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Post by liberty on Jan 13, 2013 19:10:12 GMT
I'm at the end of my tether with my dogs and looking for advice please. I have a black lab ( 3year old entire dog)who through the day lives at my parents farm whilst I'm a work and comes home with me after I have seen to the horses in the evening. Although we did live at my parents full time up until April last year.
My mum has 2 dogs 1 old retriever bit*h and one 7 year old yellow lab entire male. Until recently all dogs have lived together peacefully. However over the last few weeks the black lab ( the softest loyalist dog of them all) has been starting fights with the yellow lab. It started off as a very occasional thing ,however since middle of last week it's impossible for them to even look at each other.
Here's some facts that might help others help me . The retriever bit*h has always been the boss but over recent months has been every ill and to be honest I doubt will be with us much longer. The yellow lab is very loving but also very ignorant, couldn't care less if he is told off, ignores most instructin and seems to wind other dogs up by being very vocal towards them. It's only ever the black lab that starts the fight and the yellow lab does not respond.
I spoke to my vet and a behaviourist both gave different advice, vet recommends black dog(as the most submissive ) to be given a chemical castration, behaviourist thinks the older yellow lab needs that treatment..
Any advice really appreciated as my mum baby sits for my 2 year old nephew and its now become impossible to have the dogs in the home with the toddler . I just want harmony restored !
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Post by nia2311 on Jan 13, 2013 19:16:47 GMT
They're fighting because the young dog wants to be "top dog" - the pecking order is changing and the younger dog will try to unseat any older animal, especially one who seems weaker or ill (e.g. the retriever).
Your only solution is to a) separate them or b) have one or both males castrated. If one is left entire, they will still fight as the entire male seeks to be top dog, so the best solution is castration for them both. Both our male dogs (black Lab and collie) remained entire all their lives and never fought, but the Lab was top dog from Day One, and so it remained. They were both the same age as well, and in your case you have an age difference which will contribute as the younger dog senses weakness in the older dog/bit*h.
If you don't want both castrated, the only solution is to keep them separated at all times.
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Post by liberty on Jan 13, 2013 19:22:37 GMT
Thanks Nia ...I'm more than happy to have them castrated. Vet advised giving the chemical castration to the younger one and if that works then have him castrated, if not them back to the drawing board and try the older one on the chemical stuff. It's all very confusing I've been searching the Internet and some say castration is not the answer whilst others say castrate the older one.....I'm so confused
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Post by cazpolly on Jan 13, 2013 19:52:25 GMT
nia your absolutely bang on with that advice xxx
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Post by staranise73 on Jan 13, 2013 23:23:27 GMT
I'm a canine behaviourist. Castrate both
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Post by Tralala on Jan 15, 2013 19:03:09 GMT
Balls off all round!!
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Post by brindlerainbow on Jan 15, 2013 20:21:47 GMT
Castrate both dogs problem should then be solved
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Post by jeanslater on Jan 15, 2013 20:27:30 GMT
Castrating does no good whatsoever . The dog then gives off mixed messages to other dogs therefore does become the 'victim dog', all castration does is stop their urine from smelling. It will not solve your problem, the only way to do it is to take over the role of top dog yourself.
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Post by honeybees on Jan 29, 2013 17:51:24 GMT
Castrate. Socially integrate them again after castration, take them all for a long walk together and all should be well to be honest. Not such a complex problem, more a boys will be boys problem.
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Post by dobiegirl on Jan 29, 2013 18:21:19 GMT
I would neuter both to be on the safe side, Ive had an entire and neutered male Dobermann live together in perfect harmony and they are a breed known for same sex aggression. They might have a little grumble at each other but a word from me and peace was restored. It sounds like the old bit*h kept the peace before so it is doable you have to step up to the mark as well. If it looks as though its going to be handbags send your dog out of the room.
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Post by rhosyn on Jan 30, 2013 15:47:32 GMT
They're fighting because the young dog wants to be "top dog" - the pecking order is changing and the younger dog will try to unseat any older animal, especially one who seems weaker or ill (e.g. the retriever). Your only solution is to a) separate them or b) have one or both males castrated. If one is left entire, they will still fight as the entire male seeks to be top dog, so the best solution is castration for them both. Both our male dogs (black Lab and collie) remained entire all their lives and never fought, but the Lab was top dog from Day One, and so it remained. They were both the same age as well, and in your case you have an age difference which will contribute as the younger dog senses weakness in the older dog/bit*h. If you don't want both castrated, the only solution is to keep them separated at all times. I'm with this BUT I do fear that they're a bit old for castrating to make much difference. Hope I'm wrong though!
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Post by sporthorsecheshire on Jan 30, 2013 16:09:47 GMT
If your not going to use the dogs for breeding have them castrated. The chances of cancer are massive later on in life if you don't. I know a few breeding dogs who this has happened too and it's an unnecessary worry for an owner. I'm not sure why your vet is suggesting chemical castration if ur not going to breed?!? I hope you find a solution and I agree with keeping them separate at all times if your not wanting to castrate.
Xx
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Post by lips36 on Feb 6, 2013 23:39:42 GMT
Dogs are never to old to be castrated my lab was 9 when he was castrated, his behaviour changed completely, to the point he is not tone deaf any more.
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Post by rubydoo on Feb 25, 2013 19:02:35 GMT
catration is the obvious choice but in dogs over a year old its usually behavioural issue and castrating has little effect . good luck
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Post by jeanslater on Feb 25, 2013 19:12:01 GMT
I say, you just waste your money on getting them castrated then come back and say, had them castrated and they are still fighting after spending all that money, your choice.
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Post by Philippa on Feb 25, 2013 20:53:33 GMT
Two of my girls are trying to kill each other at the moment. Usually happens when one is due in season.
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