My dog and friend's dog fight. How to stop aggression and socialize?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Usually these behaviors can be corrected but this usually requires in person training by a qualified dog trainer. I recommend you consider hiring a qualified dog trainer to work with you in person. I think with the appropriate training they may learn to get along great so that you do not have to fear this any longer. Otherwise, they may be fine but it is a bit of an uncertainty if it will happen again. Good luck and have a good day!

Unfortunately, this is a really common change in 2 year old dogs. Molly is reaching social maturity and things that used to bother her slightly but not cause a reaction are causing BIG reactions. She was probably always a bit nervous around other dogs, and now she's showing it. I recommend backing off her interaction with other dogs, so she's not practicing this aggressive behavior. No dog parks, etc. Then ask your veterinarian for a referral to a good trainer who can work with you on counter conditioning and desensitization to help Molly learn that other dogs aren't scary. This book is also very helpful if you don't have access to a trainer: https://www.amazon.com/Feisty-Fido-Help-Leash-Reactive-Dog/dp/1891767070

Hi there! Sorry you are having this issue with your pups. Behavior can be tricky to modify, especially when introducing new pets to your home. Sometimes letting them "get to know" each other on neutral territory helps out. Take them outside of your home environment to a park or other area where they are both on equal ground and let them take the time to sniff and socialize if they choose to. Often this is all they need. If you need further suggestions, a consult would be beneficial to get some more information about your pets and we could come up with a more personalized plan. Hope this helps!

It sounds like you have a dangerous situation going on. This is too big of a problem for a quick answer on the forum, but I will tell you that this is going to take a lot of work and time, and may never end up the way you want it to. I really feel that you need to ask your veterinarian for a referral for a good behaviorist in your area. If this is not someone you can devote some time and likely financial resources to, then you may need consider not keeping her. I am sorry you are experiencing this, I have been through something similar and it is very difficult. In the meantime I would order her a basket muzzle to keep on her when others are around to lessen the likelihood of her injuring someone. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

This behavior is likely to improve with time. Take them on leash walks together frequently (twice a day if at all possible). Feed them in separate rooms, as this is the time he is most likely to actually snap at her. If his behavior is not improving, consider keeping a [basket muzzle](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/baskerville-ultra-black-muzzle-for-dogs) on him when they are inside so he can't hurt her. Also, if his behavior isn't getting better, ask your vet for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist who can help you. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

That sounds like a tough situation and I hate to hear this is happening. Most humans cannot correctly read canine body language without additional training. Unless you know what the dogs are saying to each other, it's impossible to know how to modify and train the dogs behavior. Canine aggression is a complex behavior as it can stem from dominance, possessiveness, fear, anxiety, resource guarding or a combination. I recommend to work with a professional trainer. This will give you the best and fastest results. 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.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to know how to give you the best advice without being able to observe the dogs. 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. Also make sure ALL the animals are spayed and neutered. Animals who are intact are much more likely to fight than pets who are sterilized. Best of luck.