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Dog aggressive after a fight? (long)
I don't post here much anymore, but I thought someone might be able to provide some insight. We have 2 dogs, Zena and Lexie. We also have a friend staying with us and he has a dog named Kimber. A bit over a week ago, we took in a dog from another friend who lost their home and couldn't keep their dog (his name is Colt).
Everything was fine after we got Colt for the first 5 days or so. The dogs got along with no aggression whatsoever. Then late last week I let all the dogs out to potty in the yard as I had been doing. I'm not sure what caused it, but a dog fight broke out between Zena, Kimber, and Colt (Lexie was not in the yard). It was the most terrifying thing I have ever dealt with. From what I saw, it was Zena and Kimber against Colt. Kimber was only involved for a short time, and walked away and I managed to get her inside. She had no injuries. Zena and Colt were in it to the death it seemed. I am not sure how long it went on but it seemed like forever, probably 30 minutes or so. I tried what I could to get them separated (yelling, spraying water, even shot a gun off- not near them- to try to startle them). Nothing worked, but finally Zena walked away and I got her inside. Big vet bill and lots of stitches later, and she's on her way to being okay. We asked Colt's previous owners to come get him because we just didn't think he was compatible in our home after such a vicious fight.
Anyway, all the dogs are fine but the problem is that Zena is now very aggressive towards Kimber. We cannot have them in the same room with each other. If we let Kimber to pee in the fenced yard, and Zena is outside the fence (we have 3 acres but only a small fenced front yard) Zena will try to attack her through the fence. There was never any aggression issues with Zena towards Kimber or any other dog prior to this fight.
I guess my question is, has anyone experienced this? Is it normal, and how long will it last? Should we take her to some sort of behavior training or just give her time? I don't see our friend being able to move out any time soon, so Kimber is here for a while whether she likes it or not. I'll ask the vet on our return visit, but I'm just curious what others might have to say.
Re: Dog aggressive after a fight? (long)
It will last forever most likely. I unfortunately have witnessed numerous dog fights. I used to work for a dog breeder and have had many friends attempt to combine dogs in a home and once a fight breaks out, that's usually it forever. I have never experienced a situation where the dogs get along in the future. Even if it seems like they may, a fight eventually breaks out and they usually get worse each time.
Sorry you had to experience that fight, dog fights are so scary. I am surprised the water didn't break them up because that usually works the first time. I would advise against ever attempting to put these two dogs together again, its just not worth one of their lives. I would not ever even leave the aggressive dog out with your other dog unsupervised. I never let my dogs outside without mine or H's supervision because I've seen too many pets who once got along turn on each other.
Keep them separated for now and contact a behaviorist (not a trainer) to help you with reintroductions. It could be that she's still in pain and stressed out from the fight.
Ditto this. If your two dogs have lived peacefully for years together I don't think one fight is going to end it all (especially since another dog, that is no longer present, was involved). I'd give your dog time to heal in peace and slowly re-introduce them with guidance from a behaviorist. GL - dog fights are so scary.