Pet care: Aggression among family dogs a common problem
We want our pets to have peaceful lives, getting along well with others in our home. Dog fights are deeply disturbing. Everybody wants this solved fast, simple and reliable. Sadly, that never works. Every situation is different and complicated.
Aggression between family dogs, most often among females, is the most common problem treated in veterinary behavior practices. In an earlier life, prior to my residency, I surgically repaired some really heinous wounds. Most of these participants in canine domestic violence survived; a few, often involving big dogs assaulting little ones, did not. It's hard thinking back to those badly injured pets.
Tensions can smolder for months or years. Coveted resources like food, toys and proximity to a pet parent are common triggers. People try to quell the antagonism with equal rights. It may be important for children to get the same size cookie at the same time but it fans the flames with dogs who grind an ax.
The behavioral genetics wired into canine brains dictate who gets first dibs. The second fiddle settles for what's left over, which may be nothing. In the wild, these crafty pupsters sneak behind their canine boss' backs to chow down or cozy up to the supreme leader. This was hard for Holly, stuck in a small house with Polly the tyrant.
Polly didn't just claim her place next to their royal highnesses (the humans), she appeared drunk with power. In reality her anxiety caused her to overreact. She didn't just issue warnings; she struck terror in her minion's heart. Holly began to fear for her life. Her defensive aggression intensified as the neural circuits in her brain, which supported her fear and defensive reactions, strengthened from repetition. When she suffered crushing bite wounds from her tormentor, the politics were forever changed. Holly, the lesser, now struck hard and fast at the first sight of Polly.
Last week's quiz: Dogs aren't jealous; they compete. It doesn't matter if mom or dad loves one dog best. "Spoiling" pets doesn't cause behavior disorders but it can confuse them. The correct answer is d). A deep dive into the details allows us to individualize treatment.
Next week: Who is responsible? The bully? The victim?
• For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com.
Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or mail to Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.
