Play turns into fighting

ttddinh

My kilbe WSL does not get along with Bea, my shiba inu. I have had them on separation management for some time now but I just wanted to get everyone's opinion on this matter. I also pet them both equally (cannot treat bc kilbe is food aggressive). When I am home, they play under my supervision. Owever, they will play with one another but then, Kilbe would "freak out" then start snarling and biting. Of course, Bea cannot stand that so they fight. All it's time, I am thinking that it's Kilbe because she plays then gets scared really quickly. I.e. she would chase Bea or kaiju vice versa but mid chase, something gets triggered that causes her to freak out and she runs into her crate. But, could it be something in Bea's behavior? How can I help Kilbe gain confidence with other dogs (without treats)? I give her plenty of praise and petting. Am I doing something wrong? Are they being possessive of me? They rarely squabble with my fil or fiancé are at home.

ayk

Is it only Bea and only at home? How does Kilbe react with other dogs and away from home?

Calia

What kind of play style are they using? I know when Miyu wrestles with Tikaani, sometimes she'll flip out if he gets too rough (luckily, he doesn't have the NK desire to reciprocate aggression with more aggression, he just waits for her to finish her hissy fit).

An alternate to treats are toys. You may also want to consider trying treats with the other dog at a far enough distance to where she doesn't feel the need to guard food or get uncomfortable.

lindsayt

Ask Brad. I think his Laika Ike was having trouble around other dogs as well and doing some of the same things.

BradA1878

Ike's issues are due to us getting him at almost a year old and him not being socialized well with other male dogs. He was raised with Kilbe and her sister, so he is very good with puppies and females. At first he was ok with the boys, but he had a few negative experiences (that were my fault - management fails) that has lead him to be reactive with the boys.

Anyway, with Kilbe, it sounds like the game passes her comfort-zone, and so she reacts defensively. I've seen this with other dogs who are unsure or timid. They want to play, but when the play passes the point of being comfortable for them they react defensively.

During play emotions can be high - think of a game of hockey (or some other team sport), sometimes during the game emotions get a bit too high, and the situation may tip into a fight. Same applies to dog play.

What I would do is interrupt them during the game of chase and/or during play. Call them all over to you, give them some love, then let them go back to playing. Do this often, and make it fun. As things start to improve you can vary the timing of the interruptions. Eventually you will start to notice that the dogs will interrupt themselves during play (as the play-interruptions become habitual).

The interruptions will give Kilbe time to calm down and help make the play more comfortable for her.

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ttddinh

thanks for the suggestions i will defintitely try it out!

@ayk--She use not get along with Kaiju either but after her heat, they got along well. It's really a hit or miss with Kilbe, she gets along GREAT with my friends mini cocker spaniel (a female pup her age, who is even more submissive than her, this pup has been at my house) and now my neighbor's german shepard (a little older than her, also female, very shy with other dogs). She does not like Kurenai (Bea and Kurenai got along splendidly). I can trust them together, its just when they start playing or if Kilbe starts to bark/whine (Bea really really hates this).

@Calia--Bea is pretty rough. She wrestles and likes to chase (she is never the one being chased, even with Kaiju). I noticed that Kaiju is more gentle with Kilbe than Bea is terms of their playing.

I will try toys but they (esp Kaiju) rips everything to shreds when they get a new toy so I have to put it away. Toys are a pretty high value item for Kaiju.