When it comes to reactivity, training is not always the answer. Below is my answer to this question someone posted in a dog forum.
'Can I train my dog more so he listens? I have done so much training. My dogs are fighting and they do not seem to listen... what to do?'
Hello there, your question is if you can do more 'training' to help your dog, the answer is no. I will explain why after.
You can do other things to reduce stress in your household first and stop the high cortisol cycle that evidently is perpetuating dog fights.
Your dogs have 2 very important parts in their brain, one in the back called the amygdala, which regulates emotion (this is when they do not listen) and a frontal part call prefrontal cortex which is what the dog uses to make rational decisions.
WHEN ONE IS ON, THE OTHER ONE IS OFF. Remember that.
If the amygdala is on, you see the fear reactions and zero control, the dog cannot learn. When the cortex is on, the dog can LEARN, is relaxed, and is able to make better decisions.
So- you need to lower the stress immediately. You do.
If your fence has visibility, get a privacy fence or cover the view. Frost stickers on windows. Ensure you have them on harnesses to pull them apart. Avoid fear-inducing things like shock collars, prongs and such, all stress inducing and terrible for the dogs.
Make sure each dog has a safe haven they can retreat to once they have had enough of each other, or the kids. Low traffic.
You need sniffy walks individually with each dog. Each dog needs individual time every day, they are individuals and they need this.
Once the stress is lowered, you can expect them to learn again, but not now. They need more management, less stress and more time on their own 1 on 1.
Chronic stress has severe long term consequences, illness primarily. Do not underestimate it.
Laura Becker, CBCC-KA
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