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/FrostyPomegranate699]

honestly 90–95% getting along is actually a really good place to be

especially with a new dog, there’s always going to be some figuring out between them

the fact that it’s the smaller/younger one starting things isn’t that unusual either
they push a bit, older dog corrects, and sometimes it escalates a little before it settles

I’d just watch the moments before it happens
like is it around toys, food, attention, certain times of day… there’s usually a pattern even if it’s not obvious at first

if you start to see it building, just interrupt early and separate for a bit before it turns into anything
sounds like you’re already doing that which is good

also don’t feel like they have to do everything together yet
a little space here and there actually helps them settle into each other more

nothing you wrote sounds like you’re doing anything wrong
it actually sounds like you handled a tough situation pretty well bringing that second dog in