I have an 13 year old rescued labrador cross bitch (Molly)who is a gentle old lady. In March we brought home a lurcher bitch puppy (Lottie). Initially the two dogs got on brilliantly - they would curl up together, chase after each other and were partners in crime! Lottie was abandoned at a very early age and obviously had no social skills passed on from her mother. Molly was very patient and a very tolerant teacher. Lottie loves to play fight and occasionally gets too rough. Molly will snap at her and until recently Lottie has run off and hidden under the table. This week things have changed. We have had 4 nasty dog fights. It started with a play fight, Molly would snap and then Lottie would launch herself at Molly's throat. Yesterday she tore a chunk of fur from her and would not let go. I had to pull her jaws appart to release her. Molly has become very depressed and will not interact with anyone. She is scared of Lottie and tries to avoid her. Lottie wants to play as normal. Molly is an old girl with a heart murmur and is obviously the weaker of the 2. They are both now similar sized. As a temporary solution Molly has gone to stay with my mother in law (she often goes there on her holidays so she is used to it). I feel terrible- that I have betrayed this lovely gentle old dog. Can any one tell me whether they think this situation will get better over time? I really don't want to lose either dog but similarly I don't want to cause Molly suffering in her retirement years. Thanks for reading this long post!

Two bitches. Multiple fights. I would say the prognosis is not good.

Sorry.

Oh no that soumds awful

I do not have any advice. Sorry. I am sure someone will be along soon.

A lot of people keep bitches together and they get on fine, i really hope someone can help.

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(-: plɹoʍ ʎʌɹnʇ ʎsdoʇ ʎɯ uı uo ƃuıoƃ ɥɔnɯ os 'uoos ǝɯıʇʎuɐ ʞɔɐq ǝq ll,ı ɟı ʍouʞ ʇ,uop 'ʞɐǝɹq pǝpuǝʇxǝ uɐ ƃuıʞɐʇ ɯɐ ı

I would definately speak to a behaviourist before you give up on them staying together, also speak to your vet there may be a medical reason for Lotties sudden personality change.

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hi some bitches are more dominant than others and this can create power wars. i would definately get some advice from a dog behaviourist before giving up. unfortunately you do get this sometimes putting two dogs together of the same sex. i have a very dominant bitch who will go for my male dog but fortunately because he's male he backs down to her otherwise all hell would be let loose. good luck, all the best

Thanks for all the messages, it's great to hear opinions of others that aren't so emotionally involved. Lottie is really missing Molly. She was howling at 5.30am this morning - something she has never done before. I wish I could understand what's going on in her head! Molly is fine at mother in laws;enjoying the peace in fact. I think I will try and reintroduce them in a week or so. I have 2 children (one is 3) and this worries me. Lottie bit me during the latest fight, although by accident. It is impossible to get Lottie off Molly - her grip is so tight. Molly just lies back and whimpers. I will consult a behaviourist but I think as Lottie grows (she is now 7 months) she will fight for dominance more. I just can't understand why they will sleep curled up togethar and then try and kill each other! Has anyone ever resolved an problen like this?

If Lottie is 7 months, could she be starting her first season?

I am sorry to hear about your situation.

I know the old saying is dogs fight to breed, bitches fight to breath as bitch fights often lead to death of one of them.

But I am sure someone here with more experience can help or advise better

I havnt had any experience on a situation like this and i do feel for you so i cannot give any practical advice only speak from my heart and it would to leave mooly in peace i wouldnt keep reintroducing them and upsetting molly any more, she is old and obviously not strong, she needs the quiet life.

What you do i cannot say, its going to be a hard decision, good look keep us posted

I have same problems with my 2 dogs,they will play great at times then "out of the blue" it turns into a fight,they just get carried away,Rusty is the one who just goes that bit to far,we have had a couple of nasty fights,now if i see it about to get out of hand i call them to me,but there are times when ive not been quick enough,i hope things settle down soon for you,