spanielchris Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 Over the last 12 months our youngest ESS bitch has become more dominant (she's now 3 y/o) our eldest ESS bitch is 5 and was previously the more dominant. This recent change in rankings means they keep falling out and coming to blows. It appeared to start through jealousy if we were stroking the eldest etc.. And it began with just stand offs, staring each other out and the odd grumble. Now they properly go for each other all though they never seem to bite each other but butt each other, hurrendous growling and paw action. This is happening more frequently and now for no apparent reason. When not fighting they love each other, lie on top of each other, kissing, cleaning each other and totally happy to stay in each other's close proximity. Apart from it being annoying it has now started frightening our 2y/o son. Anyone else had similar? Any advice on how to stop it?? Help very grateful. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian g Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 Was going to say just let themselfs sort it out between them but if it's affecting your 2 year old that's not possible a water pistol might be worth ago as soon as one starts spray it in the face Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brixsmaid Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 I've had it and have to say it got very nasty. I genuinely believe it was jealousy and sort all sorts of advice. Apparently bitches are more tolerant but when they do go they go. I couldn't come up with a solution other than to ensure they were kept apart, one in - other kenneled, so I have been like that for the better part of 10 years, now 10 years on, when they do see each other even through the wire they still hate each other and are up for it. Sorry I can't be more helpful - hopefully somebody else will have a solution - good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonicdmb Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 It may be worth having a vet check to make sure no health problems have changed the dynamic illness in the older bitch, pain in the younger one? May be nothing to do with it but needs ruling out. make sure if they don't have it already that one can get away from the other if it chooses. feed separately. How much exercise do they get? you could try wearing them out Could boredom be a factor? This my be leaving you with more questions than answers I've just tried to remember what I've read and think what would I do. hope it helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apache Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 Are they entire? I've had similar situations improve by spaying one or both. There is a lot you can do to establish the dogs place in the pack. Decide who you want as top dog. Always (absolutely without fail) greet her first. Make the other dog sit and wait. Feed the top dog first. You can give top dog privileges that the other dog doesn't have. You need to persevere, but it can work very well. It's not embarrassing to seek the experience of a professional dog trainer, but I'd remove the hormonal influence too if it was my problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanielchris Posted January 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 Hummmm! Thanks for the reply guys. LOTS to think about. The eldest bitch ( who used to be in charge) has been spayed. Going to ring the vet today, see if they can advise. Many thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 At least two dogs generally sort it out, two bitches can be a royal pain in the ........ Get onto it, I think Apache has some good advice there. Dogs are like people in so many ways, two blokes can have a right old barny and forget all about it it a few hours after, while women bear a grudge forever in my experience Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.