Why are my horses fighting over treats? How can I stop it safely?

It is so hard when they don't get along all the time especially when they are having fights at least 1-2 times per week. I would stop giving them treats together. You can either stop giving treats or put her in a different room when treats are given. I would also consider putting her on a calming chew like vetriscience composure and a calming collar like adaptil. These are natural ways to help take the edge off. Unfortunately, they don't work on all dogs. If this doesn't help, I would talk to your vet about trying an anti-anxiety medicine like fluoxetine or trazadone. I have had some success with anti-anxiety meds in dogs that are the aggressor of a group. I hope this helps!

I recommend taking a bucket of grain or treats, and approach him very slowly and quietly. If you do not feel safe, then do not approach him. You may be able to lure him back to a pen with food without ever touching him.

It sounds like Snoopy is being food aggressive. Do not touch him or go near him when eating, and stop giving him treats for now. I would get him in with a professional behavior expert to deal with this behavior, as I never recommend owners do it on their own due to safety issues. Check out this link below to find a behavioral expert in your area. https://iaabc.org

Until you are able to consult with a qualified trainer, I would advise feeding them separately. (Feed them in separate rooms, and pick up the food after 20-30 minutes if they don't eat it right away). Don't leave food out for "fair game" feeding. When the possibility of a fight over food is removed in this manner, it can alleviate stress for everyone. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I think you really need to have a chat with your veterinarian and your parents. I think you have taken on a large responsibility that really you are not able to take on. Please talk this over with your parents and your vet or anybody else that you know as a horse person. It is all well and good to try and rescue or rehabilitate a "damaged" horse, but unfortunately sometimes they cannot be rehabilitated. It is not your fault, and it is a noble cause for you, but imagine you or someone gets hurt. That would be terrible. DO not ever go near him without wearing a helmet, better yet, do not get in the stable with him. He could kill you.

The best thing to do is to avoid these situations all together. Avoid giving them bones and if you do, make sure the dogs are separated so they can’t see each other while enjoying their bones. This type of behavior, if allowed to continue, will escalate and the dogs could hurt each other or you. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

It will take time. Allow him to keep eating from your hand. Use treats to coax him onto your hand and when you pet him, do not come in from above. This can be a threatening motion for birds. Approach at or below eye level and move slowly. The female will require a bit more work in getting acclimated to your hand. You can do the same though. Use treats and rewards. Keep your hand near her, but don't try to touch her, for ever increasing periods of time. Provide additional food and water bowls to prevent resource protection.