Female Dogs Fight Constantly

Female dog fights will only escalate, seek outside help.

Q. I have four Pekingese dogs, two males and two females. The two females fight. One female just lost sight in one eye due to a fight. When I open the back door to let them in or out it will spark a fight at times. I feel like this is my fault. I have been injured trying to break them apart. My husband and I need help.

A. You have a very serious problem in your Pekingese pack! When a female dog takes this much of a dislike to another female in the same household, it’s a situation that can only rarely be made better. Fighting between female dogs is typically more volatile if one or both are intact (not spayed), but at this point, with this much enmity between them, spaying probably won’t help.

I’d suggest you immediately ask your veterinarian for a referral to a board certified veterinary behaviorist. A veterinary behaviorist will be able to assess the situation and prescribe behavioral medication for one or both dogs if she or he considers that a viable solution.

In the meantime, you must absolutely manage your fighting females by keeping them securely separated at all times. Fights between female dogs usually become more severe each time they fight, and if one dog has already lost an eye, another fight could very well result in her death.

Sadly, it’s likely you’ll find that the only safe and permanent solution to this dangerous situation with your females will be to choose one to keep, and find a new home for the other.

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brandi Boone, IA

8/8/2011 10:56:41 AM

I too have 2 Dogs, Yorkies~ages 3 1/2 & 4 yrs old. A year ago they started to fight & it progressed to violent fights..my 2 daughters as well as my husband & self have been bitten. we found out one was in pain & needed both knees operated on. We did this, & for a couple of months the fighting stopped. Unfortunatly, it has started up again. We are keeping them both on leashes to pull them apart if they start. Both are excercised, both have plenty of toys, both are fed appropriatly. I am at my wits end, & after the surgery & the bills, we can't afford a behaviorist...any suggestions are appreciated. BOTH are Spayed & Have been together since 7 weeks old & 12 weeks old.

Ruthie Sparks, NV

4/1/2011 8:44:58 AM

I have 2 famale lhasa apso's and they've started to HATE each other! They've always growled at each, other over food mostly...I cam home last night to 1 bloody dog! MOSTLY superficial, but i'm worried! ??

Kay Lago Vista, TX

12/27/2009 12:01:15 PM

I have a Boston Terrier she has been fix but she use to play with my other dog now she fights her. I have her in a cage now. I feed her in it with in 20 min.and I walk her. We are on a fix income what do I do.

Robin Olympia, WA

2/28/2009 12:19:57 PM

I agree with September, I had two female jack russells that fought anytime they got together and the fights only got worse as they got older. We had to keep the dogs seperated at all times and it was very stressful for all of us. I felt we couldn't leave the dogs with anyone to go on vacations and so forth for fear the two females would end up accidently together. After 8 years of this, one of the Jack's sadly died from a brain tumer.

Good luck with what you decide to do.