Hoping for some insight

[Daydreamer]

Sorry, but this is gonna be a long one.
Husband and I took the dogs for their usual after supper walk yesterday. Got home just before a storm came through. We were sitting on the porch with all 3 dogs when it thundered really loud. Boo (4yr. pit mix, female) was walking by Ellie (2yr. GSD, female) when it thundered. Boo jumped on Ellie and would not back off! Ellie decides she better fight back and it was on. We were able to separate them fairly quickly and no one was hurt (seemed much worse than it was). I took dogs in and separated them for awhile. When they were released Ellie (GSD) hackled up at Boo a little to start with but I quickly stopped that. Boo seemed fine like she didn't understand the problem. The rest of the night was quiet thankfully. We just can't understand why Boo goes after Ellie when she is frustrated or startled. We also have a JRT and Boo doesn't bother her at all. Boo sometimes has some misplaced aggression directed at Ellie so Ellie has learned to stay away from her when she gets worked up. It's weird because when they are outside if we don't have a toy for Ellie to keep in her mouth she will try and use Boo as a chew toy (always neck) and pin her to the ground. Boo always just lays down and doesn't react aggressively to these situations. We got Boo from our local shelter when she was 5 wks old. Way too early I know but they wanted the puppies out before they got sick. Boo has some strange quirks but this attacking Ellie has to stop. Any thoughts on what could be causing this?

[WVGSD]

The answer may be as simple as the fact that you have two females (actually three if you include the JRT). I have three females in my home (two spayed seniors and one intact, still showing) that can not be together. We crate, rotate and baby gate to keep the peace and it works well, with one or two exceptions per year.

They say that males fight for "breeding rights" and that, when females fight, it is often for "breathing rights". In my experience, the fights between my females have been the worst. My three neutered males may grumble and posture, but no fights ever so far.

[LaRen616]

You have 2 females very close in age and that could be the problem.

[gsdraven]

Originally Posted by Daydreamer

We just can't understand why Boo goes after Ellie when she is frustrated or startled.

--edit--

It's weird because when they are outside if we don't have a toy for Ellie to keep in her mouth she will try and use Boo as a chew toy (always neck) and pin her to the ground.

Redirected agression is why Boo goes after Ellie.

It sounds like they both have some anxiety issues and have trouble releasing that energy so they take it out on the closest thing to them.

How much exercise do they get physically and mentally? What kind of food are they on?

Given that you have 3 females, I would probably enlist a trainer to try and get a hold of the situation better to keep everyone safe.

[carmspack]

the thunder clap aroused your dog into fight , the other end of the fight/flight spectrum . Her other option would have been to run for cover , go hide as many forum members found their dogs doing on the 4th (fireworks).

Carmen

[GROVEBEAUTY]

I agree, males fight sometimes, but females fight to the death. My worst fights were between two littermates. We also had to rotate. My males would posture but hardly ever all out fight. Sounds like redirected aggression to me. It took a long time to get my females to get along. For me it was helped by lots of exercise. When they were tired the aggression was almost non-existent.

[Daydreamer]

Thanks for the replies. The dogs get exercised several times a day which usually includes lots of off leash running around, swimming and fetching. They all 3 eat together in the kitchen with no issues and share toys without a problem. They are fed TOTW. None of the dogs have fear of storms, gunshots, etc... Boo just tends to react aggressively (only towards Ellie) to frustrating things such as a neighbor's loose dog or the loud thunder. I will definitely be keeping a close eye on this situation and will keep separate if I have to - I just hope it doesn't come to that. They are both great dogs and are very loved members of our family.

[PaddyD]

Typical female, when something is amiss SOMEBODY must be to blame. Ellie was a convenient target.

Hey JK !

[suzzyq01]

I think also based on your last response that the dogs have too much exercise/playtime without boundaries and structure.

I would suggest doing more obedience Boo with one of you and the other girl with the other. sit, down, stay, leave it...almost create a mini training class where they have more structure and mental exercise. I would also incorporate the "look" command so that if you see one of them looking the wrong way at each other or warning body posture then you can say "LOOK"
and redirect their attention to you rather than each other.

I will not own females because of this reason, they are just like human females, a PIA! Males are much more easy going with each other, my two intact males are fine, one gets a little growly but would never snap, and my GSD is still a pup and doesn't realize he even has a set yet lol.