I need help my boys are fighting don't know what to do!

dobytrio · 06-02-2008, 11:24 PM

I have been blessed with the most loving male dobies, the father chase 7yrs and pumpkin 6yrs. they have both been fixed and along with the female(trixy) . everything was normal till this last month we have had 3 serious fights between the boys which has ended only due to human intervention(2 men). they are fine after a few hours like nothing happened. I am scared to come home one day and find one dead. Im so confused why this would happen now after peaceful living for so many years. the fights are so intense I can't handle breaking it alone ,even my husband can't do it alone.I am destroyed at the thought of getting rid of any of them, but everyone is telling me that is my only choice. Since none of these people have dobies I don't think they understand.I am hoping somebody who has had this experience can give me some advice. I love my dogs and all I want is for things to be back to normal

DreamDoby · 06-02-2008, 11:32 PM

Do a search on male/male aggression. I am sorry you are in this situation. Unfortunately, fights can escalate to much more than what you want. You need to do some careful thinking about what you can handle and do. They should be seperated at all times when not supervised and most likely at all times. Many people have had to find homes for their second males due to this situation.

Julie W · 06-03-2008, 12:10 AM

The topic of male/male aggression has been discussed many many times here. I'm so sorry you are having to deal with it. Male/male aggression happens more often than not and it can start at any age during their life. They should never ever be left alone where they can reach each other ever again.

dusuwho · 06-03-2008, 03:12 AM

Is there one of them who initiates the aggression that you have noticed? Has there been a change in your home life atall that coincided with the fighting or changed the balance of your pack? Are they both nuetered? Does the fighting happen at a particular place i.e back yard?

This must be really horrible to deal with. My heart goes out to you.

DobeMomToo · 06-03-2008, 06:46 AM

All very good comments here as to not leaving the "boys" alone together. Supervision is a must now.

A couple of questions -- is there any body language you see before this occurs? If so, you may be able to separate them before a fight breaks out. My Blaze "generally" sends signals indicating she's about to go over the edge with another dog she's been very patient with. When I see the signs, she's immediately put into a "down stay."

Is there a way you can create two kennels/runs? Is your yard big enough? That would allow you to kennel both males separately when you are out, yet allow them to still socialize to some extent. And you'd be treating both equally in the pack.

This is such a hard situation. Keep us posted.

waiting · 06-03-2008, 08:27 AM

I find it hard to believe it is a male vs male issue at this point. They have lived together for six years, neutered and well past the hormones of a male kicking in to be a new thing. I would look at getting the boys tested for thyroid. This disease changes the personality of a dog and not for the better. Well worth a try and until some answers are given at the sudden change, I agree keep them separated.
Just a thought.
Good luck and I hope all turns of for you and your dogs.

dusuwho · 06-03-2008, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waiting

I find it hard to believe it is a male vs male issue at this point. They have lived together for six years, neutered and well past the hormones of a male kicking in to be a new thing. I would look at getting the boys tested for thyroid. This disease changes the personality of a dog and not for the better. Well worth a try and until some answers are given at the sudden change, I agree keep them separated.
Just a thought.
Good luck and I hope all turns of for you and your dogs.

Good thinking there waiting

**velmadobe** · 06-03-2008, 08:43 AM

I would also look at physical issues, however, now that they have started fighting I don't think you can go backwards to a trust situation ever again - IMHO.

A visit to the vet is definitely needed - ask for full thyroid panels, do a blood workup. These things are not that expensive - and at 7, you should start doing senior workups every year anyway.

At home, they need to be seperated and never left alone together. They may have to live seperate the rest of their lives.

I'm not sure if you mentioned if your bitch is spayed? If not, it could possibly be causing issues also.

GunnersMum · 06-03-2008, 08:45 AM

I agree with Waiting. I don't have the experience to suggest anything else but have them checked by a vet and keep them separated.

Oh, and welcome to the forum from Ontario, Canada.

hbwright · 06-03-2008, 08:52 AM

While I've never experienced it in males I do think that ruling out any health issues aside this is what they mean by male aggression. I think it can happen at any time, but you've been lucky to keep the peace up until now.

I did have two females that wouldn't get along. One dobe and one nondobe and it turned out to be strickly because of our male. He beloned to my nondobe (Summer). She would tolerate the "other woman" for a very short period of time before very suddenly commensing to rip her to shreds (mind you the doberman that was twice her size).

Up until the death of Mansen we had no choice but to crate and rotate as part of our life. It was the only way we could live with the 2 females.

With that aside, once Mansen died we let them together for their regular play time together, which we did often under double-adult supervision, and they became best friends/sisters until Cleo died and for the first time since Cleo was a pup we never had to crate and rotate.

It is not fun but it works and it may help you be able to keep both dogs still living happily under the same roof.