How To Stop Dogs From Fighting In The Same Household

Dogs are pack animals, and as such, they can often be seen fighting with each other. While this behavior is perfectly normal, it can be a bit of a headache if you have more than one dog in your household.

So, how to stop dogs from fighting in the same household?

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help stop your dogs from fighting. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to do just that. Discover our 10 most effective tips, and we share the dos and don’ts after the dog’s fight

But first…

Why Your Household Dogs May Fight?

There are a variety of reasons why your dogs may start fighting with each other. It could be due to jealousy, territoriality, or even just a simple case of miscommunication.

Here are the most common reasons:

Your Household Dogs Might Be Protecting Their Resources

One of the most common reasons that dogs start fighting with each other is because they are protecting their resources. This could be anything from their food bowl to their favorite toy.

If you have more than one dog in your household, it is important to make sure that each dog has their own food bowl and toys. This way, they will not feel the need to protect these items and will be less likely to fight with each other.

The Healthier And Younger Dog Might Attack The Older or Sick Dog

It is also not uncommon for the healthier and younger dog in the household to start picking on the older or sick dog. This is because the healthier dog sees the other dog as being weaker and they want to assert their dominance over them.

If you have a dog that is starting to pick on an older or sick dog in your household, it is important to take action immediately. This behavior can often lead to serious injuries or even death.

Significant Change In The Routine Or In The Household 

Another common reason that dogs start fighting with each other is that there has been a significant change in the routine or in the household.

For example, if you have recently moved to a new house, this can be a very stressful time for your dogs and can cause them to fight with each other.

It is important to try and keep your dogs’ routines as normal as possible during times of change. If you can, try to keep them on the same schedule and in the same room together.

Stress Or Anxiety Disorder

Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from stress or anxiety disorders. These disorders can often cause dogs to lash out and fight with each other.

If you think that your dogs are fighting because of a stress or anxiety disorder, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

The vet will be able to prescribe medication that can help to ease your dogs’ anxiety and stress levels.

The Play May Become Too Rough

Dogs often play with each other by nipping and biting. However, sometimes this play can become too rough and can lead to fighting.

If you see your dogs starting to play too roughly with each other, it is important to intervene immediately. You can do this by making a loud noise or spraying them with water.

This will startle them and cause them to stop fighting.

Reaction To A Shock Collar

Shock collars are often used to train dogs. However, if they are not used correctly, they can cause your dogs a great deal of stress, anxiety, or frustration. This can often lead to fighting.

If you are using a shock collar to train your dog, it is important to make sure that you are using it correctly. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a professional trainer.

Pain Or Medical Reason

Dogs will often fight with each other if they are in pain or if there is a medical reason why they are doing so.

For example, if one dog has an ear infection, it may start to fight with the other dog because they are in pain. Also, if a dog is hurt, it may start to fight with the other dog because it is feeling disoriented and confused.

How To Stop Dogs From Fighting In The Same Household – 10 Effective Tips

#1 – Remove The Stress Triggers From Your Household Dog fights

If you have recently moved house, got a new pet, or had a baby, this can all be very stressful for your dogs and can trigger fighting.

Try to keep your dogs’ routine as normal as possible during times of change and make sure that they have plenty of time to adjust to the new situation.

#2 – Promote Balance And Prevent Aggressive Situations

One of the main reasons that dogs start fighting is because they feel like they need to protect their belongings from other dogs.

To prevent this, make sure that each dog has their own food bowl, toys, and bed. This will help to create a sense of balance in your household and will prevent aggressive situations from occurring. 

#3 – Feed Your Dogs Separately

Another way to promote balance in your household is to feed your dogs separately. This will prevent them from feeling like they need to compete with each other for food and will help to reduce aggression levels.

Furthermore, it is important to make sure that each dog has their own space to eat in. This can be done by feeding them in different rooms or crates if necessary.

#4 – Provide Different Sleeping Beds Or Crates

Just like with food, it is important to make sure that each dog has their own sleeping space. This will help to reduce aggression and fighting levels as they will not feel like they need to protect their sleeping area from other dogs.

If possible, try to provide different beds or crates for each dog. Alternatively, you could allow them to sleep in different rooms if this is not possible.

#5 – Have Your Dogs Spayed Or Neutered

Spaying or neutering your dogs can help to reduce aggression levels and can also help to prevent fighting. This is because the hormones that are responsible for aggression are removed during the surgery.

As a result, your dogs will be less likely to fight with each other and will be more relaxed overall.

#6 – Socialize Your Dogs But Don’t Force Interactions Between Them

One of the best ways to reduce aggression levels is to socialize your dogs from a young age. This will help them to become used to being around other dogs and will prevent them from feeling threatened by them.

However, it is important not to force interactions between your dogs as this can often lead to fighting. Instead, let them approach each other in their own time and give them plenty of space to do so.

#7 – Separate Your Dogs When You Are Leaving Them Home Alone

If you are going to be leaving your dogs home alone, it is important to separate them. This is because they may start to fight with each other out of boredom or frustration.

To prevent this, put them in separate rooms or crates when you are not at home. Alternatively, you could ask a friend or family member to come and stay with them to make sure that they are not left alone for long periods.

#8 – Practice Obedience Training And Exercise

Obedience training is a great way to reduce aggression levels as it teaches your dogs to listen to you and to follow your commands.

Furthermore, exercise is also important as it helps to release any built-up energy that could be causing your dogs to fight. Try to walk or play with your dogs for at least 30 minutes each day to tire them out.

#9 – Consider Veterinary Check-Up For Underlying Issues

If your dogs are still fighting despite you taking all of the above precautions, it is important to consider whether there are any underlying medical issues.

For example, if your dog is in pain, they may be more likely to lash out and fight with other dogs. As a result, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up to rule out any potential health problems.

#10 – Instantly Break Up The Fight With Loud Noise Or Throwing Water

If your dogs do start to fight, it is important to break them up as quickly as possible. This can be done by making a loud noise or by throwing water over them.

It is also important to stay calm during this time as Dogs can sense when their owners are angry or upset and this may make the situation worse.

Dos And Don’ts After The Dogs’ Fight

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our dogs will still fight with each other. If this does happen, it is important to take the following steps:

Do:

• Remove the dogs to separate places in a calm manner – This will help to diffuse the situation and will prevent the dogs from fighting again.

• Obedience commands – After the dogs have calmed down, it is a good idea to practice some obedience commands with them. This will help to remind them that you are in control and that they should listen to you.

• Positive reinforcement – Once the dogs have settled down, be sure to praise and reward them for good behavior. This will reinforce the desired behavior and will help to prevent future fighting.

• Check for injuries or visit the vet – If your dogs have been fighting, it is important to check them for injuries. If they are bleeding or seem to be in pain, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

Don’t:

• Try to separate them by going in – Try by clapping your hands or throwing water over them instead. This will prevent you from getting injured during the fight.

• Let them “work It out” on their own – This will only reinforce the aggressive behavior and could lead to serious injuries. It is important to take action if your dogs are fighting.

People Also Ask

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is normal for dogs that live together to fight sometimes. However, if the fighting is excessive or if there are injuries, it is important to take action.

The best way to stop dogs from fighting in the same household is to provide them with ample exercise, mental stimulation, and training. Dogs who are well-exercised and have plenty of outlets for their energy are much less likely to fight with each other.

If your dogs are fighting, it is important to take action immediately. This can be done by making a loud noise or by throwing water over them. It is also important to stay calm during this time as dogs can sense when their owners are angry or upset and this may make the situation worse.

Follow our simple steps above to help prevent fighting in your home and keep your dogs happy and safe!

Do your indoor dogs fight sometimes? What do you do to break the fight?