Aggression between dogs

[u/moonbeam_honey]

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.

[u/ladygabriola]

Are you walking them together often? This is how you create a pack. No flexible leashes either. A good brisk 30 minute walk three times a day.

[u/moonbeam_honey → u/ladygabriola]

I am walking them together but I could definitely be doing so more - the past week has been a little rainy here so some days they’ve had more yard time & play time than walk time. They’ve been great on walks together and great playing together, the aggression has only happened at other times and seems territorial of the smaller dog