East Valley K9 Services

DOG TRAINERS HELPING TO MAKE HAPPY, CONFIDENT, WELL-MANNERED DOGS

K9 Sibling Rivalry: 4 Ways You May be Creating It

Name: East Valley K9 Training Services
Address: 4120 East Fairview Circle, Mesa, AZ, 85206, USA
Telephone: 480-382-0144
Price range: $$$

K9 Sibling rivalry among dogs is a natural part of K9 social interaction between littermates and even unrelated dogs. But how far should you let it go?

Sibling rivalry – or fighting amongst dogs in the same household – stems from competitiveness, struggles for dominance and sometimes even both. Often, the most severe sibling rivalry happens between female littermates. But thankfully, not all K9 siblings will develop rivalry or competitiveness.

While common in puppyhood, sibling rivalry can also happen later in a dog’s life with both their littermates and even unrelated canines living in the same home.

Regardless, never encourage or ignore sibling rivalry. For some dogs, this competitive rivalry, if left unchecked and unresolved, can escalate and become overly aggressive with injuries and worse.

~ Never encourage or ignore signs of sibling rivalry! ~

Are YOU Encouraging Canine Sibling Rivalry?

Sibling rivalry can be unknowingly created and encouraged through our behaviors. Keep reading to learn what actions or “triggers” could create sibling rivalry among your dogs.

Extra Attention & Affection
- Spoiling or favoring one K9 over another can create disastrous results. Ignore and discourage all attention-seeking behaviors from any dog. Never reward these behaviors, not even once!
Unchecked Resource Guarding
- Guarding things like toys, beds, treats and food should never go unchecked. Also separate your dogs during feeding time to avoid rivalry over food.
Possessiveness
- Akin to resource guarding but includes more than just objects, like locations, the owner and other family members. Discourage any possessiveness or attention-seeking behaviors.
Inconsistent Rules
- This often goes with paying extra attention and/or affection to one dog over another. For example, the “favored” dog may be allowed access to certain locations (the bed, couch, etc.) while the other dog is not. Create and stick to the same rules, boundaries and limitations each time for each dog when feeding, walking, playing and sleeping. Ensure all family members follow and enforce the same rules to avoid creating K9 competitiveness.

Signs of dog sibling rivalry? Address it immediately!

K9 Sibling Rivalry: Intervention

Signs of sibling rivalry need to be addressed as early as possible with calm and assertive intervention (never punishment, scolding, yelling or holding a dog down). Physically separate the dogs to avoid any further escalation into physical fights and harm. Also:

Manage sibling rivalry proactively by removing/separating food bowls, managing access to favored locations like the bed and couch, etc.
Always be the leader of your pack. Nip signs of K9 sibling rivalry early and consistently without favoritism.
Learn the signs and triggers of sibling rivalry among your dogs. Immediately call or redirect their attention when you see the signs of a pending fight. Always use positive reinforcement to reward the wanted behavior.
Always ensure every dog receives the proper amount of physical activity, dog-to-dog socialization (with other non-sibling dogs) and positive mental stimulation each day to ensure balanced, well-adjusted and happy dogs.
Ensure proper alone time with each dog. Train, crate and exercise dogs separately to avoid hyper-bonding and potential separation anxiety and distress.