[earthboy66]

We just rescued our 2nd boxer, a 2year old named Belle.  Her and our existing male, George (also 2) have been playing for the past 3 days now and it all seemed well.  This morning the began to fight over a dog bone.  I had a hard time breaking them up because she wouldn't stop going after him.  I don't know if this is something we will be able to work through or not, can anyone offer me some advice? I do want to mention that George was most likely the aggressor, because he had a bone aggression in the past that we thought we solved.  I hate to get rid of her, but I have 2 young children also....HELP!!  

 

[maplesfolks]

sorry to hear about that I have no experience with this but I remember reading when bringing in a second dog put away all the toys and what not till they get used to each other.  I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will chime in....

 

[earthboy66]

Thanks for the tip maplefolks, I didn't know that.  I kind of feel bad for not thinking it might be an issue since Geo never liked to share bones in the first place.  I guess I though it would be okay because for the first 3 days he tolerated her stealing them, then...whammo!!   It was real frightening!!

 

[Guest]

When I introduced my two, I found out quickly that I had to remove toys and bones because my new dog had a toy/bone aggression to a certain extent.  Once those were put up, they were great together.  After a week, I then gave toys in moderation and would put them up if either of them showed any aggression.  By the end of a month they were both chewing the same bone together at the same time.

 

[Shadowjack]

Bone and toy aggression is very common.  The best way to deal with it is to monitor the two dogs.  Give them both the same toy/bone and then sit back and watch.  One dog will invariably try to take the other dogs toy/bone (very much like kids).  When you see this start to happen discipline the dog that is ignoring their own toy/bone before he get to close to the other dog.  Use their name and give a stern loud "Leave it"  then pick up the toy/bone the aggressive dog abandoned and give it back to them.  Continue this until they are both happily playing with their own toys/bones.  

If you come into the room and they are already at each other yell at them both and then take the toys/bones away and put them out of their reach.  Later give them back to them doing the above.  

The above method has always worked for me.  

Be careful to make sure that both dogs understand that you are the Pack leader.  Trying to take a toy/bone away from a dog that feels you are equal can earn a bite.  So you much establish dominance before the above strategy will work.  Good luck.

 

[earthboy66]

Thank you very much.  I will keep you all posted!

 

[jasonl]

all good advice ,
remember the pack leader normally wont take food back once it is given , one cup of food at a time and you control it . they earn it  make them work for it .This will establish your position ! every cup of food they earn . get closer eventually you will put your hand in the bowl while they are eating , if its just to each other, every cup they earn move their bowls closer
they need to be supervised , treat them the same as your kids . if your kids hit sombody over food , you would correct that . same thing , be in control walk as a pack , remember both dogs behind you

Good luck