Dogs not getting along, what should I do?
 

I recently rescued a pit bull who is about 18months old, 65 lbs. He is great around me, listens to my commands. I also have a smaller dog, Bruno, who is a mix between a beagle and basset hound, about 25lbs. They do not get along, I think it's because Bruno gets jealous easily and doesn't like when bigger dogs jump at him wanting to play. I have them separated in the house and do not let them outside together because I don't know what they will do to each other.

A few nights ago I was outside with Koda for about 10 minutes and then put him on the leash so my sister could let my other dog out. She threw the ball for him and Koda was fine as I walked around the yard teaching him to heel on the leash while there were distractions around us. Last night I was in my back yard playing with Koda and then my other dog was inside barking because he wanted to come out. After a little while I put Koda's leash on him and gave him to my sister who was outside talking to a neighbor. I let my other dog out to throw the ball to him and he ran over to where Koda and my sister were. Koda started acting like he wanted to play but my other dog didn't want to and they started fighting. Koda bit down on Bruno's ear and would not let go. My sister and I were trying to get Koda to let go, first by pulling back on his leash and hitting him (not a beating) and he would not let go. I also tried to put my hand on top of his mouth and squeeze his gums, I've heard that is a way to make the dog drop a toy (I'm not sure if I explained that method right, sorry). Eventually he let go and I brought Koda inside and put him in his cage. He knew he was bad. Bruno's ear was bleeding but he will be fine. We cleaned it up and he wanted to play with us again.

I don't know what to do, should we get rid of Koda, introduce them to each other again in a few days when they both are on leashes so we have control of them? I'm worried that if we let them be together again, they will fight again and Koda will hurt Bruno really bad. PLEASE HELP ME.

Pit bulls and bully breeds are known for displaying dog aggression. This is normal within the breed and cannot be trained out, only managed. The only real humane way I've found to separate a dog on a hold is with a breakstick. Hitting will usually not make them let go and pulling is a good way to increase damage done to the other dogs. If you want to keep them both they will have to be separated you are going to have to crate and rotate

Good threads to read:
http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthre...and-Aggression
http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthre...ble-APBT-owner
http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthre...lldog-To-Fight

Thank you for commenting so quickly, I will read those articles.

Bruno has been around other dogs all his life, I use to live at my parents and they have a couple dogs and they got along good and still do. I guess now that he is the only dog in the house, he likes it that way and doesn't want to change.

Is Bruno neutered?

Looks like you have 2 options. Keep the dog separated at all times by crate and rotate or rehome one of the dogs. I'm not big on the idea of rehoming a dog, but honestly if you don't feel that you can keep these dogs separated and completely safe from each other, what choice do you have.

Hopefully you can make it work

Dogs are living animals with their own minds. There's no requirement that says they have to like every other dog they meet, and because these two in particular don't get along doesn't mean Bruno will dislike ALL other dogs.

I hope your reading sheds some light on your options and you're able to work out the best solution for you and the dogs! http://www.pitbull-chat.com/images/smilies/smile.png

Crate and rotate or rehoming one of your dogs is the best options. I currently have to crate and rotate. It is not an easy thing to do but it what must be done because my two males do not like each other.

There is a lot of great suggestions given regarding break sticks and rotating. Also you are lucky in that the dogs don't seem to hate each other on site! This gives you the option of using in home tie-downs so that both dogs can be out and about at the same time but still separated since they are not focused on one another! Here's a link on tie-downs: http://www.box.net/shared/static/80xjb2ijec.pdf

My mom found a dog trainer that will come to my house tomorrow to see if Koda is 'trainable'. He use to train dogs for the military and is very popular around my area. We will see....

Thank you all for the advice, I am learning so much even though I've had dogs all my life. http://www.pitbull-chat.com/images/smilies/smile.png

please keep in mind that neutering will NOT fix your problem. They will never be able to be together again. Just focus on the crate and rotate regimen and stick with it. No more slip ups.

Yes Bruno is neutered and Koda is not. I am taking him to my vets this weekend and will probably neuter him soon.

there is also no training that takes Dog Aggression away. It can be MANAGED but not deleted. This takes a lot of time and dedication on your part, and EVERYONE in the house needs to be on board with what HAS to be done. Invest in a break stick also. Accidents do happen. Like you already experienced, and having one would and could save a dogs life.

High value rewards will increase the chance of a disagreement. Your dogs should probably not be hanging together when there are toys, food or your attention to compete for.
I have 7 dogs. 6 get along in pair. one has to be by herself or I pay vet bills. It's the name of the game. do they rip each other apart any chance they get? no. Do I want to avoid vet bills? Yes.

Lock them in a room together till they learn to get along.

see? this is why there needs to be a sarcasm font... http://www.pitbull-chat.com/images/smilies/lol.gif