Dog Community

Puppy scared after fight with her sister

Posted : 8/8/2012 5:01:18 PM

I have a BoDach and I have had her for eight months. Everything has been great so far. My sister adopted my dogs sister from the same litter. My sister has dog-sited for me before with no issues however these past two weeks I have been dog sitting for her. Everything has been going fine with the two getting along. They tended to have little spats at first when it came to where they were sleeping, but, that was soon remedied after a day or two. Today however, they ran by me and went under my bed. They then began to fight and it sounded bad. I did what I could to get them to stop and when they did, my dog was in shock and terrified. It looked like there was a toy there, but, I do not know if that was the cause of the fight. My sister’s dog came out from under the bed as if nothing happened however it took 3 hrs to get my dog from under bed. When I tried to reach for her, she just yelped and even nipped at me (never has happened before). I can see she was so terrified. I have separated them, but, my dog is still not behaving normally. I was able to look her over and it doesn't appear to be any physical injuries and she is scared of my fiancée and I as well as her sister. Any suggestions?

JackieG

Posted : 8/8/2012 6:15:29 PM

I'm not sure, from your post, how long ago this happened. I would keep the dogs separated for the remainder of the time you're dog sitting your sister's dog. Your dog will most likely get over her fear reaction but she might not ever want to be around the other dog and I wouldn't force her to spend time with the other dog. Dogs do squabble over beds and toys and usually it's not a big deal and they get over it. Sometimes they do seem to form distinct dislikes for certain dogs after a fight and it's best to keep them apart rather than risk another fight that migh be more serious and traumatizing to one or both of them.

Is your dog a soft, submissive personality? Sometimes dogs like this are affected more than a bolder dog when something like this happens. You might try taking her outside and tossing a ball for her or doing something else she enjoys, like a walk. Hopefully, she'll be back to normal in a day or so if not sooner.

jetgop

Posted : 8/8/2012 7:42:09 PM

Yes she is the submissive personality. She usually gets along great. It has taken 24 hrs but she seems to have returned to normal, but, it worried me a bit.

JackieG

Posted : 8/8/2012 7:46:50 PM

I'm glad she's recovered and I understand why you were worried.