[nancymin]

I just adopted 2 three year old daschunds (male) from a breeder who were used as stud dogs. Since we've come home (I also have 2 kids) the dogs have had 2 violent fights. They have not yet been fixed, and the breeder says it's a dominance issue. Today we took them out for walks separately, and I cage them separately when we go out. Will their behavior changed once fixed? Or should we return one dog? I really want to keep them both but my kids are scared and Im afraid one dog will really hurt the other.
Thanks!

[Mapleleafpete]

We have 2 dashounds also,one female one male.Dashounds are very stuburn dogs and hard to train but after awhile they will get along.Once domanince is established they will no there roll.Fixing them is a good idea but you should have both fixed so one does not remain more dominate.I have a dashound traing guide some where on a pdf file if I can find it and you would like it I would be happy to send it.Be patint with them,they are bull headed to say the least,lol.

[nancymin]

Thanks for answering. I hope you are right and I was hoping someone would say that. We've only had them 4 days and the breeder said they were crated since birth so it never occurred to me that they would not get along. I'd love that pdf file if you don't mind sending it. Thanks.

[Mapleleafpete]

I don't mind sending it at all,ill need your email address though.Your address is not in our profile,or you can just email your address to me, [email protected] put dashound in subject line.

[doggie_poopie]

Generally the methods to treat aggression are:

Avoiding situations that provoke the aggression

Training (behavior modification)

Pharmacological intervention (use of behavior altering drugs) Only if used in conjunction with behavior modification!

Surgical intervention (usually castration of the male dog)

So get them neutered and keep them separate until you can have a professional trainer come help you with re-introduction. Check around, call the vet, or even an obedience club. Trainers aren't always expensive. I do these types of call frequently and only charge $40 for an hour. Of course I work at a vet clinic and do it for the animals, not to make money. There are some trainers who may charge $150. By all means only use a trainer that uses positive methods or they may make matters worse.

Or read, read, read, learn and understand the situation and modify their behavior.

But please keep them separate for now. The more times they get together and fight, the more it becomes the norm and it will be harder to fix. It will only help to get them neutered, but that doesn't mean it will stop the issues altogether. That is why I would recommend a professional to help you and your dogs to be successful.