100 Pound Dogs Fighting! Advice please..

[Geena]

Are dogs that flexible, though? It seems to me that to bite you when the dog is like the picture that I showed, it would have to lift its front legs of the ground and turn in a full u shape to bite the person.

Yes, they can, that's why they tell you to move them in a circle while having them in the wheelbarrow position, it lessens the chance of them being able to turn back on you. But it depends on the size and shape of the dogs, a dog like chickentrain's Deacon could very easily bite you from that position, while my GSDs are much heavier and longer bodied and it would be more difficult for them to maneuver like that.

 

[Geena]

you can keep them seperated and learn to break up fights, or rehome...

... or, what I do, you have to be the biggest, baddest alpha bitch of them all who reigns supreme and will not tolerate any insubordination.

 

[chickentrains]

... or, what I do, you have to be the biggest, baddest alpha bitch of them all who reigns supreme and will not tolerate any insubordination.

that works, if you know what you are doing LOL

 

[Folly's place]

Usually/ often when two dogs of the same sex can't decide 'who's on first', the situation won't ever be fine. For male dogs, neutering helps. For females, spaying won't make a difference.
Living in a war zone all the time is stressful for everyone!
I also think that your very assertive dog needs another home, with no other pets.
And actually being enough of an alpha to manage this situation all the time, with visitors, etc, just not practical.
Mary

 

[Geena]

And actually being enough of an alpha to manage this situation all the time, with visitors, etc, just not practical.
Mary

True, you have to have the time, energy and know how to be vigilant and shut things down at the first dirty look or lifted lip. Not practical at all for your average person.

I too agree that you should probably find your mastiff a new home. If they really get into it, considering the size of the dogs, you might not be able to break it up and you could get seriously injured attempting to. And since you have children at home as well, it's most definitely not worth the risk.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Yes

males fight for breeding rights, females fight for breathing rights.

the female won't stop.

you can keep them seperated and learn to break up fights, or rehome...

BINGO. Have said the EXACT same thing for YEARS! (Have had German shepherds since the late 70's, Females are known for same sex aggression.)

 

[MissE]

that works, if you know what you are doing LOL

If you're going to keep large dogs, or any dogs really, you need to know what you're doing. Dogs live their lives based on pack structure. You need to be the boss, and they need to know it. They need to understand that YOU don't put up with BS.

The two dogs in question are fighting for pack order. If there are only two dogs, they figure it out quickly and the problems stop. The more dogs, the more problems because the middle ones are trying to figure out their place. Kind of like pecking order with chickens.

Spaying them will not help. Managing their behavior, their freedom, and their access to each other is essential. They are running the show right now and need to be put in their respective places.

 

[MissE]

BINGO. Have said the EXACT same thing for YEARS! (Have had German shepherds since the late 70's, Females are known for same sex aggression.)

Very true. I've always had GSDs. When I had two females, there were no problems because I wouldn't let them start crap. Had they been left to their own devices, it could have been a blood bath. They were only together under supervision and any misbehavior was nipped in the bud. They were/are great dogs. The older one recently died, so now all it's just one male and one female. Everyone comments on how well behaved they are.

 

[PurpleCArTires]

I know this is a semi old post, but wanted to share my experiance in case it can help.... I have two Alusky (Malamute Husky) sisters and they get into violent fights, but only when in heat. The breaking point for me was when i was caught underneath them in one of their fights and got bit on the hand. Spaying them in out of the question, so we have resorted to muzzling them when one is in heat. There is always signs when they are starting to get irritated with eachother and i tell them "you want to put your face on!!". They know face means the muzzle, and cut their crap pretty quick. If they dont settle down, i put the muzzles on for a bit and it quickly resolves. They are perfect angels in the house, the fighting only occurs outside, so they dont need to wear the muzzles in the house and i bought the kind they can eat and drink through, so they are ok wearing them for a few hours at a time.

Ps... I got bit pulling them apart, so if they do go at it before i can face them up, i throw a thick blanket or coat over the submissive one, so the dominate thinks she won and backs off.
In my case it's usually the submissive one starting it, trying to.move up the ranks i guess

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

We had to rehome Sofia, sadly.
She will be their only dog on another large acreage.
Everything has completely calmed around here with the other 3 dogs.
The new owners love Sofia, hopefully she likes it there too...