Teddy & Freddy: Sibling Aggression Case Study 

Like humans, canine siblings can have their brotherly/sisterly disagreements and fights. It is common to see two siblings (litter mates or not) get into small or big quarrels, trying to figure out who is the more dominant one of the pair. Some of these incidents can be harmless or infrequent, where it never escalates to serious proportions. However, there is a good percentage of dog owners who are at a loss on what to do when two (or more) of their dogs will just not get along, and in some of these cases, the results can be bloody.

Two recent siblings I met were Teddy and Freddy, and when I met these sweet dogs, I had to be introduced to them separately. The brothers were known for playing rough with each other when they were younger, but as they matured, a huge rift came between them. From aggressive play came full on aggression, with both dogs visiting their vet at least twice. Their owners had no idea what to do and were close to getting rid of one of the dogs. Luckily, they called me instead to help repair their family.

At our initial consultation, there was a lot of grief and regret being thrown around the table. Teddy and Freddy’s owners thought if they had stopped the rough play when they were puppies, then none of fighting would’ve have come about. It reminded me how many clients of mine are concerned about their dogs playing “too hard” with others. While monitoring and controlling the rough activity, it does not necessarily mean that it is a precursor to dog or sibling aggression. Many dogs can play like maniacs with others and not end up in a war zone.

With many of my sibling aggression cases, I always prepare owners, telling them that they must not expect overnight results, and that they must be patient with both dogs. When we begin training, we want to make sure we set the dogs up for success as much as we possibly can. Putting Teddy and Freddy in a room together and working on both for their first lesson would’ve have just been disastrous. It was imperative that the dogs be separated for the time being, as we built a solid basis of obedience for each dog, and as the owners became stronger as leaders. Once we achieved this, then we could slowly bring the dogs back together, showing them how to behave and follow through with the other present.

With all training, but especially with sibling aggression, it is important that baby steps are taken. While it would be nice for the dogs to overcome their behavioral problems quickly, we as owners and humans must be realistic and not set irresponsible expectations for our dogs. It is unfair to them, and to us.

Teddy and Freddy have only just begun to be exposed to one another in the home again. Their owners are still taking it very slow, but they sense a whole new energy in the household. Less anxiety, more control, and there are significant signs of the dogs learning how to trust each other again.

If you have some fur babies that are fighting or causing major issues in the home, call me at 800-649-7297!