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Is It Normal For Dogs Of The Same Gender To Show Aggression Towards One Another?
I am often asked if same-sex dog aggression is real between dogs raised in the same house. First, let's look at some data, and then I'll offer an answer to the question.
Veterinarians say that when they see dogs get aggressive with one another, it generally happens between 1 and 3 years of age and is most common among dogs of the same gender. Whether or not they lived in the same household didn't correlate.
Still, a study noted that aggression between same-gendered dogs was usually initiated by a challenge from the younger dog that was becoming more socially mature or by an older dog that perceived a changing status of the younger pup.
Other studies suggested that dogs that belonged to herding, guarding, and working breeds were most susceptible to same-sex aggression.
Now, here's my answer to the question.
What is the root cause of the aggression?
I say it depends on the level of leadership dog owners provide within the home. If owners allow their dogs to make their own rules, and if the dog parent doesn't enforce the house rules they created, the lack of leadership in providing the necessary structure is the problem.
The key always comes back to the same thing: Consistency, trust, and respect.
We NEVER let a pet dog assert itself as "alpha."
Too many people just allow their dogs to establish a hierarchy underneath them where one day, one dog asserts herself above the other.
Leaders in the home promote three things:
It's that simple.
Talk soon,
Alan Carr
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