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Comment by Anna Morelli on December 22, 2014 at 1:12pm

Are they fighting at other times, or only when there is a jealousy issue?  Try giving an immediate "sit" command when you come in and then go about your business without giving anyone attention until all the excitement  has died down.  Any sign of aggression, correct immediately and forcefully, raise your voice, clap your hands, throw something in his direction that will make a point but not injure the aggressor.  He has to know this is totally unacceptable to you.  When things are calm, if one comes over to be petted, give that one calm attention and, if the other wants to join in, teach them the phrase "not now" and make them stay back.  When you've finished petting the one, you can go and pet the other one. If the first one tries to muscle in, tell them to go away.  YOU decide who YOU give attention to, not the dogs and make it stick.  If needed, muzzle the aggressor until you get the routine established.

You need to have voice control over the dogs and may need training classes  to achieve this.  Aggression will otherwise escalate and can get expensive... certainly more expensive than classes.

If you are having aggression problems other than for jealousy, then you need professional help.  Best wishes.

Comment by Michelle on December 22, 2014 at 10:18am

We have been to the vet - he has no medical problems - thank goodness!

The behavior started about 6 months ago, and only happened a couple of times until recently.  2 weeks ago he attacked our chocolate lab when y son and I were coming in the door from the garage.  It seems like a jealousy thing - almost like sibling rivalry.  He is very jealous of any attention I give our other dog and any dogs that come over and visit.

I bought a mesh muzzle and put that on him, and he seems to become very calm when it is on.

I also looked online for Obedience training and am waiting for call backs.

Thank you everyone!  I am hoping this helps!

Comment by Priss, Charlie & Kaylee (PK) on December 21, 2014 at 10:17pm

I definitely agree with the above response. Always try to rule out medical issues. 

Did this behavior just start? If so, can you think of a reason for it? (Like did one of your dogs just get attacked him/herself?)

Can you describe the behavior? Did the aggressor inflict a serious wound or draw blood? Was it in response to food/toy possessiveness?

When you say "we come home" do you mean the humans in the household or humans plus the other dog? 

I would suggest seeing your vet and trainer as soon as you can. Until then, keep them separate and potentially muzzled (esp. if you have seen signs of aggression against people).

I hope you can find a way through this.

Comment by Beverly Butler Redford & Tucker on December 21, 2014 at 9:49pm

1.  See your vet immediately to be sure there are no medical issues causing this behavior.

2.  Get a trainer who is familiar with behavioral issues to help you sort out why this may be happening.  The trainer may be able to get them to work together, but remember, the trainer has a different status in the pack than you do.

3.  Treat each dog equally.  I have problems between two of my boys.  Everyone is fed in their crates and there is physical separation between the two at all times unless the one who is likely to attack is leashed and muzzled.  The problems didn't start until the agressor was neutered and his hormone levels changed.