Smaller GSD mix aggressive towards other GSD

Sandman0077 · 11-19-2011, 10:01 AM

We have had Apollo (GSD) since May and Starbuck (GSD mix) since August, and they have grown up together quite well. They have always 'argued' about who's boss and it's never really been a problem because we can usually stop it with a 'HEY!' or 'CUT IT OUT!', but over the last couple of months they cannot be out of their crates without fighting. It's usually just showing of teeth and chewing on each other playfully, but sometimes it gets so bad we have to separate them and lock them in their crates. Then they are at it again as soon as they come out again. At first it looked like they were trying to see who's dominate, but our GSD mix is starting to get violent. She is super sweet with almost every other dog at the dog park and when she is alone with us she is very obedient, and when they both have calcium bones or something similar they can both lay there next to each other calmly for hours, but as soon as one is gone she starts to steal everything of his right out of his mouth. We've tried giving them separate toys but she steals his immediately after leaving her box. When Apollo is scratching or walking by she will randomly charge at him and bite his cheeks or legs. Apollo will stop biting back as soon as we tell him too, but she keeps at it like he's trying to kill her.

Have any of you had similar problems with multiple dogs?

Apollo and Starbuck - YouTube

1sttimeforgsd · 11-19-2011, 11:09 AM

Are you sure they are not playing? My GSD and my Lab play like that constantly and they get very loud with their teeth clashing with one another. It could be that they are just getting more physical with their play, but if someone else see's different please comment.

sit,stay · 11-19-2011, 11:44 AM

It does sound more like rough play than actual aggressive behavior. And it seems that your little female is the more pushy of the two.

Perhaps you need to increase your training time with the dogs separately? Work on getting a really solid response to "leave it", and then use that command to nip the play in the bud before it gets out of hand. Let them go at it outside, and maul each other to their heart's content, but the house could be off limits.

The leave it command could also be used with your female when she tries to steal your male's toys.
Sheilah

11-19-2011, 10:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
Sandman0077 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Wamego, KS Posts: 33	Smaller GSD mix aggressive towards other GSD We have had Apollo (GSD) since May and Starbuck (GSD mix) since August, and they have grown up together quite well. They have always 'argued' about who's boss and it's never really been a problem because we can usually stop it with a 'HEY!' or 'CUT IT OUT!', but over the last couple of months they cannot be out of their crates without fighting. It's usually just showing of teeth and chewing on each other playfully, but sometimes it gets so bad we have to separate them and lock them in their crates. Then they are at it again as soon as they come out again. At first it looked like they were trying to see who's dominate, but our GSD mix is starting to get violent. She is super sweet with almost every other dog at the dog park and when she is alone with us she is very obedient, and when they both have calcium bones or something similar they can both lay there next to each other calmly for hours, but as soon as one is gone she starts to steal everything of his right out of his mouth. We've tried giving them separate toys but she steals his immediately after leaving her box. When Apollo is scratching or walking by she will randomly charge at him and bite his cheeks or legs. Apollo will stop biting back as soon as we tell him too, but she keeps at it like he's trying to kill her. Have any of you had similar problems with multiple dogs? Apollo and Starbuck - YouTube

11-19-2011, 11:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
1sttimeforgsd Crowned Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: West Virginia Posts: 4,884	Are you sure they are not playing? My GSD and my Lab play like that constantly and they get very loud with their teeth clashing with one another. It could be that they are just getting more physical with their play, but if someone else see's different please comment. __________________ karen, mom to: ace-gsd (bi-color) 6/14/2010 mandy-yellow lab 1/31/2009 baby-terrier mix 11/25/2000

11-19-2011, 11:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
sit,stay Knighted Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,056	It does sound more like rough play than actual aggressive behavior. And it seems that your little female is the more pushy of the two. Perhaps you need to increase your training time with the dogs separately? Work on getting a really solid response to "leave it", and then use that command to nip the play in the bud before it gets out of hand. Let them go at it outside, and maul each other to their heart's content, but the house could be off limits. The leave it command could also be used with your female when she tries to steal your male's toys. Sheilah

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