Dog Community

NEED HELP ASAP!! DOGS FIGHTING!

Posted : 12/11/2006 5:46:46 PM

Hello to all,
I'm posting this only because I'm in a dire situation here.
Well my wife and I live at her parents house with 2 of our dogs. The owner sold at the last second, and we couldn't find anything..but that's another problem. Anyways, her mom also has a dog. Me and my wife found it in the streets..a cocker spaniel. So we are 3 male dogs now. My 2 are a golden retriever and a mixed pointer 11kg. Anyways, the cocker spaniel is psychotic and thinks he's a lion and we've had some brutal fights between the spaniel and the golden..the golden always wins, and eats him up everytime and comes out without a scratch 15kg, against 35, he has no chance. But he keeps on.. The spaniel OTOH comes out with dripping blood. He's a very psychotic dog. When I come home, I never pet the spaniel anymore, for many months now. Only my dogs. He's been through some trauma in his life and needs a behaviorist IMO or possibly uthenization. You can't pet him for more than a minute..he growls like hell, and has biten people before, including me.

so the story is this, For some reason or another, the spaniel does not like my retriever. The retriever doesn't even look at the spaniel, and could care less about him..he goes about his ways, and just has nothing to do with him..specifically, this all happens at night. The spaniel looks at the retriever (my dog could not care less about him, like he was wind) and growls like hell and shakes like crazy. I have to keep my dogs locked up in the bedroom all day, which is very sad to me. I just took my 2 dogs out for their last walk, and we came back, I released his leash, and he ran towards our bedroom to my wife. Lowe and behold the spaniel attacks him from behind, and bites him in the ass. My retriever, some how always gets on top and chomps on him. In a way I'm extremly happy when he does (I know it's wrong) and would even want him to kill him since he constantly torments my dog, and One day I see this happening. I say this only because her primitive father who knows nothing of dogs wants our dogs out tommorrow, when it's their psychotic spaniel that attacks my retriever always. I am a photographer for one of the rspca (overseas) agents, and care very much for dogs, that I carry a leash in my car and have found many dogs stranded, returning them either to their owner, or finding homes. We found this spaniel and her mother wanted him right away. After having uthenized their previous dog, because of cancer, her mom wanted a dog again. After a week of coaxing for the dog (who stayed at our place) he agreed. I am so sorry I ever found him, that from now one I vow never again to save animals. This is harsh, but this is how I feel. I am extremly mad right now. Also, her father got mad because ehn I came to stop the fight, my dog was on top, and I came to stop the fight by

ushing the spaniel out of the way with my leg. I did not step on him, but pushed him out of the way. A previous fight they had, I grabbed him by his collar, and moved him to the side. He came and quickly bit me in the thigh, so I will not him anymore. He's a dnagerous dog IMO. Her drug selling brother (A looser, 37 , divorced with 2 kids, who he couldn't give a hoot about, who can't hold a job for more than 3 months in his lifetime, sells drugs in the house.) Having people constantly over to sell, and her primitive parents say nothing. He smokes marijauana all day long, and the father never knew till I told him. So he came out of his room after this happened and said" i'll kill your dog , you'll see" I told him, be aware, when you kill him, it'sll be the last time you'll breath. He's 5.2" weighs 130 lbs, and I bodybuild 6.2" weigh 195...
This has nothing to do about food or treats, the spaniel doesn't even eat bones.. I buy my dogs bones and bring him as well. He doesn't knwo what to do with it.

I am completely frustrated and extremly mad. I would like some help please.

espencer

Posted : 12/11/2006 6:29:56 PM

Well i think that you have as much fault as the spaniel to behave that way

The Cocker senses right away stuff like "In a way I'm extremly happy when he does (I know it's wrong) and would even want him to kill him since he constantly torments my dog" he knows what you feel about him and of course he wont like you back at all, he senses that you in a way dont like him so dont expect him to behave when you are sending those bad "vibes"

A behaviorist is the key, this has gone too far to try to fix it yourself, if you dont want the dog dont put him to sleep, find him another home, if you decide to keep him then dont "feel good" because the retreiver is beating him up

I dont blame the poor dog by being aggressive, i can tell you dont like him at all so unless you are whilling to change the way you feel about him then is better if you find him a home where he will be welcomed

glenmar

Posted : 12/11/2006 6:37:37 PM

First of all, try to take a deep breath and relax.

Crazed or not, it seems that your inlaws love this cocker, and from HIS point of view, your dog is an intruder in his happy home. And it doesn't matter how many times he gets his butt kicked, he's gonna keep trying to "get rid of" the intruder in any way that he can. We had a crazed cocker who repeatedly went after a 93 lb german shepherd, who finally would fight back, and she still didn't stop.

However, you are living in your inlaws home and you're going to need to find a way to keep the peace......I'd suggest that your WIFE do the talking to her parents, and if need be, turn on the tears with Dad. YOU need to be quiet. I know that you are upset and just venting, but even thinking that way about your wifes parents will show in your attitude...try to remember that they can't be all bad...they raised your wife and she must be pretty terrific since you married her.....

The immediate concern has to be managing the situation, and likely the only way to do that will be to keep them separated ALWAYS...and that might mean having dad in law take the cocker into another room so your dogs can get safely back to your room. And find yourself a new place to live, pronto!

denise_m

Posted : 12/11/2006 6:40:44 PM

jedi welcome to idog. I'm not sure why no one has replied yet. But I will give it a shot, although I am no expert.

First of all, you and your dogs have intruded into the cockers territory. To him, he is a lion and this is his domain. Some dogs will never tolerate this intrusion, others will be more tolerant AFTER they establish that they are the top dog. This maybe why the cocker continues to attack. I personally believe that humans should not try to restructure the pack order, but rather reinforce it. Let the cocker be the alpha. This can be done by greeting him first, feeding him first etc. If you reinforce his status you may find he will be less aggressive towards your dogs. If the cocker is being injured (blood drawn) you must interject immediately. This cannot continue IMO.

I'm sorry you and your dogs have found yourself in this position, but frankly it is your inlaws home and their dog is part of that home. Would you expect them to get rid of their dog because you have arrived? You sound like you really like dogs, so why not spend some constructive time with the cocker and do some obedience training? Try to do the work your inlaws have failed to do. Harmony among the dogs (and humans) will be worth the effort.

Good Luck.

jones

Posted : 12/11/2006 7:04:36 PM

I agree with Glenda and Denise... you're in a sticky spot because even though you're family, you're still (in my view) guests at your inlaws' house, so the onus falls on you to manage things without putting their dog out. I think keeping the dogs separated all the time is probably the best way to go... the only other solutions I can think of would be having a good friend petsit for you or even board for a while, while you aggressively look for your own house/flat. I know it would suck to have to board your own dogs, especially when they are not the ones lashing out - but again, you're the guests and not really in a position to set the rules.

J M

Posted : 12/11/2006 8:19:04 PM

The spaniel ends up bleeding after the fight?

"we've had some brutal fights between the spaniel and the golden..the golden always wins, and eats him up everytime and comes out without a scratch 15kg, against 35, he has no chance. But he keeps on.. The spaniel OTOH comes out with dripping blood"

john staliz

Posted : 12/12/2006 9:23:33 AM

Thank you for the replies. I really appreciate it. BTW, can I leave my dogs in our bedroom for so long? isn't it traumatic for them? Now, I never knew dogs can sense different feelings I have. It so happens that I did cry 2 times in the last 2 months (i'm not proud of it) but they didn't come next to me..in fact they weren't even close.

I recommended the behaviorist , but they have no funds. I'll ask my wife to maybe split it 50/50 with them. Imagine your kid going to the playground and this other kid constantly attacks your kid, and each time, he beats him up..wouldn't you feel god if your kid puched him a good one? I would, although I don't agree that violence is the key. But sometimes, there's no other way.
When we were living in our own apartment, we would come and visit her parents often. I've tried to be nice to him, petting him, but have stopped a long time ago. He growls like hell, and bites for no reason. This is before he met my kids. Btw, this is his house for 9 months .. but my dogs were raised in the house for over 2 years, since they were pups..so it's also their house in a way. My dogs are very obedient, and love kids, people, and other dogs...this spaniel is psychotic. He's unfriendly, not very smart, and very aggresive. Maybe i'm at fault for acting that way, but I will not care about, or pet a dog that bites. I feel sorry for the day we found him. He bit everyone in the house, no matter how nice we tried to be to him. He goes to trpis 5 times a day, give him the best food, anything you can think of, but he's psychotic from the first day we brought him. We thought he'll be ok after a while, maybe he was beatan up or has gone through some trauma with his past owners.
Well obviously, they leave their dog running around while my dogs are closed in the room..

The spaniel ends up bleeding after the fight?

Yes. Badly. I wish he would bleed to death...i'm sorry for saying it, but he's attacking my kid..I can't hide what I feel. I hate seeing dogs fighting, it really scares me with all the growling and the fast movements they do, but after a few times, inside I cheer for my dog, and am happy when I see my dog on top of his chomping him. No one will attack or hurt my kids and get away with it no one.

The fighting only happens at nights, when everyones home. During the day they all go to sleep, and no problems at all when we come home...why is this?

I personally believe that humans should not try to restructure the pack order, but rather reinforce it. Let the cocker be the alpha.

He's a very stupid dog IMO. He's never went through training, and doesn't know what sit is, down, or stay..who wants a stupid leader. Again, i'm sorry for saying all these things, but I can't see such a dog who doesn't know how to lead himself, let alone other dogs. I'm not a politically correct person, so what you read is what I feel. I never hide what I feel, which in turn sounds very harsh. Her mom also is too frustrated with him all the time, and have heard her say many times, she wants to give him away. I vow to never save a dog again.

mudpuppy

Posted : 12/12/2006 9:26:30 AM

Moving out quickly is probably your best bet, keep dogs completely separated until you do. Why would your in-laws be happy about their dog being bloodied and torn up? Why should you be happy about your dogs being attacked by their dog? The only easy solution is move out.

glenmar

Posted : 12/12/2006 10:39:53 AM

I've tried to give you the best advice I have to offer, but an additional suggestion, and I'm sorry that this may sound rude, but, you need to grow up a bit. The cocker is NOT responsible for the lack of training, nor is he necessarily stupid, but rather unschooled. You absolutely need an attitude adjustment when it comes to this dog....you have invaded HIS home with your two dogs and I'm sorry, but the animal has some rights also, whether you like him or not.

J M

Posted : 12/12/2006 10:41:47 AM

well okay...you fix their dog with a behaviorist. What do you plan to do with your dog? He is drawing blood.

No bite inhibition when he clearly out weighs and can out wrestle the spaniel?

In this case, I would be worried about my own dog.

You say that you will not care or pet a dog that is biting. Well yours is not only biting, it is drawing blood.

There is a difference. Big difference..

spiritdogs

Posted : 12/12/2006 11:01:09 AM

ORIGINAL: JM

well okay...you fix their dog with a behaviorist. What do you plan to do with your dog? He is drawing blood.

No bite inhibition when he clearly out weighs and can out wrestle the spaniel?

In this case, I would be worried about my own dog.

You say that you will not care or pet a dog that is biting. Well yours is not only biting, it is drawing blood.

There is a difference. Big difference..

I'm surprised no one else noticed this. The Golden, to put a dog in its place, should not be drawing blood. My hound sometimes disciplines my Aussie, but he is not shredding her. The Spaniel simply wants the intruder gone - chances are he is not well socialized. But, he is NOT drawing blood - he is fighting ritualistically, which is pretty normal canine behavior.
Are these dogs neutered? If not, they should be.
I think you need to consider that your dog's bite inhibition is not good, and that you need to vacate and find your own place to live. The Spaniel is the resident dog, and no matter how you dislike what he's doing, your dog is the intruder. What I know about dogs is that they pick their own friends, like we do, and these guys don't like each other.
My guess is that you didn't take the time to introduce the dogs on neutral territory, but just came to live there and thought they'd all get along. Ain't gonna happen.

probe1957

Posted : 12/12/2006 11:33:57 AM

With all due respect, it is your inlaw's house. If they want your dogs out tomorrow, I would have them out tomorrow. You're married, for crissake. Be a man. Find your own place to live.

J M

Posted : 12/12/2006 11:50:58 AM

Also consider the association going on....the owners anger and encouragement, lack of bite inhibition, adrenaline rushes...

What will happen if the OP and the wife has an arguement..... the dog senses the OP's anger toward the wife....

he remembers the encouragement, the adrenaline, the pride coming from the owner...

most likely he will remember the smell of blood also.

I dunno man, but I am thinking that this is not a good place to go.

ORIGINAL: spiritdogs

ORIGINAL: JM

well okay...you fix their dog with a behaviorist. What do you plan to do with your dog? He is drawing blood.

No bite inhibition when he clearly out weighs and can out wrestle the spaniel?

In this case, I would be worried about my own dog.

You say that you will not care or pet a dog that is biting. Well yours is not only biting, it is drawing blood.

There is a difference. Big difference..

I'm surprised no one else noticed this. The Golden, to put a dog in its place, should not be drawing blood. My hound sometimes disciplines my Aussie, but he is not shredding her. The Spaniel simply wants the intruder gone - chances are he is not well socialized. But, he is NOT drawing blood - he is fighting ritualistically, which is pretty normal canine behavior.
Are these dogs neutered? If not, they should be.
I think you need to consider that your dog's bite inhibition is not good, and that you need to vacate and find your own place to live. The Spaniel is the resident dog, and no matter how you dislike what he's doing, your dog is the intruder. What I know about dogs is that they pick their own friends, like we do, and these guys don't like each other.
My guess is that you didn't take the time to introduce the dogs on neutral territory, but just came to live there and thought they'd all get along. Ain't gonna happen.

espencer85

Posted : 12/12/2006 1:11:22 PM

.

espencer

Posted : 12/12/2006 1:12:25 PM

ORIGINAL: thejedi

The fighting only happens at nights, when everyones home. During the day they all go to sleep, and no problems at all when we come home...why is this?

Why? well maybe (almost sure) because the feelings the people in that house have towards him, feelings like this ones:

ORIGINAL: thejedi

I wish he would bleed to death
Inside I cheer for my dog, and am happy when I see my dog on top of his chomping him. No one will attack or hurt my kids and get away with it no one.
He's a very stupid dog IMO.
Who wants a stupid leader
Her mom also is too frustrated with him all the time, and have heard her say many times, she wants to give him away.
I vow to never save a dog again.

Not to be rude but put yourself in his position, how would you feel if you get to a home with people that have those feelings about you? now i know that the people that live in that house are the ones to blame for the dog still being agressive, how come he is fine when only the dogs are alone at the house?