the dogs separated.

Dogs are inherently social animals that live well together in groups, but that does not mean that all dogs get along. Most dogs will welcome a new sibling, but it is not always smooth sailing.

Let your dogs sniff each other and greet each other normally. Give them positive reinforcement through calm verbal affirmations. After letting them play for a while, put both dogs in a “sit” or “stay”, then let them interact again. Finally, take them on walks together, allowing them to sniff each other along the way.

Grudges with other dogs

To them, that other dog = bad news, even if they don't remember exactly why. Your dog isn't actively “holding a grudge” against that other pooch, but they are responding to the negative association that was formed the first time, and strengthened every time since.

Punishment should be avoided. The dog-dog relationship will not be improved if you scold, punish or hold down a dog as punishment; in fact you may make it worse by punishing the dog for signaling and communicating their aggressive intentions.

Dogs use actions called "play bows" to ask other individuals to play and also while they're playing to punctuate play bouts to admit they're wrong and say something like, “Sorry I bit you so hard—this is still play regardless of what I just did.

In a real fight, the dogs will target the stomach, throat, and front legs and the victim of the attack will often retaliate by grabbing a hold of the other dog's neck. If your dog is involved in such a fight and receives severe injuries, take him to the vet immediately.

What not to do after a dog fight? ›

Remember, you should never get in the middle of two fighting dogs and NEVER attempt to grab the collar or head of two fighting dogs. Some experts, however, have discovered that there's a slightly safer way to separate fighting dogs and this is called the "wheelbarrow" method.

Anytime a dog has been in a fight they should see a veterinarian to look for pain/wounds or signs of serious internal injury. If you are unable to see a vet the same day, you can clean small wounds with mild soap to keep it clean until you get vet care.

It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.

In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.

Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.

Non-reciprocal play. This is when you see one dog trying to engage another dog in play, but the other dog is ignoring that dog by looking away, walking to a different play space or flashing their teeth at the dog. These are all signs that at least one dog doesn't like the other.

Do dogs remember that they fought? ›

People and dogs can become injured when there's a fight. Also, a dog will remember that he's been attacked. It may be very difficult–if not impossible–for them to get along afterwards.

When dogs (and other animals) play, they apologize and ask for forgiveness. The importance of context—who's interacting with whom, who else is around, and where something is happening—can't be overstated. Trust and cooperation also are involved in reconciliation.

"Dogs often fight over access to a resource that is perceived to be valuable." Some dogs fight when moving through or contained within a tight space or during rough play. This aggression may be excitement-related or related to frustration or fear.

Don't give in to fear or anxiety, and don't start yelling or kicking at the dog. An aggressive dog wants you to be stressed out before it attacks, but if you remain calm and in control, it slows them down and throws them off. Also avoid direct eye contact with an aggressive dog.

Science Behind Dogs Sensing Fighting

From the way the dog reacts, it shows that the dog can understand what is going on and that their parents are not getting along and are upset. That is often why dogs will run away and hide or try and break up the fight so it does not get any worse.

Will My Dog Forgive Me For Hitting Him? While hitting an animal is never the right thing, most dogs are very forgiving and are good at moving on from a one-off incident. Dogs live in the moment and don't tend to bear grudges. However, some factors may influence whether he can carry on as normal after being hit.

Research reveals that dogs have the ability to forgive, similar to humans. But, their forgiveness depends on personality traits and past experiences. Their memory of an event may also affect how they forgive a person. Proper training and positive reinforcement can aid in a dog forgiving quicker.

Most law enforcement experts divide dogfight activity into three categories: street fighting, hobbyist fighting and professional activity: "Street" fighters engage in dog fights that are informal, street corner, back alley and playground activities.

Call or visit your local law enforcement offices and bring them animal fighting reward posters. Even better, present law enforcement with statements from local animal control or shelter workers regarding the signs they see of animal fighting in the community.

As soon as they try or do nip, calmly say “no” and look away. Removing all of this attention from your dog will show them that a nip means no more love or attention. Try a “three-strike you're out” concept – if your dog nips, you say no, and they do it two more times, calmly get up and walk away from the situation.

How do I build my dog's confidence after a fight? ›

Break the fight up quickly and calmly, redirect the dog's attention, take them for a walk together, and don't worry that it's going to happen again. They may or may not fight again, but if worry over it does not become your obsession, you will not be feeding them negative energy that will lead to another fight.

There are a variety of reasons dogs may show sudden aggression towards each other. Some of the most common causes of conflict between familiar dogs include frustration, illness, and resource guarding. You'll need to clearly identify the root of the problem to restore household harmony.

Play fighting is entirely normal, and two dogs living together will likely do it all of the time! You might see them really roughhouse; body slam one another, bite each other, and more. These “fights” can look violent; those who know nothing about dogs might think they're hurting each other.

Every interaction should be initiated and stopped by the owner, not the dog. Work with each dog individually first, then together once it is safe to do so. By learning to sit or lay down in the presence of a resource, dogs learn to remain calm in a situation that may have previously triggered a fight.

It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.

Play fighting is entirely normal, and two dogs living together will likely do it all of the time! You might see them really roughhouse; body slam one another, bite each other, and more. These “fights” can look violent; those who know nothing about dogs might think they're hurting each other.

If the situation is escalating rapidly and it's impossible to prevent a fight, focus on breaking up the fight in the safest way possible. According to internationally acclaimed dog behaviorist, the late Dr. Sophia Yin, it's important to avoid actions that may cause the dogs to transfer their aggression towards you.

Do dogs feel bad after attacking another dog? ›

Pay Attention to Your Dog's Behavior

Dogs can be severely traumatized after a dog attack and may exhibit behavioral issues indicating they have lingering effects. If your dog is suffering from emotional trauma, signs may include: an unwillingness to play and interact with other dogs.

Dog Behavior After Being Attacked

Now, this doesn't always happen to every single dog. Some dogs may perceive the attack as scary and unpleasant, but it will soon be shaken off. The problem arises when the attack is morphed into a life-changing event, and this can happen even to the most solid dogs.

There are a variety of reasons dogs may show sudden aggression towards each other. Some of the most common causes of conflict between familiar dogs include frustration, illness, and resource guarding. You'll need to clearly identify the root of the problem to restore household harmony.

Siblings often play hard, and fight harder. Because many sibling pups are only socialized with each other, they may develop aggression or fear towards other dogs.

Don't Pick Up Your Dog

The action can trigger a dog's prey instincts, much the same way a squirrel running up a tree might do the same thing. If you must pick up your dog, turn your back to the approaching dog to hide the motion and minimize the chances of triggering an aggressive response in the other dog.