East Valley K9 Services

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

Understanding Dog Sibling Rivalry

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

Whether they share the same household or family genetics, canine sibling rivalry can arise between dogs. Learn about dog sibling rivalry below and how to recognize it.

Dog Sibling Rivalry: What is It?

Sibling rivalry is also known as:

· Dog-on-dog aggression.

· Littermate syndrome; or

· Interdog aggression.

It begins between two dogs who fight repeatedly and aggressively in the same household, pack or family.

While dog-on-dog aggression often involves challenges for status, it can also arise over:

· Toys

· Territory

· Attention from the humans

· Food

· Resource guarding

In addition, sibling rivalry can also be triggered when:

· A new dog is introduced into the home.

· A dog dies or leaves the home; and

· There are changes in one dog’s health status.

Recognizing Dog Sibling Rivalry

· Canine posturing:

o Piloerection: when the dog’s hairs become erect from the shoulders to the tail, often known as “hackles up.”

o Placing the chin or paw on the other dog’s shoulders known as “teeing off.”

o Standing tall and very still showing confidence and superiority.

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· Growling, snapping, snarling or lip lifting.

· Unbroken and steady eye contact.

· Pushing the other dog out of the way for attention.

· Getting snappy and grabbing at treats.

· Fighting over toys and food.

The first step is to identify the situation(s) triggering the aggressive reactions or sibling rivalry. Dogs will often use posturing and threats to resolve or end the conflict. But, according to the VCA Hospital, “when both dogs are equally motivated to challenge, assert and posture, fighting will usually result.” However, if one dog decides to back down, the situation may be resolved.

Dog Sibling Rivalry: What NOT To Do!

Avoid these common errors when dealing with dog sibling rivalry in your home.

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· Do not try to make the situation “fair.”

· Do not encourage or help the subordinate dog to avoid escalated challenges by the assertive dog.

· Do not punish the assertive dog.

· Do not encourage the subordinate dog to challenge the more confident dog.

· Do not encourage situations that trigger canine sibling rivalry.

· Look at your own actions objectively to make sure you are not encouraging the K9 behaviors or situations that encourage rivalry.

Dog Sibling Rivalry: Other Factors

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Fear and anxiety can also lead to K9 sibling rivalry. “Anxious dogs will often respond defensively and are not able to accurately assess the situation and choose an appropriate response.” (VCA Hospitals)

It’s important to recognize that some dogs will never be friends. Only by identifying the specific triggers (situations) where the rivalry arises, it may be possible

to prevent and improve the aggression. But this is not usually something an inexperienced dog guardian can handle on their own safely.

Dog Sibling Rivalry: What TO Do!

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If you are experiencing dog sibling rivalry in your home, do not be embarrassed or wait to reach out to a qualified dog professional! This type of dog-on-dog aggression can be very serious. Often, expertise is needed to fully understand the communication between the dogs to be able to tailor a rehabilitation plan that is effective and safe.

Misunderstanding dog communication along with uncertain interventions can escalate the overall aggressive situation with disastrous – even dangerous – results. Intervening in a dog fight can also result in redirected aggression leading to a serious bite for the human.

So set yourself and your dogs up for success by enlisting professional expertise when it comes to K9 sibling rivalry!