I'm so Upset--Katie and Lily got into a fight

[RobiLee]

I'm so upset. I just went out to visit my sister and I took Katie with me. Katie and my sister's dog Lily got into and it was pretty bad. I'm not for sure what started it. I think it was a toy. Lily starts snipping at Katie's face and Katie went right back at her. It got really nasty and it took the three of us (my sister's husband was there) to get them apart. Lily was pretty shaken and seems to be limping a bit but no wounds or scrapes. Katie is such a big dog and could have easily hurt her. This is the second incident like this in the past few days. My friend brought in her toy fox terrier who has always been aggressive with Katie and they got into a big fight also. My husband was here and he grabbed Katie and pinned her down but that terrier kept jumping and snapping at Katie even after my husband took her away. Is this common with all terriers? Katie is not the type to start a fight but if a dog starts with her she WILL be the one to finish it. This is why we have to be very careful with her. I try very had to make sure Katie is well socialized. I've taken her to the Findlay dog park twice now I feel like she did really well with all of those dogs. I do know that she got in a little spat with Roxey over a treat but the pet talkers quickly took care of that and the second visit went really well and I can't think of any incidents. She does extremely well in her dog obedience classes and gets along with all of the other doggies. She does extremely well with childern and I am so proud of that. Today she got out the front door and took off across the street where some little kids were playing and I was so scared about what was going to happen. I quickily ran over there and it turns out that the kids were thrilled to see her and the little boy loved her and kept wanting to pet her and Katie was so well behaved except for wanting to lick all over his face. Which the little boy just laughed about and said the doggie was giving him lots of kisses. He was so cute. Katie was bigger then him. Anyway...my family thinks I'm nuts cause I got such a big dog in the first place and this incident is going to give them even more to talk about. My dog will get the blame for this just because she is a big dog. It doesn't matter that Lily is not very well socialized and is always snapping and snipping at Katie. The last time I dog sat for Lily she bit me and put a hole in my hand but no one even said anything about that. Is it just because she is cute and tiny. I'm sorry for rambling on. I'm very upset about all of this. I just hope Lily is all well tomorrow and is not limping. Thanks for listening.

Robin :(

[K9soul]

Well I do know some terriers tend to be bold little dogs, territorial and not the least bit intimidated by a larger dog. Probably Katie didn't back down with the challenge like you said, ended up in a scuffle. That has to have been scary and like you said, Katie is a big girl.

I'm not sure as to what would be the best advice for these situations as I haven't really had that particular problem before.. at least not yet.

[Cataholic]

Robin,
Dogs fight sometimes. People fight sometimes. What you will learn is Katie's or the other dog's trigger points. Food. Toys. Territories. I imagine there are ways to make things work, for example, with your sister's dog, since you will see them often. Maybe more activities with the dogs on nuetral turf?

I assume the doggie will be alright, maybe stiff or sore for a few days, like we would be. But, remember, it was an accident. And, worse case scenario, you dont let Katie play with her dog anymore.

Hang in there.;)

[mugsy]

Speaking from experience. I would keep Katie away from Lily. Like Jo said....dogs are like people, some get along and some don't, there seems to be a problem with those 2, so just keep them apart. I have no doubt that Katie isn't socialized....she was fine at the dog park....how stressful is that for a dog? She's a good girl. Good luck!

[Glacier]

Just to add to what the others said--dog fights happen, regardless of how well socialized the dogs are. Females fights are the worst. I've had two horrible female-female fights in my yard. Both led to extreme vet bills and the near death of two dogs. One was between two malamute mix females--breaking up 300 pounds of angry dog was not fun and not something I ever want to do again. One of those dogs was a foster--the only foster I've ever given up on. Summit simply could not stay here any longer and I returned her to the shelter. She's since been adopted by a bushman with no other pets--perfect for her!

I keep all my females separated now at all times. The only time they are together is when they are in harness (all my leaders are females for some reason). I have five females now. I no longer foster or adopt females. It's just too much hassle. I can integrate any male easier than I can add one, well-adjusted female.

I hope your girl and the other pooch will be ok.

[tikeyas_mom]

i had two female sibes a few years back, *tikeya and makaiah* they fought like crazy leading to major damage in vet bills, we were forced to find makaiah a new forever home on a ranch.

[4 Dog Mother]

Hmm, Cataholic and Mugsy are right, some dogs just won't get along. Dazzi has a few that she absolutely dislikes at the dog park and when they come, I either put her on a leash or put her in the time out pen. Usually after she has a fight with one, she ignors it after that. But there are a few....

With dogs we see on a regular basis though, like Amy's, we both let them know that fighting is not acceptable. And if there is a thing that they are both aggressive over, we try to make sure that thing (stuffed toy or food) is not around to be an issue. Jack and Spot don't care much for each other but so far they have just stayed away from each other. How old are the dogs involved? What does your sister do when this happens? The easiest solution is to keep them away from each other. But there may be other ways to control the situation. It probably depends on your sister's willingness to try to work things out with them.

But just because Katie doesn't get along with some dogs does not mean she won't be okay with others. Dazzi does not go to many dog park gatherings because she is better with a few dogs that she knows well than lots who she doesn't know so well. Plus she thinks she is the boss at the dog park so that can be a big problem with new dogs.

[mugsy]

Originally posted by Glacier
Just to add to what the others said--dog fights happen, regardless of how well socialized the dogs are. Females fights are the worst. I've had two horrible female-female fights in my yard. Both led to extreme vet bills and the near death of two dogs. One was between two malamute mix females--breaking up 300 pounds of angry dog was not fun and not something I ever want to do again. One of those dogs was a foster--the only foster I've ever given up on. Summit simply could not stay here any longer and I returned her to the shelter. She's since been adopted by a bushman with no other pets--perfect for her!

I keep all my females separated now at all times. The only time they are together is when they are in harness (all my leaders are females for some reason). I have five females now. I no longer foster or adopt females. It's just too much hassle. I can integrate any male easier than I can add one, well-adjusted female.

I hope your girl and the other pooch will be ok.

I have heard this. We have our problems with males. Interesting. Are there scientific studies that show that trend?

I hope you're feeling a little better about it Robilee....Katie will be fine.

[RobiLee]

I talked to my sister today and Lily is doing fine. I'm so relieved. I don't think there is any chance that Lily and Katie will be getting together in the near future. My sister made the comment that Katie should not be around other dogs. I didn't like that comment very much. I know my parents and her will think that Katie is a very bad dog. That is so not true. Katie will be 9 months old in a couple of days and I think she is doing wonderful in the socialization area. Lily on the other hand is 11 years old and has not had hardly any contact with other dogs and doesn't get out much except to go to my parents house or my house once in awhile. Thanks for all the understanding and advice. This was the first place I turned to last night because I knew you guys would be there for me. Thanks!

Robin :)

[dukedogsmom]

I wouldn't worry about what your sister was saying. Sounds like it's her dog with the problem. Hopefully, it will get better. Duke and Nala can't stand each other and I dont' think that will change. Sometimes, it just happens.

[mugsy]

Tell your sister that there are a lot of dog people that think otherwise about Katie. She is a sweetie. I'm sorry, but if she is fine with 30 other dogs at the dog park, it doesn't sound like Katie is the problem. Just my opinion.

[RobiLee]

Originally posted by mugsy
Tell your sister that there are a lot of dog people that think otherwise about Katie. She is a sweetie. I'm sorry, but if she is fine with 30 other dogs at the dog park, it doesn't sound like Katie is the problem. Just my opinion.

Awww, Mugsy...I love ya! Thanks!

Robin :)

[4 Dog Mother]

The ages of the dogs tell the story! Having a 14 year old dog that had little socialization the first 11 years of her life and then adding younger dogs to the household, it was Oreo that had the problem not the others. She has adjusted but she still does not like the younger dogs very much. The only one she has actually fought with is Dazzi but I think that was about two females deciding who is alpha. She has never gotten into it with the rest but they are all male. She never "attacks" anyone at the dog park but she does growl and snarl at them. (I honestly think she thinks all the others will back off and that is all she will have to do - and so far it has worked).

Don't worry about it, Robin, it is not Katie's fault. I am sure she will do fine with all other dogs she meets!

[Dixie Belle]

Is Katie fixed? If not that might be some of the problem. Belle is mean as fire when she goes into season. She will jump anything if they just stand wrong. Of course too, they will fight over territory, fixed or not. And Katie is coming of age to start fighting over that. Ignore your sister and keep taking her around other dogs. Just keep your eyes open to signs that Katie is getting irratated. As you get to know her better, you will be able to prevent a fight before it even happens. Trust me, I go through this everytime I take my animals to the vet.