Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Second in a series

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Veterinary behaviorists treat a lot of aggression between family dogs. Tandy and Atticus had already endured multiple mutual maulings without bloodshed but their intensifying hostility, fear of annihilation, and the adrenalin surge of self-preservation would soon exceed somebody’s threshold for self-control. Disaster was imminent.

There’s a complex system of circuits, neurotransmitters, and hormones upstairs that can be altered permanently following physical injury. Pain often leads a good brain in a bad direction. I told Jason and Sylvia that even one penetrating wound would send the prognosis south.

Life was good until one fine evening when Sylvia was frying chicken. Both dogs were camped out at her feet, hoping to share the experience. Atticus moved in and stood against his dog momma’s leg to get a better sniff. His higher ranking competitor, Tandy, saw things differently. There was only one pan of chicken and only one Sylvia.

Didn’t they realize they wouldn’t starve? That love and affection were limitless in their home? Human logic, like this, is meaningless to dogs.  They’re programmed for survival, sure that the great famine will start in about 20 minutes and that their leaders may be savaged by hyenas even sooner. The innate canine concept of scarcity took over. If Tandy didn’t get every bit of the chicken and her leader, she was sure she’d get none of it. She had to strike hard and fast. Atticus had nowhere to run.

If these dogs were free-living, rather than domestic pets, either of them could choose to cut and run to avoid conflict. Atticus might hit the trail and join a different canine group. But he was struck. When Tandy launched her big terrier teeth at him over the coveted resources of food and access to their leader, there was no flight, only fight.

Communication between Atticus and Tandy had to be suspended; swapping body-signal threats and spewing canine epithets would only intensify their mutual animosity. They had to be kept separated, without even a line of sight, until we could calm the storm.

Next week: Couldn’t Tandy discipline her subordinate with just a mean look?

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.