Bulldogs, aggression towards each other

[Tangles]

I have five dogs, two of whom are bulldogs. My female is an EB, her name is Lola and she is 10 months old. My male is a Frenchie and is 1 1/2 years old, his name is Mojo. We have always manged to keep our pack in check and still have no trouble with any aggression towards us or our children. The problem is between the two bullies. It happens anytime something causes their aggresive behavior to rise such as them getting scared at something or one of them getting hurt by something(like being bit by our kitten). Occasionally it has happened over food or bone which we immediatly remove. Once either of them shows aggressive behavior around the other they immediatly turn on each other and get into a vicious fight that is next to impossible to break up. We have been injured in the process of trying to remove them from each other, since they become locked down on one another. They also require a long period of time to cool down once the fight is over....any help out there?

[Karen]

How long has each been with you, and how long has the aggression been happening? Are they both neutered/spayed? How do you currently react when the aggression starts? Have either had an obedience training?

Sorry for so many questions, it's a complicated situation, I know, so having more information would make our responses more helpful!

[Tangles]

Both bulldogs have been with me since about 3 months of age. They are both "fixed" and have been since between 4-6 months of age. My male attacked my female the first night she was here over food and i have fed them seperatley ever since. The fighting started about 3 months ago, seemed to be about the time that my female realized she had gotten bigger than my male due to the breed. It is almost like the second he growls or shows any signs of aggresion she attacks to show him whoes boss now. I can't really tell for sure who is starting it since it happens so quickly. we either have to pull them apart and keep them seperated or throw a large amount of water on them. Neither of them have had any obedience training. None of my other dogs are ever involved in any of the fighting, it is specificly between these two, who get along great the majority of the time..

[Karen]

Your girl is hitting her "difficult teenager" stage. I would recommend obedience training for both of them, to help them know you are boss, not them. I'd start with her, as she's at "that age" and is obviously challenging for the "top dog" spot, and needs to realize you are the head of the pack, not her. You may need to keep her leashed and with you, I am glad you are feeding them separately, but the sooner the better for some training for her!

[luvofallhorses]

Sounds like you need to do NILIF with them and keep them apart!! Crate and rotate. Bully breeds have a tendency to not get along. Doesn't matter if they are fixed or not. You need to be ALPHA with them.

[Tangles]

I have read a little about using melatonin in bulldogs to help with aggresion. Any thoughts on that?? My family has always done well at maintaining Alpha status with our dogs and so the aggression has never been targeted at us. Her problem seems to be with him only and is triggered anytime things escalate and get chaotic, like when someone comes in the door and they all get excited.. she always targets him.. she goes completley submisive for my boxer and will submit to us but not listen when in a fight with my male bulldog.

[Tangles]

Another thought I just realized, she is the first dog that I have not been able to succesfully housebreak?? Hmm whats up with this girl?

[luvofallhorses]

I would consult your vet before you use ANY medicine.. chances are it won't help. When a dog has dog aggression, there is no going back. Do not expect a medicine to cure it. If they fight all the time, it's time to keep them seperate indefinately.

Never leave them alone together either! You do not want to come home to 2 seriously injured or dead dogs..

[*LabLoverKEB*]

I disagree with the statement that 'when a dog is dog aggressive there is no going back.' If you take care of the problem with the help of a professional as soon as you notice the problem, it could be fixed.
I'm not big on behavior medications that people give to their dogs like Prozac. Those are not veterinary drugs. But yes, keep them separated.

[luvofallhorses]

Well.. some dogs like bully breeds cannot be loved or trained out of being DA... it can only be managed.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Still disagree! I don't think it matters what breed- that only plays a part. It depends on the individual dog. As well as the owner willing to take the time to work with their dog.

[luvofallhorses]

Well with some breeds like bully breeds you should EXPECT dog aggression.. the breed does play a part. It's all in genetics.. you cannot change genetics.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Yes I know that, I actually know quite a bit about these breeds believe it or not. I'm just mentioning that all breeds have the potential to be dog aggressive. My Labrador is very aggressive.

[luvofallhorses]

Well I know that too. I wasn't insinuating you didn't have the knowledge. I'm not saying bully the only breeds that have dog aggression to be clear. All dogs have the potential to be DA.