I have two dogs. One is approximately 11 years old that we rescued 10 years ago. He is an altered, 55lb Rottweiler mix that was never socialized before we got him from a neglectful, but not abusive, owner. He has been hit-or-miss with other dogs, but he got along pretty well with his late litter mate for 9 years. They had one spat shortly after they were altered, but never again. With some dogs he is just a social misfit, while with others he becomes aggressive. He is good with people, and I have never been concerned with his behavior toward humans. He plays with our neighbor kids with absolutely no problems.
The second is an unaltered 80lb, F1B Goldendoodle that we got 10 months ago as a puppy. He is a highly intelligent, tender-hearted dog that has never had issues with dogs or people, outside of humping my daughter's friends' legs. He definitely prefers blondes... He has always submitted to the older dog, so I assume, at this point, he is at an age and size where he is deemed a threat by the older dog, but I am no expert.
To the point: they got along great for 10 months, and were inseparable, now in the past 3 days we have had 3 fights with a lot of blood, including mine when I foolishly attempted to break one fight up. Yes, I know, bad idea, but it was dark and I was not thinking. They did not bite me intentionally, but when I attempted to grab one collar, the other clipped me pretty nastily with a canine. Yes, I know, stupid, no lecture needed. Usually, the fight starts when the Rott stares the younger one down. It is difficult to identify at times, but I am to the point now where I know the warning sign. In every case, the older is the initiator, but the younger is willing to go at it. After the 2nd fight, I thought we were gaining ground, as the younger appeared to submit to the older all day, but in the evening, that all went to pot. Tonight, the Doodle had the Rott around the throat when they went at it, so I feel like he now knows he might have the upper hand with the older one, and I know my Rott will never back down. It is not in his nature.
I am considering professional help to determine if there is anything I can do with them. I do plan on having my Doodle altered in the next couple of weeks, if that is helpful. I was waiting, as I read in many places I should wait until 1 year to alter Doodles. I know that would not be a magic cure for this problem, but I am hoping it might help a bit. I am just trying to explore options before being forced to find a new home for the Doodle. I am afraid one will be seriously injured, or that I might have to put one down if things went too far.
The second is an unaltered 80lb, F1B Goldendoodle that we got 10 months ago as a puppy. He is a highly intelligent, tender-hearted dog that has never had issues with dogs or people, outside of humping my daughter's friends' legs. He definitely prefers blondes... He has always submitted to the older dog, so I assume, at this point, he is at an age and size where he is deemed a threat by the older dog, but I am no expert.
To the point: they got along great for 10 months, and were inseparable, now in the past 3 days we have had 3 fights with a lot of blood, including mine when I foolishly attempted to break one fight up. Yes, I know, bad idea, but it was dark and I was not thinking. They did not bite me intentionally, but when I attempted to grab one collar, the other clipped me pretty nastily with a canine. Yes, I know, stupid, no lecture needed. Usually, the fight starts when the Rott stares the younger one down. It is difficult to identify at times, but I am to the point now where I know the warning sign. In every case, the older is the initiator, but the younger is willing to go at it. After the 2nd fight, I thought we were gaining ground, as the younger appeared to submit to the older all day, but in the evening, that all went to pot. Tonight, the Doodle had the Rott around the throat when they went at it, so I feel like he now knows he might have the upper hand with the older one, and I know my Rott will never back down. It is not in his nature.
I am considering professional help to determine if there is anything I can do with them. I do plan on having my Doodle altered in the next couple of weeks, if that is helpful. I was waiting, as I read in many places I should wait until 1 year to alter Doodles. I know that would not be a magic cure for this problem, but I am hoping it might help a bit. I am just trying to explore options before being forced to find a new home for the Doodle. I am afraid one will be seriously injured, or that I might have to put one down if things went too far.
