dog fighting

[davidson824]

i recentlyadopted brodee an oes my golden retreiver age 5yrs will not stop trying to viciously attack him they are both neutered please help

[Suzanne Hetts, PhD]

There are soooo many reasons why dogs don't do well when a new one is introduced into the family.  Without seeing your dogs and getting a more complete history on what has happened so far it's difficult to know exactly what to suggest.

However,your primary concern is both dogs' safety and wellbeing.  It sounds like for now your best course of action is to keep them completely separated meaning they are behind a baby gate, closed door, inside/outside or whatever way you can prevent any attacks.  
If they can be taken on a walk in a neutral location and your golden doesn't become upset that could certainly be a starting point as Dr. Jim suggests.  You could then walk them both in the house together, keeping their leashes and collars on and tether each dog to a family member so that they are under complete supervision in the house until you see how things go.

If your golden is still showing aggression if you try to walk the 2 dogs then you need the help of a professional behaviorist.  This could be fear based on the part of your golden ( in my opinion most likely), or territorially motivated.  It is unlikely to be  a social status or "dominance" issue if your resident dog just immediately attacked the newcomer without any competition over a resource or space involved.  

Again, safety is most important and do NOT do any "show 'em who's boss" pinning or scruff shake or any kind of physical punishment as this will create a worse problem.

If you need individual assistance we can provide you with how to find a certified applied or veterinary behaviorist close to you, hopefully

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

This is probably territorial aggression (and intermale even though they are both neutered).  Anytime a new dog is introduced into an established dog household I recommend the introduction take place on neutral ground first (like a park).  Induce play between them and basically have them become buddies first, before having an "invader" enter an established dog's household or territory.  Prevents lots of these kinds of problems.  

I would go ahead and try that now anyway.  See if they can become play buddies at a park, then bring them home.  

Your Golden is the Top Dog for now because of the established territory.  So your new guy will need to be second - and you actually guide that.  I.E.  Feed your Golden first, in and out of doors first, petted first etc.  If these are only slight skirmishes some people believe you need to let them happen and not interfere so that a necessary establishment of dominance occurs.  By scolding the Golden you are confusing him, and probably delaying what will have to happen anyway.  

If these fights are vicious then you do have to stop injury.  Separate your home into two areas, or use wire kennels to keep them physically separated.  Then over several days they will get used to each other, take daily trips to the park together, basically do the daily routine together, always re-enforcing the Golden's Top Position and they should begin to accept each other.  

This is true also with cats.  We should never just toss a new "invader" into an established household.  The territorial nature of dogs and cats (also horses) will take over and the establishment of dominance will occur and that can lead to fights / injuries.  

Recently had a client introduce a new (to the farm) expensive show horse to another very established expensive show horse.  The new on felt very threatened and strong need to establish herself.  Fights ensued and the established show horse ended up with a broken leg - and the end of a incredible show career.  

So all animal introductions should be done with care and an understanding of this territoriality.  

You will most likely be able to 'retroactively" fix this and may take a little more time as I have outlined here.  

Let us know how you do.  

Our PhD behaviorist is out for about a week and a half, but she will be able to give more thoughts on this at that time.  Also, our DVM Board Certified Behaviorist is currently at the national AVMA meeting.  Both should be back next week.