First of all, think about what you do when this happens. If you react to them in any way, you will be reinforcing this behavior.
Some people say you have to come down on them and be the alpha. Being the alpha is not coming down on them in any way. It is letting them know their behavior is not acceptable.
If I have any squabbles at all, I immediately take BOTH pups and separate them. I put them in separate rooms for a few minutes. IF it is only one who is being aggressive, that is the one who goes....but if they both fight, they both go to time out.
I have many pups who live in my home very well together and this is how I have fixed any issues of aggression. I have yet to have it not work. I have a couple of females who once in a while test the waters and I have to repeat it, but it is very infrequent these days.
The trick is to let them know that if they do not behave appropriately, they cannot stay in the same room...just like a toddler! Only a few minutes is all it takes!
Do not yell, do not try to hold one back...simply grab them and time out!!
Good luck! |