Aggression Between Bitches

[vrox]

hi everyone,

i've read a few threads in this forum about the nasty attacks that can happen when you have two bitches living together, but i've still got a few more questions. you see, my house doesn't have much of a yard at all, and since my puppy is a large breed (golden retriever) and growing quite fast, i was thinking of permantly moving her to my OH's house (which has a much bigger yard and is close to beaches and parks so scout can stretch her legs and frollick like crazy :D ). the only thing is, my OH also shares the house with his brother, who owns a fox terrier x bitch that is about 3yrs old. scout and the fox have had play sessions inside the house before, usually involving scout chasing the fox around and playfully pouncing on her apart from snarling at scout when she's cornered, the fox hasn't shown any other signs of aggression (although she used to bark at scout when scout was smaller than her, and she's also been known to sometimes snap at another fox terrier male who used to live there). so, what do you guys think of these questions:

1. is the aggression between bitches confined to breeds that are usually more aggressive in nature, or does it happen with all breeds and temperament?

2. does size matter? scout is substantially larger than the fox terrier- but will the fox terrier not care and sense that scout is just a pup that is a gentle giant that can be attacked?

3. i've been told that you need to feed the alpha bitch first- how do you know without letting them fight it out?

4. what can i do to make the transition safe for them all?

sorry about all the questions, but many thanks if you can help!

[Dogsfevr]

Happens in any breed & yes bitches can be far worse.

No one is feed here first & no one is made more special all are equal.

Having said that foxies can be annoying in the sense they like to be in your face type of breed & can be fiesty, after all they are terriers .

The key is not to allow your young pup to intimidate the little one.There is a difference between playing,laying around & be annoye dtime so its important is anything the little one hasa time out area or safe area it can go too as the pup grows & be patient.

Consider crate training your pup so it also can have time out

[lilyandjazz]

I have 2 desexed bitches and 3 non-desexed bitches and they never have a cross word between them. 3 Shelties, 1 kelpie and 1 cattle dog. They can all be run freely together without any fights breaking out.

I think if you introduce and monitor their behaviour and don't let situations get out of hand you should not have any dramas, there is no reason they can't all live together peacefully.