Desperate! Need help!

[Caro]

I agree with Dr Shelley, NILIF for the both of them, and that includes getting them to 'do' something for you beforethey get access to each other. I would also keep them completely seperated, so they cannot even see each other, while they are in heat.

My current two (a male and a female mind you) went through something similar when they were reaching sexual maturity/adolescence. My male was also very jealous (he had come first) and was very rough with my much smaller female. The behaviourist advised me to keep them completely seperated until they learn to settle down around each other. Together time was limited, supervised and only when they were calm, no playing, physical contact, or resources (eg toys) when they were together. They were also fed in seperate rooms (I walked one while the other ate its breakfast), went to seperate obedience classes and I did use NILIF, esp with my female.

Initially I felt mean seperating them, esp when I was at work, but it was amazing how quickly it worked. By the second week my male was breaking my female out and they were laying asleep together when I got home. The second time he did this I decided to leave them together and from that point on they were good friends. I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder in dogs too. So maybe give it a try once they are out of heat and their hormones drop a little.

 

[ownedbymonsters]

Thank you all so much for your advise

My 2 girls had their surgery and we had a pretty rough 2 weeks after that. They did not calm down in their personality yet. (3 weeks) and I actually was stupid enough to get a few other bite marks. I have to say that I followed all of your advise at least once. I never could figure out what NILIF is though LOL. I found out some of the trigger points that ticked them off and was able to counter act.
Inside I had them apart, but in the same room and the last few days, they started missing each other, neither one of them did leave the house through the doggie door and waited until I let the other one out the crate. They played outside for hours, like they were best buddies again. Just inside was still an issue.
I started leaving the door open and every day I was able to leave them together for a little while longer. Today was the second day without a fight and even a growl. I only took them apart for a few hours so they could eat and take a nap.
I still don't trust them though and they are only allowed to be together under supervision, but even if this is the best it gets and I have to have crates in my living room all my life, I'll take it! I can deal with that

Once again. Thank you very much for your help, encouragement and assistance

 

[danisgoat]

I never could figure out what NILIF is though LOL. I found out some of the trigger points that ticked them off and was able to counter act.

NILIF stand for "nothing in life is free."

It is a term used that the dogs get no free meals. They have to work for everything

I am glad that you are seeing a little improvement the last couple of days. I hope that you continue to see improvement over time.