How to stop aggression between dogs in the same household?

Intra-household aggression, sometimes referred to as social-conflict aggression, is relatively common when two or more dogs live in the same household and more than one dog wants to be dominant. The likelihood of intra-household aggression increases with more dogs brought into the home, with older dogs typically being the aggressor over the new or younger dog. Intra-household aggression can be alleviated by separating your dogs and slowly re-socializing them until their interactions are calm. This is one of the more complex forms of aggression to correct since the dogs are close to each other and constantly aware of each other’s presence. To manage resource guarding aggression, which can also contribute to aggression between dogs in the same household, simply pick up your dog's toys, food bowls, and other possessions when your dog is not using them. This will create an “out of sight, out of mind” situation. Seek the help of behaviorists, trainers, and veterinarians before resorting to other measures.

The first step in managing dog aggression in a multi-dog household is to separate them. This means physically dividing them to prevent further conflicts. Use baby gates, crates, or separate rooms to create a safe space for each dog. Provide Ample Resources, as dogs may fight over resources like food, toys, or attention, ensure each pet has separate food and water bowls, toys, and personal space. To prevent such conflicts, minimize competition for resources and reduce potential triggers for aggression. Desensitization and Counterconditioning are powerful techniques to change your dogs’ emotional responses to each other, expose your pets to controlled, positive interactions that gradually increase their tolerance of one another, pair these interactions with rewards, such as treats or playtime, to create positive associations. Learn to Introduce Dogs Properly, when introducing two dogs, do it in a controlled environment, with both of them on a leash, allow them to sniff each other while maintaining a safe distance, positive associations during initial meetings can help establish a foundation for future coexistence. Separate the Dogs will prevent fights and give you time to work on training and behaviour modification without immediate confrontations. Rule Out Illness or Pain, as a dog in pain may lash out, so it’s crucial to rule out any medical issues that might be causing discomfort.