My two male Bostons suddenly fighting...Help!

[buttercup132]

I don't know much about the Boston breed but you said they were bred to fight in which case I do know a thing or 2 about that.
Dogs who have DA bred into them don't always show it and then one day they can just become aggressive with other dogs with no warnings.
They usually dont become dog aggressive until they reach maturity (around 2 yrs) but it can happen any time.
I know of a lot of pit bulls who were buddy buddy and snuggled up to each other played with each other and the next minute the one will want to tear the others throat. After that they have to be kept separated for the rest of their lives. Pit bulls are a little different as they were bred to not waste time with showing warning signs.

My questions would be do you have toys,bones,food etc laying around that they share?

I would also start doing NILIF and pick one dog to be top dog.
That dog gets everything first, fed first, pet first and more pets, gets privileges over the other dog, goes out the door first etc. I would pick the more dominant dog to be the top dog.

Your on the right path, good luck!

[prairiebiscuit]

Many thanks again!!!! I had to Google NILIF, but it does make sense, and since the last fight I have been basically doing that with both Biscuit and Prairie...

I started crating them (one at a time), we practice 'sit' and 'stay' for treats for 15/20 minutes per dog every day, and I took away their free feeding food dispenser and now I am the one feeding them a few times a day. I also make sure that they are not stressed out (beyond, of course, the minimal amount needed to get their attention..) and they get a lot of reassurance, play and excercise. Right now the dogs became my 'full time job'...but I would rather do the 'rehabilitation' once but well.

I still have not reintroduced them to each other (I read somewhere online that raised adrenaline levels in dogs after a rough fight do not subside for 2-6 days and the dogs may be 'on edge' for that time...so I don't want to set them up for failure by letting them be with each other too soon...).

I will definitely update you guys on what happens when they are together again. Does any of you by any chance have some tips on how to arrange their first time together in about 3-4 days? Inside or outside? Only me or should my husband be there as well? How to behave ?(I know, calm...but should we watch the dogs, or pretend that we are ignoring them, turn away, etc...)

Thanks in advance!!!!!

[Karen]

Have them both on a leash and take them for a walk together, and see how they do. Adrenaline doesn't last that long in the system, you can't believe everything you read online. If it did, they'd still both be hyper and antsy ... which I am guessing they are not. This isn't like introducing a new dog, you need not do it on "neutral territory" - you just need to be in control of the situation, which by having them both leashed, you will be.

[buttercup132]

I would be doing it on neutral territory considering it was probably a dominance fight.
Karen after a fight the situation should be treated like a new dog and starting over.

Have someone else with you and walk them together.
Dont let them sniff or be in contact with each other until the walk is over.
I would also try and go for a long walk at least 30 minutes so they are decently worn out.
When you let them meet do it out front of your house if you can on the sidewalk or the road.
Remain calm, no tension on the leash but at the same time be prepared for them to fight. I really doubt they will as like I said it sounds like dominance not dog aggression.

[prairiebiscuit]

Many thanks again...The dogs are still separated, and I have scheduled a visit with the local 'dog whisperer' (with excellent recommendations on 'treating' overly aggressive dogs) who will help introduce the dogs.

Will update you guys next week on how it went)

In the meantime, if you have any other ideas/suggestions, don't hesitate to shoot them my way!

[beeniesmom]

Hi I have 2 bostons as well (aren't they the best dogs!). Beenie is female 7, Frankie is male, 6, both fixed. The dominant dog had always been Beenie (smaller female) until Frankie got to be about 2 years old and 7-8 lbs heavier than Beenie. It's strange, when we visit my MIL, Beenie seems to take over as dominant dog at her house. She steals Frankies food and 'puts him in his place' if he starts barking. It's really strange to see the dinamics of the relationship depending on where we are. I hope your two quit fighting. Let us know how the dog whisperer training goes.