Why Do Female Dogs Hate Each Other?

Reviewed By Julie •  Updated: 09/24/22 •  3 min read
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Why Do Female Dogs Hate Each Other?

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Nothing is more upsetting or confusing than when your female dogs start fighting each other. Does this means the female dogs hate each other? What’s causing the problem?

If your female dogs are fighting, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together some information that may be helpful in determining the cause. However, we highly recommend calling your veterinarian for advice on this matter if you can’t solve the problem between your fur babies.

This is a Common Problem

First, we’d like to reassure you this is a common problem when two female dogs live together. They may have gotten along for months or years and then suddenly start fighting! But why?

For one thing, dogs are social animals; in the wild, canines live in packs that have an established hierarchy. Usually, only the lead male and female are allowed to breed. What’s more, dogs in packs also have disagreements from time to time. This is a normal part of dogs’ social lives.

But what causes two female dogs to hate each other and fight?

Causes of Fights Between Female Dogs

Here are some of the most common causes of fights between female dogs:

Breeding rights: if your dogs have not been spayed, they could be fighting over breeding rights.

Resource access: dogs that live in a multi-dog home have a social hierarchy, similar to a dog pack. In this case, one female dog could believe she’s the leader and limit the other dog’s access to resources. She may keep the other female dog from food, water, toys, and even you (or other family members).

Excitement: another common problem is if your female dogs are suddenly very excited. For instance, if they haven’t seen you for a while. At these times, the dogs’ social hierarchy and “rules” may be blurred, leading to a fight between the two girl dogs.

Changes in the social group: two girl dogs may also fight if there’s been a change in their social group. This could happen if an older dog, who was the leader of the group, dies. In that case, the two females left may vie for dominance.

Stress: in some cases, two female dogs may also be fighting because of increased stress. It could be the dogs were already dealing with accumulated stress. When one dog reaches the last straw, they may turn on the other dog. This situation may seem like it happened in an instant; however, it usually builds over time.

Summing It Up

These are some of the most common reasons that lead female dogs to fight. If you’re not able to find a solution to their fighting, we highly recommend contacting your vet for assistance. They may put recommend a dog trainer or a professional dog behaviorist who can help your fur babies sort out their differences. This is the best way to avoid a horrible fight that leads to high vet bills and serious injuries!

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Julie

Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.