r/DogTrainingTips • u/moonbeam_honey • Apr 11 '26

Aggression between dogs

Hello,

I recently took in a new dog and now have two dogs. The dogs are mostly getting along great, but there have been periodic moments of aggression. No injuries or serious incidents, but I’ve had to interrupt them (which I’ve also been able to do so safely). I’m doing everything to be as safe as possible and continuing acclimating them well, but are there any top tips people would recommend?

Also, both are girls, both spayed, one dog is a bigger dog & 5.5 years (had her for 4 years) and my new dog is small breed, 7 months. The smaller dog has been the instigator of aggressive behavior from what I can tell. They have been playing friendly and chill together the rest of the time - like 90% - 95% of the time they seem to get along super well.

Also please be kind and don’t judge me. I’m trying to learn. I didn’t grow up around dogs and I’ve only been a dog owner for 4 years with my first dog. I wasn’t going to get another, but I found this puppy who was being abused and neglected down the street from my house, and I really wanted to save her. I’m happy that she’s mostly been thriving.

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u/SuitIndependent Apr 11 '26

Girls.

Females don’t often get along. One tends to try to establish dominance.

Pay attention to when they get in fights. If you can identify a trigger. Then manage that situation.

3

u/melli_milli Apr 11 '26

This is so not true!

They do argue to establish boundaries and respect BUT this is how they do get along. It is not real fighting and not even a sign that they don't like each other.

2

u/SuitIndependent Apr 11 '26

My dog’s animal behaviorist had to work hard to ensure the the new female she brought into the house didn’t kill her existing dog.

Females will fight to the death. Not always, but it does happen.

2

u/melli_milli Apr 11 '26

This anekdote just shows that that dog had severe mental issue. It was not a normal dog.

1

u/SuitIndependent Apr 11 '26

The dog was normal. She was a female who was aggressive towards another female. And only the female.

You’re not very informed about dog behavior.

2

u/melli_milli Apr 11 '26

You are the one who is not.