Corgi's fighting after being neutered
Okay, so I am hoping this page helps give me some answers. about two years ago, we got our first corgi. In August, we got our second. There are about a year apart in age. Since they have met, they really have not had any issues. They play a lot, which sometimes looks rough, but they are never serious. Within the last few months, we have noticed that the younger one has started becoming more territorial about certain things and has actually started aggressive fights with the older one where they growl, show their teeth and attack each other. But this only happens about once a week, if that even, and when it happens, we separate them, then 5 minutes later, they're back to loving each other. Luckily neither of them have gotten hurt. About two weeks ago, we took both of them to get neutered. A few hours later, the younger one started growling at the older one like we had never heard him do before. Since that night, it started happening more and more often. a few days later, they were fine, laying in the same room and then the younger one woke up and just went at the older one. He now goes at him while the older one is even in his kennel. It has gotten to the point where we cannot even keep them in the same room. We can separate them with a gate, but they go at each other through the gate. I called the vet last week and she gave me some advice on things to try, and so far, nothing seems to be working. She said it could be the smell from the place they got neutered, it could be testosterone, or the fact that they thought something was happening and now are being protective. Does anyone have any other advice, I just need some light shined on this, they used to get along so well with no problems at all.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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How old were they when neutered? If they were older (meaning sexually mature), certainly they'd have weird testosterone fluctuations which could impact mood.
If it were me, I think I'd keep them totally separated for a week or more, then start walking them together outside the house but not let them meet inside, then maybe crate them near each other but not let them interact, and see if you can reset the relationship. I agree with the vet's list of options. Also, I would add that the younger one could associate the discomfort of the neuter with the older one.
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Permalink Reply by Michala Mielke on
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Thank you so much for the advice. Ein (older) was 23 months and Apollo (younger) was 10 months. We were actually discussing taking the younger one out to my boyfriend's mom's house for awhile originally and I think that is definitely something that we are going to do. The vet did say that we did basically need to re-introduce them to each other.
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Permalink Reply by Katie & Mitzie on
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This sounds like hormone fluctuations. It takes time for their systems to calm down. I would keep them separate for now for sure.
As far as neutralizing the aggression, the old standby is to take an item of the older dog, like a blankie or a collar, let the younger one smell it, and give him a treat, so he starts to associate the smell with something pleasant. Then slowly graduate up until you can bring the older dog in the room without the younger one getting upset, and give him a treat. Keep in mind that this takes time, and if it backfires you absolutely cannot get upset with him, just separate them and ignore the bad behavior. This worked with ours, she was a year old when we got her and had some food aggression issues. I hope this helps.
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Thank you guys so much. This has been so stressful because I love these guys so freaking much and you guys have been so helpful. I was originally googling solutions but never really got any real helpful ideas.
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I think reintroducing the scent and associating it with good things is a great idea, and definitely something to add to the repertoire. I'd separate them completely for awhile first.
Michala, when you do start walking them together, don't allow them to reach each other or greet at all, and just be matter-of fact. There should be people between the two dogs. Don't think "What if they fight?" because they'll pick up on that tension. Just think "We are taking the dogs for a walk; they won't even be able to reach each other."
If possible, you might want to wait to reintroduce them til the stitches are healed and there is no longer a visible wound. If the younger dog is associating the older one with the surgery, you want the surgery reminders gone before you let them back together. Good luck!
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