I have read the guide, but I can't find out how to manage this specific situation in it. Everything about resource guarding a person is only about one dog doing it. But (I believe) both dogs, or just one, are fighting over me.
I have two dogs Pepper (Husky, 2-3yrs), and Sage (GSD Mix, 4yrs) who usually get along. We noticed sometimes around food, Pepper would lash out on Sage and attack her if she got to close. We shut this down immediately and now make sure we separate them for feedings and human food we aren't actively eating yet.
There has been a "random" attack a few times, but I could never identify some of them. They fight maybe once or so a month. But recently the fights have no apparent reason. It is always when me (or sometimes fiancé too) are just chilling with them. They won't be begging for attention, they will both be relaxing. Next thing I know, boom, fighting. I am 90% sure Pepper has started ALL of these fights. Sage has only ever been aggressive with some foods but we have completely removed that from her aside from high quality treats. Pepper has eaten Sage's food before we could catch her (we were still learning), and Sage has still never attacked her.
This last time, I was just sitting at my desk, they both sleep and lay around me while I game. Usually one under my desk and the other around my chair. It was completely normal, neither asking for attention (as usual when these happen). While I was mid-game, suddenly Pepper and Sage went full aggressive fighting on each other. I had to tear them apart (this was very difficult) and crated Pepper, and tended to Sage first, who has a wound on her next bleeding (small, but Vet visit tomorrow as they are closed today). I had some blood all over my arms from the fight, and Pepper had blood on her cheek and ear. No wound on her. They both fought throat to throat.
The thing is, I have never seen Sage attack first. Ever. The problem is she starts to defend herself then also won't back down. We got Pepper a little over a year ago and I am starting to realize all these "random" fight is when we are relaxing and Pepper is close to me, Sage gets to close to her then she attacks. I have caught it once or twice from body language but its hard when they do it whilst I am doing something. Or, vice versa, sometimes she will approach Sage (under my desk at my feet), and I guess Sage won't move so she attacks? I don't know what to do! This resource guarding stuff is great but I can't find anything for my specific situation of TWO dogs resource guarding ME. I am keeping Pepper in her crate to seperate them until AT THE VERY LEAST we can take Sage to the vet. I feel bad keeping her in the crate.. but she is the type of dog to destroy things if not being supervised. They are already whining to see each other when I put one away and let the other out.
I could just really use some advice, and if anyone finds a post similar to mine (I couldn't) PLEASE redirect me. I have tried looking up what to do after dogs fight when resource guarding, but its all about food, toys, or treats. Resource guarding with humans, all I could find weren't involving another dog in home. PLEASE HELP. We definitely are considering a trainer but until then I need to know how to handle this.
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