Hi, My name is IvoryAngel aka Tahnya. I desperately need advice. In 2004 we adopted a minpin who had lost her way. LaShae. She was guessing about 4mths old maybe younger maybe older not real sure. She was a typical rambunctious minpin and we enjoyed her company she was very entertaining. Just like a mischievous kid. We loved her no less. About a year later we had to move into an apartment and found her a good home. We missed her alot.

We were finally able to move back to the county and adopted a new pup Crystal. (min pin, dachshund, Chihuahua mix) We had Crystal for a little over a year now and she is one and a few months old. Good pup had some potty training issues but those have been resolved now that she has a big yard to run in. She is non aggressive and even temper very lovable.

A few months ago we got a call from the person we gave LaShae to and they were having to move and wanted to know if we would take her in. Of course we didnt say no we took her back. She is now about 3.5 yrs old. When we brought her home she did okay with our pack at the time we were puppie sitting two other pups. It took them all a bit to warm up and there was some disagreement of who was going to do what but they managed.

A week or two after LaShae returning home the pups we were sitting went home to their family. Then the aggression started and the nightmare.

LaShae first started growling at Crystal and nipping her from time to time. We tried to let them know that they were both wanted and loved didnt show anyone any special treatment. Well Crystal I guess has gotten tired of LaShae always growling at her and has taken action. So, now if they start growling at each other and you move to fast in any way they attack. Fight for 20 mins or more sometimes and there is nothing you can do to part them because it makes them even more angry.

Today took the cake. Crystal has turned into a monster. LaShae starts it and Crystal finishes it. She will grab a part of her body and literally try to rip it off of her. Its the most horrid thing I have ever seen. I mean these are little dogs and supposed to be non violent. What on earth are they doing? Today they fought forever, I tried hosing them that didnt work. They wouldn't let go and you cant stick your hands or yourself in it they will bite you too. There was blood everywhere this time. I couldnt believe my eyes. Its horrid to see them do that to each other. They are seperated at the moment LaShae cannot stand on her leg. Cuts on her eye and leg. And is very week I am assuming she is sore and bruised. Crystal has not cuts or injuries that are evident I think she may have mouth injury from being bit in the mouth.

I am so beside myself and sad. This is horrid why are they fighting like a buncha wild dogs and why do they want to hurt each other or kill each other. If you were driving by my house you would think I was training them to fight they are so vicious.

Please HELP! We don't know what else what to do for them. We are all sad and broken hearted as we love both our babies and this is just heart breaking.

at this point I can't help you..I suggest you to go to the vet though..

[Yogi]

misconception on part of the breeds. Miniature Pinschers come from Dachshunds that were bred to Italian Greyhounds. Both the Dachshund and Miniature Pinschers are natural ratters and the name "pinscher" derives from the english word "pincher" to describe the unique biting style that nearly all terriers share. Miniature Pinschers are not "toy" breed dogs at all but are one of the oldest in the terrier family. You mentioned that there had been pups in the house which easily could have contributed to some of the animosity. Are both girls spayed? Females can become very intolerant with other females if they are in breeding season. Even having young pups around can create maternal attitudes in females where they can become territorial and protective. For this to escalate after the pups have gone gives me reason to believe that these two are acting out of normal instincts. If they have not been spayed, I recommend this be done promptly as this will help curb the attitude. The other issues is dominance. Bringing a older dog into a home (though she is only 3.5) with an existing dog does create challenges and can be deemed an automatic threat to the existing dog. In this case the original has not totally forgotten you and feels she may hold dominance. The other is protecting herself and her domain. In the Miniature Pinscher this is normal behavior. They are very protective and territorial especially when they reach adulthood. I am a former breeder for over 48 years and specialize in Miniature Pinschers. I currently have 12 of which 9 came to me through rescue and adoptions. They came at different ages with the youngest being 4 and oldest 16. There is always a pecking order to be established when bringing a new one into the house but with this breed you have to be extremely stern with your voice and presents in order to establish that they are never above you no matter what. Allowing that fight to go on without breaking it up was a loss of a perfect opportunity to establish this. On the rare occasions mine have acted that way, it was very short lived and the dogs bolted for their crates knowing that they were in trouble and not with each other but with me. It is essential that you be the only dominant one and they both need to know this otherwise this could end up being far worse than it was this time. You unfortunately have a breed that far too many do not spend enough time reading up on or in most cases would never keep or take in. This breed is and can be extremely tenacious and is prone to being a tyrant if coddled too much instead of disciplined when it does wrong. I would get the one to the vet promptly and if these 2 have not been spayed, arrange for that to be done also. The combination of territorial issues, dominance and the pups in combination appears most likely to have triggered the all out issue. What ever happens, next time immediately break it up. If you are not sure how, I recommend a broom or mop. In my case I have been bitten so many times over the years it makes no difference to me so I grab scruffs of the neck which immediately even in adult dogs cause them to revert and start to relax enough to break it up then I put in different rooms. Never use a crate to discipline as it sends mixed signals if in fact you do crate them which in this breed is a must. Good Luck.

[reeskujo]

I knew you would be the best one to reply to this.....Thanks Yogi!

[lil mutt]

another great advice from yogi...

keep it up!

Thanks for the Advise!

Today I went and bought a muzzle for the both of them and put them in their harnesses. This morning when I tried to go out and check on the injured one they attacked each other again. Note why I went and got the muzzles. So, that worked well but lord they tore each other up in growling and pushing and clawing.

How depressing! Later I will go work with them some more with the muzzle's on and try to figure it all out. From the 30 mins before it appears they are jealous of each other. But not sure what is triggering the issue or if there is anything to resolve the issue for the time being.

My mother and father have agreed to take LaShae the minpin but they have to learn to make friendly until October when I am able to bring her down to them.

Any tips on how to make them friendly until then would be most appreciated. Without the separating and muzzles 24/7. :???:

Thanks !

[Yogi]

You did not answer the question, have they been spayed?