How to stop my dog from attacking other dogs, especially at mealtime?

Mealtimes are a common trigger for aggression between dogs in the same household - this may be a resource guarding issue related to the food itself, or could be redirected aggression that is happening when Harvey gets excited and/or frustrated while waiting for his food. The simplest solution would be to put both dogs in separate rooms with the door closed (or in their crates, if they are crate-trained) prior to getting their dinner ready. Feed them in their separate areas (again, in different rooms with the door closed if possible - separate parts of the same room isn't enough), then let them out once they have both finished eating. Pick up the bowls and put them away afterwards to avoid any resource guarding issues with the empty bowls. If this doesn't help, or if you are interested in a more detailed training plan to work on this behavior over time, I would recommend making an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist. He/she can evaluate both dogs in person to hep determine what is causing this problem, and put together a detailed plan for you to work on the problem. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org

Food aggression is common, especially in dogs that have not been properly or adequately socialized. You can try gradually desensitizing her to the presence of other dogs during mealtime. Do this for very short periods of time, then gradually increase the time and decrease the distance. Correct any negative behavior immediately and praise/reward compliance consistently. If she gets too aggressive, separate her to prevent fights or injury. A pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar, may help decrease any anxiety or aggression during mealtimes and other times.

Hi there. Aggressive behavior over food or other high-value resources is very common, and can even be considered normal in dogs. I would recommend managing this issue by continuing to feed the dogs in separate rooms or parts of the house, and picking up the food bowls before allowing the dogs back together again. As long as you're consistent about doing this, you should be able to avoid any issues.

Female to female aggression is very hard to manage. Are all your pets spayed and neutered? This is the first thing I would do if not. Some of the worst injuries I have seen are between two females in the same household. They are likely establishing dominance and there are things you can do to reinforce the “leader” by feeding them first (or feed them all separately), letting the alpha dog walk in front when taking walks. I strongly suggest you work with a behaviorist and take aggression seriously bc I have seen it escalate quickly. Hope that 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.

I’m so sorry you and Luna are dealing with all of this. I would absolutely be concerned with having Luna in a house with other dogs and children at this time (and maybe ever). It is not only potentially dangerous for the children and other dogs, but it will be stressful on Luna as well. I know it is always hard, but it may be a good idea to re-home her to a more quiet home, perhaps with a male owner if she seems to respond best to them. In the meantime I would separate her from the other dogs and kids and keep her daily routine and training very consistent. Providing a lot of exercise, and positive reinforcement with training. When she masters basic obedience and gains confidence then working with her around other dogs etc. will be more successful. If re-homing her is not an option I would definitely enlist the help of a veterinary behaviorist to work through her aggression in the safest, most effective way possible. Sending you a lot of luck, these situations are always so hard.

Food aggression and resource guarding is common behavior and since she is young I think you could have good success with a little work. Your goal will be to make her think that your approach and eventually the other dogs' approach is a very good thing that results in treats. You should start by choosing a treat that will be even more appealing than her food, and tossing them in her bowl from a safe distance where she feels safe. If she seems comfortable with you close to the bowl you can stay close and put treats in the bowl when you are nearby. Eventually you want to try having your other dog nearby on a leash but at a distance where she is not threatened and then toss treats to her - you should gradually decrease the distance as she gets used to it. If you're having difficulty you should talk to your vet about referral to a behaviorist.