In October, I lost the love of my life, my 17yr old beagle. We still had another 3 year old beagle boy. A few months later, we offered to temporarily take custody of an un-neutered male terrier. He was kind of weak and sick to begin with, but we got him on the road to recovery.
Temporarily turned into 8 months. My husband and I always knew we wanted to adopt another beagle. I missed my Bromden so much-- when we were asked to foster another Red beagle from the local hound rescue, we jumped on the chance. And we fell in love with the little guy-- a 1 year old male.
Now we have two dogs, plus the "temporary" terrier. The problem is the younger beagle and terrier have always fought. I had it under control for a while, we all walk together every morning, I have tried to watch for triggers, and the fighting seemed to ebb for awhile.
Yesterday, they got into two major fights. The young beagle refused to let go of the terrier (normally the aggressor) and nothing we did would get his attention (water hose, redirecting, pulling them apart, etc). The terrier was left with a bloody ear and an even bigger attitude.
I'm working on a permanent solution for the terrier. But in the meantime, I have them completely separated. I've read where this is a bad idea, which is why I always tried to reintroduce them pretty quickly after other fights. But I am afraid for his safety at this point.
I'm looking for any advice on what to do from here. I feel so terribly guilty for causing this situation. I just want what is best for all of them.
Temporarily turned into 8 months. My husband and I always knew we wanted to adopt another beagle. I missed my Bromden so much-- when we were asked to foster another Red beagle from the local hound rescue, we jumped on the chance. And we fell in love with the little guy-- a 1 year old male.
Now we have two dogs, plus the "temporary" terrier. The problem is the younger beagle and terrier have always fought. I had it under control for a while, we all walk together every morning, I have tried to watch for triggers, and the fighting seemed to ebb for awhile.
Yesterday, they got into two major fights. The young beagle refused to let go of the terrier (normally the aggressor) and nothing we did would get his attention (water hose, redirecting, pulling them apart, etc). The terrier was left with a bloody ear and an even bigger attitude.
I'm working on a permanent solution for the terrier. But in the meantime, I have them completely separated. I've read where this is a bad idea, which is why I always tried to reintroduce them pretty quickly after other fights. But I am afraid for his safety at this point.
I'm looking for any advice on what to do from here. I feel so terribly guilty for causing this situation. I just want what is best for all of them.