Fighting between well-loved dogs

First in a series

The brain is considered the most complex organ in the body. No one is perfect because, with 86 billion active neurons in the human mind (only 3-4 fewer cell layers in our pets’) there are a whole lot of ways for behaviors to be different or abnormal.

Polly is a 10 year old Australian shepherd mix who shares her home with Holly, a dog of similar age and parentage. They’ve lived most of their lives together and have always, sort of, hated each other’s guts. In addition to two doting pet parents, this active family includes one more dog and a cat. Their house is small; the furniture is big. When one dog wants attention, the other acts as though this resource mat be suddenly and permanently evaporating. Competition seemed nonstop.

Lots of dogs jockey for position while trash-talking each other in subtle canine-speak, never really acting on their juvenile taunts. But, finally, Polly lost her patience with her subordinate Holly’s insolence. Holly immediately tried to communicate her lower status by leaning back and lowering her tail. She scanned quickly for an escape route but found herself trapped between a chair and the couch. Panicking, she reacted toward her superior with a growl and a snap, soon arriving on the surgery table getting a laceration sutured and multiple puncture wounds irrigated. Her skin healed but her brain was changed.

Fear is a major problem, not only for its emotional damage but as a fight or flight trigger. Dogs are man’s and woman’s best friends. They certainly belong with us in our homes but they are not fuzzy people. Their species

comes wired with innate programming for survival without doting humans delivering their groceries. Polly and Holly were competing for perceived scarce commodities like food and interactions with their people, despite verbal assurances like, “We love you both equally” and “there’s plenty of snacks and cuddles for each of you.”

Aggression between household dogs happens because:

a)       Dogs are jealous.

b)       One believes that mom loves her best.

c)       Mom does love her best.

d)       There are many possible reasons; every case is managed differently.

e)       They were spoiled rotten.

Next week: Is this relationship too far gone?

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For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, 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 by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.