Feuding Fidos: How to Mend Sibling Rivalry Between Household Dogs
- Dr. Zeke Zekoff
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Based on insights by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS
When dogs living under the same roof don't get along, it can be heartbreaking and stressful for everyone involved. Dr. Sophia Yin’s lecture on inter-dog aggression, often referred to as "sibling rivalry," offers crucial strategies for understanding and resolving these conflicts.
The breakdown between household dogs often starts subtly. Typically, a younger dog initially shows deference to an older one, allowing them priority access to food, toys, and attention. However, as the younger dog matures and becomes more confident, competition over resources can escalate into serious fights. Alternatively, a playful but overly rambunctious younger dog may pester the older one to the point of triggering aggressive responses.
One common misconception is that owners should let their dogs "fight it out" to establish dominance. However, Dr. Yin warns that this approach can worsen relationships, cause injuries, and fail to resolve the underlying issues. Instead, owners must take proactive leadership without using force or intimidation.
Dr. Yin recommends a two-pronged approach:
Establish household rules by consistently rewarding desirable behaviors and withholding rewards for undesirable ones.
Repair the relationship by ensuring that good things happen when the dogs are together, creating positive associations with each other's presence.
Key training steps include:
Learn to Earn Protocol: Dogs must sit politely to earn rewards like treats, attention, or access to toys.
Leave It Command: Teaching dogs not to rush for dropped food.
Reliable Recall: Building a strong "come when called" response to prevent altercations.
Place Training: Training dogs to go to a mat or rug on command to diffuse tension.
In severe cases, dogs should initially be kept separate outside of structured training sessions, and owners may need professional help. Tools like treat dispensers (e.g., MannersMinder) can assist in rewarding calm behavior at a distance.
Ultimately, the goal is for dogs to learn that politeness and cooperation—not pushiness—lead to all the good things they want.
For more detailed techniques and guidance, Dr. Yin’s books "Perfect Puppy in 7 Days" and "How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves" are highly recommended resources.
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