New dog - what am i doing wrong?

Question

So i just adopted a new dog. He is a boxer/lab about 9 months old. I currently have a female american bulldog/pit that is 15 months old. The dogs have been going to daycare together every day this week. They get along better than any of the other dogs, have no fights, when he sleeps she stands over him, and they act like best friends. However, every night when we get home from daycare they get in a fight. The first night before I even got them home they had a fight over food someone had thrown on the grass - it drew blood and the female started it (but I already knew she was food aggressive and the stupid lady didn't pick up the food after I told her that). The second fight was over the new dog's leash - he decided it was his new toy and the female went to play with it and he attacked her (but they share toys at daycare fine) - this one also drew blood and made the female hide in the closet the rest of the night. Then last night, I had petted the male and sat down on a kitchen chair to watch tv and he sat at my side. then i reached over to pet the female as she walked by and he crawled under the chair and lunged out and bit her leg and she ran away and hid in the closet all night and wouldnt even walk past him in his crate to get dinner or go outside. They get along perfect at daycare. What can I do to help them get along in the house? What could i be doing to provoke these situations?

Answer 1

At daycare they are clearly not leader of the pack.  Chances are the people the run the facility know how to control dogs and know that its important that someone is in charge and makes sure the dogs stay in line to prevent fights.  At home, although you should be the leader of the pack, you aren't, your female has taken that position.  And now there is a new dog in her den and she doesn't like it that this dog is claiming things that normally would be hers and hers alone.  That includes, leashes, toys, furniture, food, parts of a room, you and your family.  This is a serious behavior issue that you need to get taken care of and it too much to get into on Y!A.  What I suggest is picking up the phone book and looking for professional dog trainers and behaviorists in your area to help teach you how to become leader of your pack.

Just because the NEW DOG is starting the fights doesn't mean there isn't a battle going on about who is in charge.  You need to figure out a way to discipline the new dog when he's out of line.  I suggest investing in a small play pen and putting him in that when he's bad.  Make sure he's never out of your sight while in the pen though (have it in the same room) and give him a bone to chew on.

Answer 2

Chances are, Daycare is nice neutral turf, and they can be pals.  The HOUSE however, needs a ruler.  If the dogs aren't getting a long in the home, keep them separated.  It's actually not so difficult.  Walk them together, feed them separately.  Play in the yard together, with separate toys.  Train together "Sit", etc... but sleep apart (different crates).

Use baby gates, or crates, or x-pens if you're not actively interacting with your dogs.  The more you do with them together, and then control the times when you're not involved, the less issues you will have in the home.

What did YOU do to start this behavior?  Likely nothing.  Just make sure you're getting the dogs out for lots of exercise.

Answer 3

I'm guessing since they are only displaying aggressive behavior n your presence that you are the issue.  They feel that you are their property and, as such, are fighting over the dominant role of the pack.  You need to step up and make them realize that you are the pack leader.  When you see them, ignore them.  Do not talk or touch them.  And it is not the lady's fault for leaving the food out.  You need to teach your dog that food aggression is not tolerated.  Discipline them when they are doing something wrong.  And I don't mean hit or yell at them.  Just walk up to them assertively, grab their collars, pull sharply to the side and say NO.  How much do you walk them?  If there only form of exercise is playing at daycare you need to start walking them yourself.  At least an hour a day.  Once they start walking together it will be natural for them to form a pack (one in which you are the leader).  I think it would be a good idea for you to take them to obedience classes (if you haven't already done so) and maybe speak to a professional trainer.  If you don't fix this problem it will likely escalate and be much harder to solve.

Answer 4

At the daycare the mood is different. Did you ask the day care that they go to how they behave? Are they in the same area together? Are they allowed to have snacks? Do they eat together?

You need to work on your pack leadership. they need to know that you are the boss. I think that they think they are the boss and they need to make the rules. I have some ideas... When you are giving one affection the other can not see or come into the room with you. If they are going to be eating or near eating time... youneed to make sure he is in his crate. (tho we are told now that it is not right for them to eat in the crates, i do it)  As far as her food agression... i would feed her EVERYTHING... mix chicken in her food.... give her canned food inside of it... do this till she is bursting at the seams... Keep doing it till she is not able to eat ONE more piece of kibble.... Then when she is stuffed... Leave the remainder in the dish... leave her with it till she sees that she is not going to be hungry.,.. Do this each time you feed her. (it should only take about 3 times i would think) soon... she will learn she can have what she wants and she will stop with the agression thing. They need to play more and run more. they need more exersize sounds like to me. Maybe they are competing for attention? I would try to give them individual attention. they might work it out or stop all together!

I hope this helps. I have tried to over feeding with a pitbull i had... he stopped... the attentionthing... and the other things I have also tried. I would not suggest something I have not atleast tried!

EDIT: I just noticed... you mention he is deaf...you need to work with him more, maybe he needs to wear a leash and collar so you can get his attention. He has nothing wrong... teach him hand signals... teach him other things., Make sure you teach the female things so she is not jealous. Make sure you dont overly love one compared to the other... that would make me angry.