Older dog turned on younger dog

[daniel1106c]

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Hello everyone I have 2 dachshunds . One is 2 years old and the other is 1 year old, both dogs, recently they have had a few nasty fights but a few days ago was the worst and now they can’t even be in the same Vacinity together, it’s more the older dog kicking off on the younger one but has anyone got any recommendations as we are finding it really hard , thank you

 

[JudyN]

What genders are they? This can be common when both dogs are female.

I'd start off by getting a full vet check for both of them - if either is feeling any discomfort, they're going to feel defensive. Either they then get snarky with the other one, or the other one picks on them because they sense their vulnerability.

If the vet rules out any cause, then unfortunately it is usually a case of managing the situation, or rehoming one of them - the usual advice is to rehome the one that will be easier to rehome, which in your case may be the younger one.

 

[JoanneF]

Also, are you aware of anything that might trigger it? For example, are there toys, bowls, beds or anything like that around to compete for?

 

[daniel1106c]

Hi both they both boys , well we took all the toys off them as this started, they was together for a year before any figure started so we don’t understand why it’s started all of sudden they use to be best of friends!

 

[JoanneF]

In that case, definitely get them examined by a vet.

 

[Flobo]

Hormonal changes may also be a factor. But I agree a vet check is always wise with sudden behavioural changes.

 

[daniel1106c]

They both was examined by a vet last Monday as they are going into be neutered this week, so there was no signs of injury’s or illness , it’s more the older one attacking the younger he can’t stand the sight of him, very strange

 

[Hemlock]

I strongly recommend you neuter only one this time and the other when all has settled down hormonally (will take months) as otherwise you will have two dogs with chaotic hormones at the same time which will vastly increase the chances of aggressive behaviour.

 

[daniel1106c]

I strongly recommend you neuter only one this time and the other when all has settled down hormonally (will take months) as otherwise you will have two dogs with chaotic hormones at the same time which will vastly increase the chances of aggressive behaviour.

Really? Ok great, the vets recommended us doing them both as the one that hasn’t been netered will react to the one that has been done and will sense he’s vulnerable

 

[daniel1106c]

Took them out in a walk today together they was ok, stayed around a metre apart but didn’t really attack each other, soon as we got home the older one kicked off again

 

[Tinytom]

This often happens with male intact dogs ...I agree with hemlock on this one ...i would neuter the young one and leave the older one intact ...we have done the same thing with our boys ...it sounds a bit strange leaving the one that maybe starting the problem but it has worked out for us ...

 

[daniel1106c]

This often happens with male intact dogs ...I agree with hemlock on this one ...i would neuter the young one and leave the older one intact ...we have done the same thing with our boys ...it sounds a bit strange leaving the one that maybe starting the problem but it has worked out for us ...

Thank you! So leave the older one even though he is the one starting the fights isit? It’s a nightmare haha

 

[JoanneF]

Sometimes dogs fight because they feel intimidated, so it's based in fear. The theory of not neutering is to leave him with as much of his 'brave' testosterone hormone as possible. And neutering the younger one may help get rid of some of his bolshy braveness, if that could be a trigger.

 

[JudyN]

My (neutered) dog hated any young adult unneutered male dog with a vengeance. Chances are your younger dog has just recently started giving off these aromas, so neutering him may well help.

In the meantime, do please double down on preventing this happening, or it may be more of an entrenched behaviour, and your younger dog become more nervous as a result.

 

[Tinytom]

When you say fights are they actually drawing blood ....