aggression in the home

 Here's the thread for anyone else interested: http://forum.dog.com/forums/p/118668/981212.aspx#981212

Tell us what you have tried so far?  Separating them during feeding time?  Separating them in general?  Veterinary check up to rule out any medical concerns (hypothyroid, vision impairment, pain or arthritis, etc, etc)?  Have you consulted with a behaviorist?

Describe your daughter's reaction/behavior during the altercations.  What has she observed about the dogs behavior and interaction just preceding an aggressive event?  Describe their behavior with eachother when they are NOT having an altercation.

Honestly, in-person observation of the triggers and environment is the only way this can be resolved.  You may be well-informed to read Brenda Aloff's books on Canine Body Language (it's got photographs which is very helpful) and Aggression Management & Behavior Modification.  Learn more about her here: http://brendaaloff.com/books.html

 The last time you wrote, that was two months ago. In terms of any developments that would have been made in the science of treating these sorts of issues, not much would have happened in two months.

Has there been an evaluation by a qualified behavior specialist? It's  really not appropriate for anyone to attempt to evaluate an aggression related issue over the internet. If this is really so severe that you believe death or injury was possible, then it really does need a professional. Honestly, it could very well take more than two months to correct it. If you were able to take one dog temporarily, is it possible for you to just take one permanently. If the issue is just between these two dogs, and neither has any issues with other dogs, the simplest, least stressful, and cheapest solution for all involved may just be for these two dogs not to live together anymore.

Are these dogs crate trained at all? If they were in my house, I would be making use of their crates. If one was out, the other would be in a crate, and vice versa. Given that they are seniors, depending upon how old they were and how many years I could expect to have to live that way, I might just continue living that way until one passed. Of course, senior could mean 15 years old, or 7 years old. I'd definitely be feeding in the crates, or if they are not in crates, in different rooms. If they're not crate trained, I might even consider crate training, even at their ages. You can keep going with the baby gates, but I would feel safer keeping them separated with crates. It's much easier in my mind to know if one is in the crate, then the other can be let out, etc. In my house, I know someone would accidentally open the gate and let the dogs have access to each other.

griffinej5

 The last time you wrote, that was two months ago. In terms of any developments that would have been made in the science of treating these sorts of issues, not much would have happened in two months.

Has there been an evaluation by a qualified behavior specialist? It's  really not appropriate for anyone to attempt to evaluate an aggression related issue over the internet. If this is really so severe that you believe death or injury was possible, then it really does need a professional

Yep, if she hasn't brought in professional help from a qualified behaviorist, and followed that advice, the problem isn't going to resolve itself.