10/28/2026
Let’s talk tiffs between pack members
A question I get a lot is, “Do they ALL get along with each other?”
And the answer is yes!
But the truth is, dogs aren’t all that different from people when it comes to having disagreements. They have boundaries, get annoyed with each other, and occasionally have a little tiff. Sometimes there’s teasing, sometimes there’s a correction, and sometimes someone is just being plain rude🤦♀️
You often hear about people whose dogs get into a fight, and afterward, they’re kept separated forever out of fear. And I hear you. I really do. Dog fights are scary, and safety always comes first.
But here’s where I want to talk about the difference between normal communication and a situation that needs intervention.
Dogs need to be allowed to communicate their boundaries.
A growl doesn’t automatically mean a dog is aggressive. A correction doesn’t automatically mean two dogs can’t live together. And a disagreement doesn’t necessarily mean their relationship is ruined.
Sometimes, a dog is simply saying, “Hey, I don’t like that. Please stop.”
We need to listen to those communications instead of punishing dogs for expressing discomfort. When we suppress warning signals without addressing the underlying problem, we risk making future interactions harder to predict. And that’s where “he just bit out of no where!” often comes into play.
There’s a difference between allowing communication and allowing a situation to escalate. We don’t want dogs to feel like they have to defend themselves, and we certainly don’t want them repeatedly getting hurt.
So, should you separate dogs after a tiff?
Sometimes, absolutely! Sometimes, no.
If a fight is serious, a dog is injured, or either dog is still tense or aroused, give them space. Separation isn’t punishment, and it doesn’t automatically make their relationship worse. But there is more nuance to it than I can explain here.
The same goes for fear. We don’t want to force dogs into situations that overwhelm them, but simply avoiding everything scary doesn’t resolve the fear. It can often do the opposite. The goal is to help them build positive associations at a speed that works for them.
When it comes to my own dogs, I pay very close attention to their body language and the dynamics between them.
My personal rule of thumb? 3 seconds. If a tiff starts escalating instead of resolving, I’m stepping in to help. I don’t have a consistent three-second timer, but I do watch to see if I need to address tension before it becomes a bigger problem. And thats generally around the 3 second mark- for my pack.
And yes, sometimes the get-along shirt comes into play. 😂 Not literally lol, But we’ll work on the skills they need, reinforce good interactions, and give everyone a chance to relax before moving on.
The goal isn’t to force them to be friends. It’s to help them feel safe and comfortable around one another.
Every now and then, a dog might end up with a scratch or minor injury. We assess what happened, address any injuries, and look at what we can do differently to prevent it from happening again. If there’s a bite wound, repeated injury, or escalating conflict, that deserves more than simply brushing it off.
So, do all my dogs get along? Yes! ❤️
Does that mean they never disagree? Absolutely not🙃
They’re individuals with their own personalities, preferences, and boundaries. They don’t have to agree on everything to have a good relationship.
And yes, they can still play together, cuddle up, and sleep next to each other after an ordinary disagreement.
The important takeaway: Allow your dogs to growl, lift their lip, and even give off a small snap as a warning signal. Those are very important. & Never assume that every fight is harmless or that every pair of dogs can safely work things out on their own. Be observant and aware.
If your dogs have had a serious fight, are repeatedly injuring each other, or you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is normal communication or is escalating, please get help from a qualified trainer or veterinary behavior professional. Some dogs need structured reintroductions or long-term management, and that’s okay, too.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
The goal isn’t a household where dogs never have feelings. It’s a household where those feelings are seen, their boundaries are respected, and everyone stays safe🫶🏻
