Why Do Dogs Fight?

Watching two canines interact can be one of the cutest and funniest sights imaginable. The ritualistic circle as both dogs attempt to get a good whiff of the other’s bottom is a tradition, and when that turns into a playtime it’s charming.

Alas, as any dog owner will know, a quick play or hello can quickly turn to aggression. It’s important that you understand why dogs fight, how to avoid introducing two aggressive dogs to each other, and what to do if a canine conflict breaks out.

Dog Aggression is Almost Always Fear-Based

You will no doubt have heard the saying, “his bark is worse than his bite” pertaining to dogs. This is borne of the fact that dogs will display all kinds of behaviour before then resorting to fighting – including barking, growling and snarling.

When a dog starts to behave in such a way, it is usually because he or she is frightened or feeling threatened. This may because they notice that another dog is larger than them in size, or they pick up an antagonistic scent from other rival canine.

Whatever the reason, most dogs consider attack to be the best form of defence. They will snarl, growl and bark in an attempt at scaring off their would-be opponent, but if worst comes to worst they will lunge and attack. Unfortunately, nervous though they may be, most dogs will also not back down from a challenge!

Dogs Fight Over Territory and Attention

Another reason that dogs fight is for ownership of terrain. Although canines are not as territorial as cats by their nature, they are hugely protective of their owners – and what they see as ‘their’ ground.

This could mean the local park, a regular piece of woodland that the dog walks in, or anywhere that they spend a great deal of time. This is the reason dogs pee constantly on walks. This is known as marking, and it’s a way of dogs laying claim to public places.

A new dog being brought into the home could spark this territorial instinct – and it may also inspire an existing pet to worry about sharing their food and owner’s devotion. Dogs very easily become jealous, and they do not cope well with changes to their routine. If a dog feels like they are no longer the focus of all attention, they may attack their rival.

Dogs Fight Over Pack Alpha Status

Forget what you may have heard about dogs seeking dominance over their human owners. This is extremely rare, and most dogs know their place in the pecking order. However, dogs are still instinctive pack animals, and this means that they may complete for alpha status among themselves.

The alpha is basically the head of a dog pack. They call the shots, they get to eat first, and all other dogs expected to oblige them in these expectations. In some cases, a dog may even eat the waste of an alpha to show their subservience!

Most domesticated dogs care little for alpha status and can happily co-exist provided they are treated equally in terms of walks, feeding times, treats and affection. In some rare cases, however, two canines may clash in an attempt to establishing themselves as ‘Top Dog’. In such an instance, they will fight until there is a clear winner and loser.

Two Dogs Detect a Bitch in Heat

Dogs may be domesticated, but they still have animal instincts. If two unneutered dogs detect the same bitch, they may fight for the right to mate with her as their testosterone levels run riot! Spaying and neutering dogs will drastically reduce their levels of aggression.

Some Dogs Simply Don’t Like Each Other

Have you ever met somebody and, for reasons that you couldn’t quite fathom, they rubbed you up the wrong way? This happens with dogs too. Sometimes, two canines will cross paths and simply take an instant dislike to one another. Of course, as we have established, a dog that feels uncomfortable will always act aggressively. This means that the two canines will circle each other, growl, show their teeth, and eventually lunge at one another.

If two dogs seem unable to get along, never try to force the issue. Just let them live their independent lives, far away from each other. This also applies if you have two dogs in the same home that regularly fight. The occasional disagreement is par for the course, and the dogs will usually make friends again afterwards. If they are constantly biting and clawing, however, you may need to make the heart-breaking decision to rehome one of the animals.

Do Some Dog Breeds Get Along Better with Others?

It is not necessarily the case that Breed X will always get along with Breed Y. A Great Dane can live in perfect harmony with a Chihuahua if the circumstances are right! You’ll just have to bear certain things in mind, including:

• Compatibility of Ages. If one dog is a boisterous puppy and the other is a cantankerous older pooch, the former will quickly annoy the latter. A quick nip may teach the pup about doggy etiquette, but it could get nasty – and dangerous.
• Compatibility of Energy Levels. Similarly, some dogs are much more active than others. If one dog is exhausted from a walk and simply wants to sleep, while another keeps agitating them, both may become frustrated for different reasons. This could lead to a fight.
• Compatibility of Play Style. Different dogs have different ways of playing, and some canines may enjoy a little rougher and tumble than their potential playmate enjoys. If a dog feels bullied, they may walk away – or they may attack.

It’s usually possible to tell when two dogs are going to fight and take the necessary action to prevent this from happening. Just be vigilant and keep your pet from getting involved in any physical altercations. They will rarely end well for either dog, and it’s usually a last resort borne of fear and discomfort!