Why are my Dobermans aggressive when they are both the same sex?

Play fighting is normal behavior in puppies but can become more serious and unfortunately two sisters (indeed 2 females in general) aremore likely to progress to serious injury than a mixed pair. Rehoming of one is definitely worthy of consideration, also keeping them separate when not supervised and avoiding triggers such as sharing food bowls or toys. It is possible they may grow out of this but it is equally possible it could escalate as they mature

Canine aggression is a complex behavior as it can stem from dominance, possessiveness, fear, anxiety, resource guarding or a combination. Most people are not familiar with reading canine body language and training. Because of this, I recommend to work with a professional trainer. Researching on your own will also be helpful. Familiarizing yourself with canine body language and dog training can help you to recognize what your pet is trying to say. You can find many books written on the topic and there is a trainer named Victoria Stilwell who I think is particularly helpful. Certainly male dogs who are not neutered are more prone to fighting and aggression. Neutering him may help but it will not likely solve all the problems. Best of luck.

Unfortunately it's impossible to know without being able to observe the dogs. Certainly if both males are not neutered, that could be a big reason. Typically, intact males are more prone to fighting. It's possible now that the Bulldog is 2, he is now officially an adult and could be competition to the older male. That's just a guess. Canine aggression is a complex behavior as it can stem from dominance, possessiveness, fear, anxiety, resource guarding or a combination. Most people are not familiar with reading canine body language and training. Because of this, I recommend to work with a professional trainer. Researching on your own will also be helpful. Familiarizing yourself with canine body language and dog training can help you to recognize what your pet is trying to say. You can find many books written on the topic and there is a trainer named Victoria Stilwell who I think is particularly helpful. Best of luck.

When you have two bitches together, they will show aggression to compete for territory and intact males especially if they are in heat. The best thing to do is to have both of them spayed. This will reduce the aggression between them as it is most likely hormonally related. It will also eliminate the risk of a pyometra, which is a life threatening infection of the uterus. Without spaying them, you will have a very hard time reducing the aggression because it's hormonally related. Removing the source of the hormones is the best way to stop the aggression.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! They are great dogs in general. Having said that, they do require training which really comes down to being consistent with them as to what is ok behavior and what is not. I have a lot of experience with this breed and I have found both males and females to be relatively similar in terms of behavior. I think the most important thing is letting them know what is acceptable and what is not as they can be strong-willed. Great dogs though. Have a good evening!

Hi there. Actually, yes! To reasons not always know to us-changes in the hormonal makeup of our animals (i.e. a recent neuter) can make them smell different. Many theories have been postulated as to why previously accepting partners will turn away the new "smell" and show aggression. Many think it is frustration in the change. Some think it is because they now want to show dominance. Often, we do not ever really know for sure. Normally with time the pair will acclimate again, but I usually recommend supervised playtime until then. I hope this helps!

Unfortunately this is not unusual and it could happen as often dogs fail to show and read properly body language and facial expressions between each other when one of them is sick. Do not leave them unattended together as that could result in more and more aggression episodes. Unfortunately there is not much you can do a part from monitor them closely. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.