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My Dog Killed My Other Dog - Part 2

By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE

I receive messages daily in private and on the blog post My Dog Killed My Other Dog. I am very saddened to hear all your stories, so today I thought I would write to you and give you some answers and possibly peace and closure to mourn your loss. 

Amongst the people who write to me, many inquire about the outcome of their killer dog. I am going to explain it as straightforward as possible because people often ask me if they should have their dog euthanized. Unfortunately, I cannot give feedback on a case I do not know, thus, I write this article in hopes you find solace here, in these words. 

Why dogs kill each other 
Dogs are opportunistic predators that exploit vulnerabilities. Their main function is to survive and see another day; as such, dogs and their wild cousins, have developed complex behavioural processes to reach their intended goal. As you read on, please do not confuse predatory instincts with aggressive responses. The intent behind a predatory kill is to fill one’s belly with food. 

As mentioned above, the following descriptions are reasons why dogs kill other dogs. I will enumerate and briefly discuss them. Keep in mind each case is unique; therefore, all that follows refers to the general dog population. 

- Death by food 
Dogs need to protect their food or food source in order to survive. If they did not protect, aka resource guards their food, dogs would die relatively quickly; hence, it is abnormal for a canine to continuously relinquish its food to another dog, or person. 

Death by Food can be spontaneous or highly predictable. Normally, dogs will give off signs that their food is sacred and will do anything to prevent theft. When a little dog defends its food it will growl, snap, or soft bite the intruder. When a small dog warns a bigger dog, the size difference can mean death to the little one. These arguments contain loud growls, teeth, and fast action behaviours. 

- Death by age or sickness 
Dogs, like their wild ancestors, are opportunistic predators. This means anything that falls out of sync with normal behaviour can, and most likely will, be eliminated. A few examples are locomotion discrepancies (limping), smells of diseases (cancer, diabetes, or postulant sores), and high pitch cries are all giveaways something is wrong. 

Canines will kill a sick or injured animal to prevent drawing attention to themselves from other predators. Rarely will they consume the corpse. Younger dogs normally kill older animals in a completely silent and unpredictable fashion when the human is absent. In this case, size has little to do with the actual death. 

These unpredictable silent attacks are very slow-moving and meticulous. The attacker takes the dog by the neck, shakes it, and kills the dog in a few seconds. Same size dogs often kill their housemates of similar weight and height in the same inaudible manner; the difference is the length of time it takes to accomplish the kill. 

- Death by conflict 
Conflict is another common death occurrence in canids. Agonistic behaviours and aggression are means by which dogs manage conflicts. When there is a size discrepancy, some conflicts can and do, escalate into a deadly situation. A conflict can occur over social and critical space invasion or because of overpopulation. Households that have too many dogs for the available social space create tension, which in turn creates conflict. 

Arguments can also occur over breeding rights, toys, sleeping areas, attention from humans, or water bowls. When dogs feel their vital space, basic needs, or resources are at risk, they will defend them. These arguments contain loud growls, teeth, and fast action behaviours. 

Management is best 
The major difference between these types of deaths is silence and intent. When a dog wants to kill another dog to eliminate it from the environment, the attack is completely inaudible. You will not hear growls or barks from the offender. The victim might yelp for help if it can, but otherwise, the death is rapid and efficient, from a predatory point of view that is. 

When you have two dogs of different sizes, NEVER assume they are best buddies, especially when age and size differences are factors. It is best to separate them when you are absent or unable to supervise them. If your household contains multiple dogs, separate them into small groups based on size and health condition. 

Outcome scenario 
Death does not necessarily mean your dog is a killer. It might simply be circumstantial and never occur again. That said, people often know instinctively their dog is aggressive before the event occurred. In these cases, it is best to seek a professional evaluation before you decide on your next course of action.

If you have a multiple dog household, I urge you to take a dog language or aggression course and learn what dogs say to each other. Behaviour is highly predictable when it comes to assessing aggression or predatory instincts. Terriers are notorious for killing other dogs because of their high prey drive, so make sure you understand dog group dynamics if you have different ages and sizes of dogs. 

For morning resources you can read the Time to Say Goodbye article found on this blog. Please Note, I empathize with you; however, if you send me an email I will read it, but it is impossible for me to answer your specific cases as I do not know you or your dog. Best wishes on your journey and I sincerely hope you can find peace of mind with this article.

Cheers.
G.

04/16/2018

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20 comments

  • Mary
    Mary California
    May 7 2018 9:18 PM
    Wow, I didn't know any of this and I'm freaking out because my mom went through this and has other dogs. I'm going to tell her to read this.

    Wow, I didn't know any of this and I'm freaking out because my mom went through this and has other dogs. I'm going to tell her to read this.

  • Tania
    Tania California
    Oct 2 2018 2:58 PM
    We had two dogs: a husky, who is 5, and a GS, who turned 2. My MIL had a papillon mix, who was 4 and a Pomeranian, approximately 8. They've been separated from each other, as we know the husky has a high prey drive. He's killed possum, birds, and mice. He's gone after our indoor cat and bunnies. The papillon mix has small dog syndrome, but a wonderful personality. The husky got into their side of the yard and killed the papillon yesterday. We tried getting it to the very, but it was too late. My MIL saw the husky throwing the dog in the air, something he's done with mice. It's very similar to how a cat plays/toys with mice. My husband is seriously concerned about keeping the husky, given past behavior.

    We had two dogs: a husky, who is 5, and a GS, who turned 2. My MIL had a papillon mix, who was 4 and a Pomeranian, approximately 8. They've been separated from each other, as we know the husky has a high prey drive. He's killed possum, birds, and mice. He's gone after our indoor cat and bunnies. The papillon mix has small dog syndrome, but a wonderful personality. The husky got into their side of the yard and killed the papillon yesterday. We tried getting it to the very, but it was too late. My MIL saw the husky throwing the dog in the air, something he's done with mice. It's very similar to how a cat plays/toys with mice. My husband is seriously concerned about keeping the husky, given past behavior.

  • Dana
    Dana Georgia
    Dec 4 2018 10:40 AM
    One thing that I didn't see mentioned in either article is how it can be accidental. My dog got "killed" by my other two dogs on Thanksgiving, but it was from them playing and it suddenly turned into a simple fight. They quickly broke up when I told them to be nice but when they did my one dogs femeral artery was severed and he bleed out before we could get him to the vet.

    One thing that I didn't see mentioned in either article is how it can be accidental. My dog got "killed" by my other two dogs on Thanksgiving, but it was from them playing and it suddenly turned into a simple fight. They quickly broke up when I told them to be nice but when they did my one dogs femeral artery was severed and he bleed out before we could get him to the vet.

  • Dawn
    Dawn Cedar Park
    Dec 4 2018 7:25 PM
    My 12 year old shitzu was killed the day before Thanksgiving. We left her with 5 other dogs two other small dogs and 3 bigger dogs. 2 of the bigger dogs we had left her with many times. We can’t figure out which one killed her. Is there a way to tell ?

    My 12 year old shitzu was killed the day before Thanksgiving. We left her with 5 other dogs two other small dogs and 3 bigger dogs. 2 of the bigger dogs we had left her with many times. We can’t figure out which one killed her. Is there a way to tell ?

  • Aleasha
    Aleasha Baltimore
    Dec 9 2018 10:56 PM
    I had three dogs one 7 year old medium datsun/jap chai a 3 year old small chihuahua and a 2 year old big pit-bull i had all of my dog from baby to adult. my 7 and 2 year old had a love and hate relationship but never hurt each other in to now my 2 year old kill my 7 year dog we don't know why, but we try to get the 2 year old off the the 7 year old dog but could't. she die and i don't know what to do with the pit-bull dog we can't have her any more because I and my kids are scared of her now. I am really traumatize by what happened. can any one recommend any thing. I don't want to put her down she still a good dog but what she did to my other dog i can't get pass it. and i have a little kid i keep thinking she will hurt my son. any help please? thank you

    I had three dogs one 7 year old medium datsun/jap chai a 3 year old small chihuahua and a 2 year old big pit-bull i had all of my dog from baby to adult. my 7 and 2 year old had a love and hate relationship but never hurt each other in to now my 2 year old kill my 7 year dog we don't know why, but we try to get the 2 year old off the the 7 year old dog but could't. she die and i don't know what to do with the pit-bull dog we can't have her any more because I and my kids are scared of her now. I am really traumatize by what happened. can any one recommend any thing. I don't want to put her down she still a good dog but what she did to my other dog i can't get pass it. and i have a little kid i keep thinking she will hurt my son. any help please? thank you

  • Angela
    Angela Mexico
    Dec 16 2018 10:24 PM
    My sister has 5 dogs, one of them is a very big dog. One night they left the house for a few hours, they left the dogs in small groups. The small dogs that are females are inside the house, the small dogs that are males are outside, and the big dog is separated from all of them. The big dog managed to get out of where he was, and he killed one of the small dogs that were outside. They came home they found the dead dog with no head. He ate it. We don’t understand how he could do that! They don’t know if the best option is to put him to sleep. We understand they are dogs, they play and fight, but we don’t understand how he could eat him! What should we do

    My sister has 5 dogs, one of them is a very big dog. One night they left the house for a few hours, they left the dogs in small groups. The small dogs that are females are inside the house, the small dogs that are males are outside, and the big dog is separated from all of them. The big dog managed to get out of where he was, and he killed one of the small dogs that were outside. They came home they found the dead dog with no head. He ate it. We don’t understand how he could do that! They don’t know if the best option is to put him to sleep.
    We understand they are dogs, they play and fight, but we don’t understand how he could eat him! What should we do

  • April Murphy
    April Murphy Canada
    Jan 27 2020 6:22 PM
    I thank you all for your honesty, and I am so sorry to hear about the deaths of your beloved pets. I have an overly submissive, 5 yr old lab mix, and I'm seriously considering adding a lab puppy near future. I didn't even know this type of thing could happen! But we absolutely love our 5 year old and my Hubby and I will be very careful if and when we add a lab puppy to the mix. God bless you all.

    I thank you all for your honesty, and I am so sorry to hear about the deaths of your beloved pets. I have an overly submissive, 5 yr old lab mix, and I'm seriously considering adding a lab puppy near future. I didn't even know this type of thing could happen! But we absolutely love our 5 year old and my Hubby and I will be very careful if and when we add a lab puppy to the mix. God bless you all.

  • Rose
    Rose Wilmington NC
    Jul 26 2020 3:13 PM
    Thank you for this article, my French bulldog is a two year old female and has become extremely aggressive towards our 16 year old Shitzu, she bite her so badly that the Shitzu had to have stitches and put on antibiotics. The vet warned us about the possibility that the Frenchie could kill my older dog. So I keep them completely separate. My old dog has lost and eye and has dementia, probably why the Frenchie is attacking her, she senses that she's sick and weak. This article makes perfect sense. We will probably have to put our old dog down soon, her life is not very good right now, all she does is sleep. :-(

    Thank you for this article, my French bulldog is a two year old female and has become extremely aggressive towards our 16 year old Shitzu, she bite her so badly that the Shitzu had to have stitches and put on antibiotics. The vet warned us about the possibility that the Frenchie could kill my older dog. So I keep them completely separate. My old dog has lost and eye and has dementia, probably why the Frenchie is attacking her, she senses that she's sick and weak. This article makes perfect sense. We will probably have to put our old dog down soon, her life is not very good right now, all she does is sleep. :-(

  • sam
    sam us
    Jan 6 2021 1:21 AM
    Nice post.

    Nice post.

  • annabel
    annabel HI
    Jan 29 2021 6:23 AM
    hello

    hello

  • amber
    amber wv
    Feb 10 2021 1:08 AM
    my two girls who was a pit mix and a boxer mix got out of their kennel while i was at work and killed my two little chihuahua mixes ... im devastated ... they always got along and played with each other ... the scene was horrible there was blood on the wall so high it was at my face level ... i just feel so guilty and sad idk how to cope with this or even to get the images of it out of my mind

    my two girls who was a pit mix and a boxer mix got out of their kennel while i was at work and killed my two little chihuahua mixes ... im devastated ... they always got along and played with each other ... the scene was horrible there was blood on the wall so high it was at my face level ... i just feel so guilty and sad idk how to cope with this or even to get the images of it out of my mind

  • Tammy
    Tammy Warsaw Indiana
    Apr 6 2021 8:11 PM
    I have 2 GS the last 2 year the 2 year old just gets up walks over to our 10 year old and attack with know warning it get really bad fast the 10 year old has had to be stitched up 3 times know don’t know what would happen if we weren’t home it’s all I can do to get them apart got my wrist rip open 5 stitches ! The last time they got into it I thought I was going to have to kill the 2 year to get her to let go of Bobby neck do I keep her or get rid of her ? She is the most loving dog ever till the switch flips !!

    I have 2 GS the last 2 year the 2 year old just gets up walks over to our 10 year old and attack with know warning it get really bad fast the 10 year old has had to be stitched up 3 times know don’t know what would happen if we weren’t home it’s all I can do to get them apart got my wrist rip open 5 stitches ! The last time they got into it I thought I was going to have to kill the 2 year to get her to let go of Bobby neck do I keep her or get rid of her ? She is the most loving dog ever till the switch flips !!

  • Jessica
    Jessica Florida
    Apr 17 2021 11:28 PM
    My two year old German shepherd female attacked my 2 year old pomeranian over a toy and killed her today. Im completely heart broken as my German shepherd and pomeranian always got along. It's extremely hurtful and idk how I'm going to get through this. I need help

    My two year old German shepherd female attacked my 2 year old pomeranian over a toy and killed her today. Im completely heart broken as my German shepherd and pomeranian always got along. It's extremely hurtful and idk how I'm going to get through this. I need help

  • Mak
    Mak Chile
    Jul 20 2021 3:51 PM
    Hi! So I used to have 4 dogs (they live in a farm), a 12 year old Collie, a 6 year old mix (Collie-Greyhound), a 5 year old German Shepard and a 3 year old Chocolate Lab. Last year (2020) my mom brought two new Collies (brothers), when they arrived they were about 3 months old. (All of the dogs are males) At first they were well behaved, they fought as a game, or at least that's what we thought. Now that they are 1 and a half year old (aprox) they fight with each other, sometimes they growl to the other dogs. A month ago we found our 12 year old Collie dead, he was old but he could for sure have lived more time. We didn't know for sure what happened, because it was during the night, but we suspected that the two new Collies were responsible for his death. We were devastated, but couldn't prove which one of the dogs was responsible for this. Today (this morning) we found the 6 year old mix dead. He had bites in his neck and on his legs, you could see that a lot of blood was lost. One of the new collies (Collie A) had all his fur tinted with blood, the other collie (Collie B) had some, but not much. The 5yo German Shepard also had some blood stains but not as much as the Collie A. (The Lab sleeps in a crate, so he was not part of anything). It is really a nightmare, we don't know what to do. The German Shepard is shy and sometimes he growls, but he is very sweet with us and he has never attacked another dog. At this point we really don't now what is the right thing to do. The two new collies are being spayed. We don't know if either we should give one of them to an other person, or both of them, or keep them, but how could I give one of the Collies to an other person, if I don't know what they are capable of. We are worried that this will happen again, either to a dog or to a person. I really don't know what to do, please help me!

    Hi!
    So I used to have 4 dogs (they live in a farm), a 12 year old Collie, a 6 year old mix (Collie-Greyhound), a 5 year old German Shepard and a 3 year old Chocolate Lab. Last year (2020) my mom brought two new Collies (brothers), when they arrived they were about 3 months old. (All of the dogs are males) At first they were well behaved, they fought as a game, or at least that's what we thought. Now that they are 1 and a half year old (aprox) they fight with each other, sometimes they growl to the other dogs. A month ago we found our 12 year old Collie dead, he was old but he could for sure have lived more time. We didn't know for sure what happened, because it was during the night, but we suspected that the two new Collies were responsible for his death. We were devastated, but couldn't prove which one of the dogs was responsible for this. Today (this morning) we found the 6 year old mix dead. He had bites in his neck and on his legs, you could see that a lot of blood was lost. One of the new collies (Collie A) had all his fur tinted with blood, the other collie (Collie B) had some, but not much. The 5yo German Shepard also had some blood stains but not as much as the Collie A. (The Lab sleeps in a crate, so he was not part of anything). It is really a nightmare, we don't know what to do. The German Shepard is shy and sometimes he growls, but he is very sweet with us and he has never attacked another dog. At this point we really don't now what is the right thing to do. The two new collies are being spayed. We don't know if either we should give one of them to an other person, or both of them, or keep them, but how could I give one of the Collies to an other person, if I don't know what they are capable of. We are worried that this will happen again, either to a dog or to a person.
    I really don't know what to do, please help me!

  • Carmell Jergert
    Carmell Jergert Groves
    Jul 25 2021 12:35 AM
    My 2 year old Frenchie killed my older chihuahuas 3 of them . I just about lost my mind over this . They all got along fine but then when I am Gone this happens! It is so hard for me to get over what the Frenchie did and I loved her so much . It has broken my heart . I had no idea about aggression in Frnchie’s . I had an Wnglish Bulldog before her and they have the most different temperaments in the world ! The dogs all laid together for the longest time and have always gotten along fine .... then you turn your back and now this .💔🙏😫

    My 2 year old Frenchie killed my older chihuahuas 3 of them . I just about lost my mind over this .
    They all got along fine but then when I am
    Gone this happens!
    It is so hard for me to get over what the Frenchie did and I loved her so much . It has broken my heart . I had no idea about aggression in Frnchie’s . I had an Wnglish Bulldog before her and they have the most different temperaments in the world !
    The dogs all laid together for the longest time and have always gotten along fine .... then you turn your back and now this .💔🙏😫

  • Vicky
    Vicky South Africa
    Sep 16 2021 7:49 AM
    Genetics also play a huge factor...

    Genetics also play a huge factor...

  • Dogue Shop
    Dogue Shop
    Sep 16 2021 11:36 AM
    @Vicky - Genetics does play a role, but isn't that huge a factor. Science finds training plays a bigger part.

    @Vicky - Genetics does play a role, but isn't that huge a factor. Science finds training plays a bigger part.

  • Dusty
    Dusty Texas
    Nov 15 2021 8:37 PM
    I have a husky. She just killed my daughter small dawg today. Problem is, she has killed cats, chicken, and my numerous of my ex dawgs. When I am round, I have no problem with her. I don't have these problems. When I'm away for work, and I'm gone weeks at a time, this is when she starts actin up and goes on her killin spree. Any reason why she like this?

    I have a husky. She just killed my daughter small dawg today. Problem is, she has killed cats, chicken, and my numerous of my ex dawgs. When I am round, I have no problem with her. I don't have these problems. When I'm away for work, and I'm gone weeks at a time, this is when she starts actin up and goes on her killin spree. Any reason why she like this?

  • Michelle P
    Michelle P California
    Mar 4 2022 7:45 PM
    No matter how much you think you know about dog behavior you really know nothing. My GSD just killed another of my dogs, exactly in the manner described - silently and quickly. The deceased dog was a senior Rat Terrier. This is the second time in 2 years that this has happened. My GSD has always been anxious, fearful, and antisocial. I've had her since she was 6 weeks old; she'll be 7 in Nov. I will be euthanizing her, even though it breaks my heart. My daughter has a small dog that the GSD always acts a little too interested in and I can not allow her to kill again. Due to her extreme anxiety and fear of people I can not risk rehoming her. I so wish I had seen this article before it came to this.

    No matter how much you think you know about dog behavior you really know nothing. My GSD just killed another of my dogs, exactly in the manner described - silently and quickly. The deceased dog was a senior Rat Terrier. This is the second time in 2 years that this has happened. My GSD has always been anxious, fearful, and antisocial. I've had her since she was 6 weeks old; she'll be 7 in Nov. I will be euthanizing her, even though it breaks my heart. My daughter has a small dog that the GSD always acts a little too interested in and I can not allow her to kill again. Due to her extreme anxiety and fear of people I can not risk rehoming her. I so wish I had seen this article before it came to this.

  • Andrew
    Andrew Minnesota
    Mar 20 2022 12:45 PM
    Did you know that as late as the 1900s some tribes of humans in the Amazon and Papua New Guinea practiced the same thing? When an older individual (especially a woman) was deemed to be no longer fit enough where her aid offset her burden, she would be killed, as quickly and silently as possible. I listened to a (translated) interview of a person who had done that very deed many times in his youth. He was extoled by his kingroup for his sealth and swiftness when he did it, although he noted is aunties were always nervous around him. And what I found surprising is there wasn't a group discussion on who had to be euthanized, it was a conclusion anyone could come to and act upon. As abhorrent as this sounds in humans, it does help me at least wrap my head around the idea that two dogs who previously were on good terms can have dog A kill dog B at the drop of a hat. It's not with malice, it's not personal, it's dog A following some deep programing that's for the 'good of the group'

    Did you know that as late as the 1900s some tribes of humans in the Amazon and Papua New Guinea practiced the same thing? When an older individual (especially a woman) was deemed to be no longer fit enough where her aid offset her burden, she would be killed, as quickly and silently as possible. I listened to a (translated) interview of a person who had done that very deed many times in his youth. He was extoled by his kingroup for his sealth and swiftness when he did it, although he noted is aunties were always nervous around him. And what I found surprising is there wasn't a group discussion on who had to be euthanized, it was a conclusion anyone could come to and act upon.

    As abhorrent as this sounds in humans, it does help me at least wrap my head around the idea that two dogs who previously were on good terms can have dog A kill dog B at the drop of a hat. It's not with malice, it's not personal, it's dog A following some deep programing that's for the 'good of the group'

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