Newfoundland started fighting...
Discussion
Our 5 year old newfie b
h has started getting aggressive towards my sisters springer bh. Springer is about the same age.
They used to get on fine until a few weeks ago when both were present and newfy tried to swipe my sandwhich... told her off and she went for the springer!?
Since then they cannot be in the same room. (Previously they would sleep together and the newfy would share her food with the springer etc)
Newfy has never shown any aggression to any other dog or human etc - and beyond my sisters springer, is as soft as anything the rest of the time.
Interestingly the springer doesn't back down, but goes into full attack as well... which is well...suicide?
It takes a big shock to get the newfy out of attack mode when she see's the springer.
Any thoughts on what might have caused such a change in behaviour?
h has started getting aggressive towards my sisters springer bh. Springer is about the same age.They used to get on fine until a few weeks ago when both were present and newfy tried to swipe my sandwhich... told her off and she went for the springer!?
Since then they cannot be in the same room. (Previously they would sleep together and the newfy would share her food with the springer etc)
Newfy has never shown any aggression to any other dog or human etc - and beyond my sisters springer, is as soft as anything the rest of the time.
Interestingly the springer doesn't back down, but goes into full attack as well... which is well...suicide?
It takes a big shock to get the newfy out of attack mode when she see's the springer.
Any thoughts on what might have caused such a change in behaviour?
Not sure about the reason, but in many cases disagreements between females are far more serious than between males. They tend to bear grudges. I've heard it said that 'males fight for breeding rights; females fight for breathing rights'.
Just out of interest, what do you mean by 'It takes a big shock to get the newfy out of attack mode'? Do you mean an intervention, or a real electric shock (as in e-collar). I hope it's not the latter.
ETA - one thing that might be worth doing (if you haven't already) is getting the Newfie checked over by a vet, to make sure that there's nothing medical that might be causing a change in behaviour/aggression (eg underlying pain, thyroid issues).
Just out of interest, what do you mean by 'It takes a big shock to get the newfy out of attack mode'? Do you mean an intervention, or a real electric shock (as in e-collar). I hope it's not the latter.
ETA - one thing that might be worth doing (if you haven't already) is getting the Newfie checked over by a vet, to make sure that there's nothing medical that might be causing a change in behaviour/aggression (eg underlying pain, thyroid issues).
Edited by moorx on Monday 19th January 16:15
BrettMRC said:
Still slightly lost in admiration for the springer - she's up for the fight! lol!
The problem is the damage which can be done by the Newfie.It sounds like the Newfie wishes to ensure that the springer knows she is "first in the queue" for your leftovers.
And springers can be stupid. One attacked my dog.....
Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff