Free Tips to Help Stop Dogs from Fighting

In this Omaha dog training session, we worked with two Rat Terrier brothers, Tucker and Timmy. We shared tips on dog body language and how to stop dogs from fighting.

When people pick up puppies or think about getting one, many feel tempted to get two puppies from the same litter. They look so cute together when they’re small, but this is usually a recipe for disaster. It is very common for two dogs from the same litter to challenge or fight one another when adopted together.

Are Rat Terriers Aggressive?

Rat Terriers are usually not seen as aggressive dogs. However, they can show aggressive behaviors if they are not well socialized and trained. This is because of their strong terrier instincts. These instincts include a high prey drive and a natural suspicion toward strangers.

With proper training and early socialization, however, Rat Terriers can become loving and loyal companions. Like other terriers, they can be stubborn and full of energy.

They also bark quickly. This barking might seem like aggression if not managed well. Bred for hunting rodents, they may show aggression toward small animals, so supervision around pets or wildlife is important.

Early and consistent socialization with other dogs and people is crucial to prevent aggression issues. Rat Terriers can be protective of their family and home. Without proper training, this can lead to barking or aggression toward strangers.

Throughout the session, Timmy used his size to block Tucker from accessing his guardians, food, toys or resources. Control of resources is the textbook definition of dominance.

I was able to capture a display of this sibling dominating behavior that you can check out below.

Some of the telltale signs that Tucker felt uncomfortable were his ear position; drawn back to his head in an extreme fashion. He was stiff and sometimes moved slowly. This was his way of showing his brother that he understood he was trying to control the situation. Moving slowly like this is often a communication; this time of discomfort and subordination.

What worried me most after talking with the guardians was Timmy’s behavior. It caused many problems between the brothers. However, Tucker’s reaction frustrated the guardian even more.

It’s important not to blame one dog’s behavior as better than the other. The second dog’s actions can cause the first dog’s behavior.

While our primary purpose is to keep dogs in the home, in some cases, rehoming a dog is what is best for the canine. This is a decision that Tucker and Timmys guardians will have to make for themselves. It is likely that if they are separated, many of Tucker’s unwanted behaviors will go away on their own. If not, people can most likely address and modify those things.

How to Stop Dogs From Fighting

I suggested some tips to stop the dogs from fighting one another. Creating positive associations is key when stopping dogfights from happening. Check out the free positive dog training video below for some secrets to help dogs get along and stop fighting.

The brothers got into two scuffles while I was there. Fortunately we were able to break them up without incident but their guardians have not faired so well.

Timmy often took out his anger on people. This happened when they tried to stop a dog fight. This obviously makes the dog aggression problem more concerning.

Tips to Help Dogs Get Along

The guardians can lower the number of fights by keeping the dogs apart during exciting times. This includes when people come to the door or when the dogs have valuable items. These items can be food or chewies like bully sticks, cow knees, or water buffalo horns.

Increasing a dog’s activities with mental and physical exercises several times a day can help prevent future dogfights.

I told the guardians that they would gain from having one of our level one trainers visit. The trainer would go over the relaxation protocol with the dogs. Whether they stay together or are rehomed, having two young children in the house makes training a dog important. Teaching the dog to go to their bed and stay there while the kids play, food is prepared, or people are eating will help the family.

I would like the guardian to practice the exercises and techniques we discussed in the session. They should do this for a week or two. This will help them think about whether a different living situation would be better for everyone. Hopefully the dog behavior tips and secrets that we covered in this session will do the trick.

That said, dog aggression, just like any other behavior, becomes more difficult to change the more it is practiced. The fighting didn’t start overnight, neither will the fix. It’s going to take time, patience, structure, and dedication to help these dogs get over there fighting and dog on dog aggression

To help the guardians remember all of the dog behavior tips we shared in this in a in-home Omaha dog training session, we recorded a roadmap to success that you can watch below.