[Melinda]

My brother and sister-in-law have a 10 year old female Border Collie and a 7 year old male Cardigan Welsh Corgi. They get along very well together. They also have a 5 month old male Blue Heeler that they got 3 months ago. He just finished a puppy training class. The Corgi gets along fine with the puppy. The puppy is a typical puppy, and wants to play and wrestle all the time. The Corgi gets annoyed with the puppy at times, but all in all, they are fine together. The problem is the relationship between the puppy and the Border Collie. At times, they tolerate each other but often, they will get in terrible, violent fights. Nothing in particular triggers these fights. Sometimes, they just look at each other and it starts. My brother and sister-in-law are at their wits end. It's difficult to break up these fights for fear of getting bitten. Can anyone offer some advice as to how to help these dogs get along? What immediate action to break up their fights is effective? A friend suggested spraying a mix of vinegar and water on them when they fight. Do you think once the puppy is neutered that it might help the situation? Are the puppy and the Border Collie just trying to be the alpha dog or what? They are fine with humans but just don't like each other.....

[Lunareclipse]

Use an airhorn to scare the crap out of them when they go to get into a fight. Also, pay attention and learn the warning signs to break up your dogs before they get into a fight. There generally are warning signs. Most people just don't pay attention to them. Neither of your dogs should be fighting for dominance because YOU, the owner, should be the one in charge.

[Lara's mom]

Luna: Would you mind explaining your theory of "who's in charge" to Bailey and Lara? I don't think they quite get it...

[Lunareclipse]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

Luna: Would you mind explaining your theory of "who's in charge" to Bailey and Lara? I don't think they quite get it...

Nope. I have a hard enough time explaining it to my gang. But at least my gang knows who they have to deal with if they even think about getting snarly with each other.