Are there certain dog breeds that don't get on with other dogs? Yes. There definitely are! Although training and socialization as a puppy are important factors, some dogs just don't get on well with other dogs.
It's not uncommon for a dog to take a dislike to a whole breed or type of dog for seemingly no reason.
Even the most dominant of dogs can get along with other dogs so long as the owners display strong leadership and proper dog to canine communication. If dogs are raised together and well socialized, they can be great friends, this applies to all breeds and types of dogs.
Dogs will typically react aggressively towards other dogs for two reasons, fear, or they believe the other dog represents a threat. Your dog may perceive a threat to their status or safety, or they may even be protecting you against an apparent threat.
But not all dogs are a fan of making friends with their own kind. Some dogs may be reactive or hide when faced with a new potential canine friend, avoiding other dogs at all costs. This kind of antisocial behavior is especially problematic when adding a new pup to your household.
An unfriendly dog may behave aggressively towards other dogs, animals and/or people. A dog that is shy may also be seen as unfriendly, possibly showing a lack of interest or fear of other animals and/or people. In addition, illness can also lead to a dog being unfriendly as he may be feeling too poorly to socialize.
Dogs are inherently social animals that live well together in groups, but that does not mean that all dogs get along. Most dogs will welcome a new sibling, but it is not always smooth sailing.
Can dogs live together after fighting? The answer is, most of the time, YES. There are times when dogs may be like an incompatible couple and need to divorce, but in general, there are things you can do to help combative pups get along.
Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
Dog owners have long claimed their dogs show jealous behaviours when their owner gives attention to another dog, ranging from vocalisations, agitated behaviour or pulling on a leash.
Dominance is the most common reason why dogs are aggressive toward other dogs. While it's true that as pack animals, dogs are sociable, packs have hierarchies. And usually, an alpha establishes his dominance within a pack through either threat or physical harm.
Sometimes dogs introduced in this way just ignore each other. This is fine and just means that neither are ready to take things further at this stage. It could mean that they prefer human company to that of other dogs, or one dog may be a little worried about the other and so may be deliberately avoiding encounters.
In a real fight, the dogs will target the stomach, throat, and front legs and the victim of the attack will often retaliate by grabbing a hold of the other dog's neck. If your dog is involved in such a fight and receives severe injuries, take him to the vet immediately.
This aggression may be excitement-related or related to frustration or fear. Finally, some dogs become frustrated and behave aggressively toward a housemate dog when they cannot access something, such as a person or animal viewed through the window. This is known as redirected aggression.
In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.
Most experts agree that, as a rule, male and female dogs get along better than two females or two males.
Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family. If you have an old dog, they may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup.
ARE SOME DOGS NATURALLY AGGRESSIVE? Although it might seem that some dogs are born to be aggressive, it is more accurate to say that they are born with inherited tendencies that might, if not controlled, make aggressive behaviour more likely.
Because genetic and early environmental factors contribute to behavior, even well-socialized dogs can develop aggression toward other dogs. (See the handout “Puppy Behavior and Training – Socialization and Fear Prevention” for more information.)
Here are some of the most common behavioral indicators that your dog isn't fully socialized. Fearful behavior when around strangers and/or other dogs. Behaviors might include flattened ears, lip licking, yawning, cowering, avoiding eye contact, and tail tucked between the legs.
Many people are hesitant to adopt a second dog because they assume it will be twice the work and twice the money. But the truth is, owning two dogs doesn't have to be more work – in fact, it can often be easier. And as for the cost, it will cost more money than one but not twice the amount.