Aggression - Two Females

by Lori Dale
(Cottontown TN)

Our 2 year old great Pyrenees, both unfixed females, have suddenly started fighting. The younger one by 3 months has started attacking the other one when they are both in the house. Would getting them fixed help with this aggressive behavior? Will They grow our of it? Any help would be appreciated.

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Jan 10, 2018
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Two dogs of same sex
by: Donna

It's never recommended to have two dogs of the same sex in the same household. Yes, people will say theirs are fine together. That's great.

However, as puppies, they are fine. As they mature, you have seen what can happen.

You should always spay/neuter your dogs by two years old. But, this doesn't usually fix the issue. Do get them spayed and see what happens.

If this doesn't do the trick, you'll either need to keep them separate or rehome one of them.

Jan 10, 2018
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Two Dogs of Same Sex
by: Donna

You should also consider bringing in a vet behaviourist and/or a positive-reinforcement trainer to assess the situation to see if something can, in fact, be done.

Although, from experience, if they were fine in the beginning, and things have escalated to where they always fight, there isn't much that can be done, unfortunately.

Jan 10, 2018
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by: loridale

They are fine when they are out in the yard together and it seems it only happens when one is getting attention inside. Like the older one was up on our bed and the younger did not like it and lunged for her.

Jan 11, 2018
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by: Donna

So, this behaviour does not happen all the time. It happens only in certain scenarios.

You should be able to work with it by the sounds of if.

Do get them spayed, though. You don't want any unwanted pups.

The shelters are full of unwanted dogs.

Jan 12, 2018
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your job
by: Anonymous

Nope. Your dogs will not 'outgrow' this behaviour. Unchecked, this behaviour will continue and could accelerate to become very ugly. Nip it in the bud, now.
Spaying will help, for sure. Doing this for them ensures better health long term, and will stop hormonally charged impulsive behaviour.
Your job, from now on, is to create behavioural boundaries. If you do not decide what your rules are 100% of the time, then your dogs will make their own.
Dogs should never be allowed to assume that everything in your home is theirs. Your space always belongs to you, first. You are the one that allows them access. Or not. Think about this a bit. This builds respect in your dog's attitude towards you and also for each other.
If you know what triggers competition between them, it's your job to be pro-active and redirect all incidents before they happen. Competition for space in your bed should never be tolerated. That's your space. Do not allow them to decide they can take this if they want it. Think... once one of them has been eliminated from the bed, you may be next! After all, you have not established any boundaries so, they have taken what they want.
Boundaries are good. Respect starts with your boundaries and includes them. Gently but firmly insist on it. Always redirect a situation that could become a challenge between them or even towards you. You may have to consider finding one of your girls a new home, if their behaviour continues and becomes dangerous.
Good luck with this. I hope you can change what potentially could become a really bad situation for all of you.

Jan 21, 2018
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Pyr females
by: Anonymous

It's pretty typical that Pyr females do not get along. It's not recommended to have 2 (especially not spayed) females together. You'll need to get everybody fixed and call in a behaviorist.

Apr 07, 2018
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update
by: Anonymous

Got them fixed and they are happy sisters again. Thank you to all that gave us advise.

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