I have 3 yard dogs in Jamaica:
– Tippy (1.5 yr castrated male)
– Tilly (8m female, currently in season)
– Mia (stray mom we took in a month ago, wasn’t producing enough milk for her 9 pups—now 6 weeks old and eating kibble).
Mia is protective of her pups. Things were fine until Tuesday when Tilly started a fight with Mia (I was bitten breaking it up). Pups were present.
Wednesday at feeding time, there was teeth-baring, so we kenneled Tilly (no pups present).
Thursday another fight after feeding, quickly broken up, again Tilly kenneled.
It’s not food-related—they all finish their bowls. The issue happens after eating when Mia comes for a stroke, then Tilly approaches, and the fight starts. I was stroking both, so no favouritism.
As yard dogs, I can’t monitor them 24/7. Tomorrow I’ll tether Tilly at feeding time.
I’m new to dogs—could this be because Tilly is in season? The fighting started about a week ago. I’d planned to keep Mia (she’s a sweetheart), but I’m worried about “bad blood” between the females. Is Tilly jealous? Will spaying help?
Mia will be spayed next month (after milk dries up, when mobile vets visit). Tilly will be spayed after her first season.
So far, this has only happened 3 times despite them being together the rest of the day. Any advice appreciated.
submitted by /u/Few-Independence-272
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