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.
If fighting is severe, dogs should be completely separated until conditioning and other treatment protocols can be put in place. Re-homing should be considered if the aggression poses a significant safety issue.
Some have recommended that the dogs not be anywhere near one another for at least 48 hours following the fight, even if they live in the same household, while others recommend that getting a positive interaction between the two animals as soon as possible is the best course of action -- at the end of the day, however, ...
Break the fight up quickly and calmly, redirect the dog's attention, take them for a walk together, and don't worry that it's going to happen again. They may or may not fight again, but if worry over it does not become your obsession, you will not be feeding them negative energy that will lead to another fight.
Littermate Syndrome Issue 3: Inter-Dog Aggression
Especially among same-sex siblings, fighting can become severe, even dangerous, as they reach maturity. Siblings often play hard, and fight harder. Because many sibling pups are only socialized with each other, they may develop aggression or fear towards other dogs.
In short, the answer is yes, a dog can be traumatised after a dog attack. Alongside the physical scars of the wounds they have gained, the dog may be emotionally scarred from the traumatic event, and you will need to be on the lookout for behaviour that might indicate your dog has been affected in this way.
Just like people, dogs feel loss after a loved one dies. They can also become depressed after a traumatic injury or an attack from another animal.
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.
Don't Let the Dogs “Work It Out”
Years ago, people used to believe in letting dogs fight to work it out between them. This is dangerous for both dogs and for nearby people. Also, the dogs may never get along after such a fight.
While it seems dogs do forgive after a fight, there's still a lot more to learn about reconciliation in dogs. In some multi-dog households, it doesn't always work out. Shyan-Norwalt has observed dogs in the same family who did not reconcile but instead separated after every conflict. ...
Throw a blanket or jacket over each dog so they can no longer see each other. Or spray the dogs' faces with citronella spray, lemon juice spray, or a vinegar spray. Use an object to separate the dogs. Be certain to keep your hands and face as far from the dogs' mouths as possible.
Grudges with other dogs
To them, that other dog = bad news, even if they don't remember exactly why. Your dog isn't actively “holding a grudge” against that other pooch, but they are responding to the negative association that was formed the first time, and strengthened every time since.
Both animals may suffer injuries, including puncture wounds, lacerations, blood loss, crushing injuries and broken bones. Although fights are not usually to the death, many dogs succumb to their injuries later.
Dogs use actions called "play bows" to ask other individuals to play and also while they're playing to punctuate play bouts to admit they're wrong and say something like, “Sorry I bit you so hard—this is still play regardless of what I just did.
If your dog has been in a fight with another animal, take him to your veterinarian for an examination as soon as possible. If you can see obvious bite wounds, you should seek immediate veterinary attention.
Expose your dog to other dogs in controlled settings, like with friends' or neighbor's dogs, or take her (on-leash) to the small/timid dog area of the dog park, if available. Don't try to force him to socialize with other dogs, but don't let him try to hide behind you, either.
Acute PTSD is the most commonly observed form in dogs. The disorder and associated symptoms occur immediately following the traumatic event and typically subside within three months. Dogs with chronic PTSD also start displaying symptoms relatively quickly following the trauma.
Even dogs that live together or are related can and will fight. Unfortunately, some fighting dogs will not stop fighting until an injury occurs that results in one dog backing off. However, some triggers are easily identified and can be avoided.
Despite the fact that dogs are often depicted as being social animals, squabbles and even serious fights are likely to occur. The circumstances are various, and several dynamics may be going on. Two dogs that got along well as puppies may suddenly engage in vicious fights as they mature.
Our research shows that for many dogs, play fighting is the primary method used to negotiate new relationships and develop lasting friendships. Although play is fun, it also offers serious opportunities to communicate with another dog.
Signs of pain may include: reduced appetite, depression, anxiety, restlessness, increased heart rate or respiratory rate, and/or vocalization such as whining. Dog in severe pain may lash out, snap, or bite, so be very cautious. If your dog is ever having trouble breathing, an ER visit is necessary.