Huge fight

[*Jay*]

I took the dogs over to the park for their evening run and when we were getting ready to leave Disney (who was a dying swan earlier  ) and Aspen had a huge fight. They occasionally have a little squabble every few weeks or so (always at this park and always at the end once their leads have been put on) but it tends to be more noise than anything. This time though they were both covered in blood. Disneys mouth and ear were bleeding and Aspen had blood on his head, his ear was covered as was his front leg. I've got them home and cleaned them up and Disney has wounds on his ear, his foot, his cheek and the corner of his mouth. Aspen can't weight bear on his front leg, has wounds on his foot, his head and his ear    They are so so close normally and they are both snuggled up together now as if nothing has happened while I'm still in utter shock over it.  I don't know if its anything to do with Aspens age (he is 17 months and it started a couple of months ago) but we will be avoiding that park for a while i think.

[Michele]

Oh no Gill, here's hoping it was just a 'blip'. Hope everything settles back down from now on.

[Joules]

OMG Gill what a shock for you.     Do you think they are unsettled by having a new addition to the family?  Hope they settle down and don't give you any more frights 

[Pammy]

You poor thing must have been horrible for you. Fingers crossed it's a one off.

[bluegirl]

Hope it's a one off too and that they both recover from their war wounds quickly.

[Boof]

Poor pups, I hope they sort out their little dispute quickly - and as the others say.. I hope it's a one off. 

[LouiseAS]

Sorry to hear that.  I hope they're both feeling better soon and it doesn't happen again.

My 2 had a huge fight today too  

[Cazzie]

I bet you did get a fright, hope they are both ok 

[Rhona W]

I hope they both recover quickly and it doesn't happen again. 
Do you walk you dogs in two lots? If so, perhaps you could take Disney and Aspen in seperate groups if they often have a bit of a niggle with each other after a walk. 

[Luvly]

 

[supaspaniel]

bloomin eck Gill I think I'd avoid that park too, they could be picking up a scent from something and its winding them up somehow
My guys bark more at people when they are on the lead or in the car they come across as nutters somedays but they dont go for each other
I hope they're ok and you 

[Nicola]

I hope they're both ok Gill, that must have been a really nasty shock for you 

[lexi]

So sorry to hear about this Gill! It's always so upsetting to see two dogs you love really having a go at each other.
I'm no specialist in the field of animal behaviour but I would guess that Aspen could be challenging Disney and that the whole incident was triggered by a scent, as previously suggested. I've had problems with Byron pouncing on Mac when I've had to put them on lead after/during a walk. And each time I had no idea what provoked Byron's reaction. Maybe it has something to do with the confinement of the lead (plus of course what's happening around them).
A few months ago I got myself a copy of Patricia McConnell's "Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-dog Household" and have often referred to it. She advises against letting your dogs work things out themselves through fighting, that you have to let them know that fighting is unacceptable. I'm sure there are people who would disagree with this approach but it appeals to me and it's what I'm going to try and follow if ever any serious problems develop with Byron and Mac. Time will tell!
Anyway I hope this was just a "one off" with your two and that there were no serious injuries.

[Sheryl]

Sorry to hear that Gill.  I would have wet myself with fright I think   Hope order is restored now

[Top Barks]

Sounds like redirected aggression to me.
the dogs may be frustrated having to go back on lead, and this frustration could be taken out on each other. Maybe as you say one dog was feeling off colour and this could also be a factor.
Dogs can tell when another member of the pack is not at full strength.
I think you are right to avoid this context of the park for now.
hopefully it will be a one off.
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