For some reason Kato has been acting out. He's been really aggressive towards Karma and Khloe when it comes to feeding time. He tries to run over to them and scare them away from their bowl. The only thing I could do was correct him, and seperate all of them from eachother. But I shouldn't have to babysit my dogs while they eat...nor should they be seperated. He has been really good with the girls before.

Also, when they go outside and want to lay on the patio...he will not allow either of them to step foot on the front step. He starts growling at them. Karma never barks unless something's wrong. Well I heard both of the girls barking, so I wanted to see what they were barking at sure enough they were barking at him, and Karma would pace back and fourth.

Yesterday, he got into an actual dog fight with the next door neighbor's Corgi. He didn't start the fight, he simply went to check out the dog, and the corgi didn't like it and went straight for his neck. That pissed him off, and so he grabbed the dog by the neck and started shaking it around like a ragdoll. I was so scared that he would rip this little dog apart. I know you should NEVER ever get in between a dog fight, but I was so afraid Kato would kill this dog. So I grabbed my purse and started smacking Kato with it until he let go and I was able to break the two apart. The corgi was fine, not a mark on him, which to me was suprising since Kato has atleast 50lbs on this dog. Kato however, has a bitemark on his nose. The neighbor apologized and told me that their corgi has bitten another dog before, and that's why he never comes out.

Anyways, I've never seen him act like this before. I'm scared he might hurt my other two, and I don't want to put him down. He's a very sweet loving dog, and has always been good up until now. Does anyone know why or what caused him to act oct like this?

We go for a run daily for about 1.5-2 hours, so it can't be lack of exercise.

Iluvmyhuskies wrote:

He tries to run over to them and scare them away from their bowl. The only thing I could do was correct him, and seperate all of them from eachother. But I shouldn't have to babysit my dogs while they eat...nor should they be seperated. He has been really good with the girls before.

Actually, yes you do. I'm not trying to be rude but when you have a house of multiple dogs it is your job to protect your dogs. My dogs KNOW the routine, get along amazingly, and are all around very well mannered. I would NEVER leave them alone to eat or leave one who is being a bully around them while they try to eat. You'll quickly have a house full of stressed out dogs and fights on your hand.

Create a set up with meal time. My dogs each have an area of the kitchen where they eat... Giving each other sufficient space to eat. While bowls are being put out there is no running around or changing spots or any of that shenanigans. They sit and they stay seated. My "rudest" dogs go last. If they pop up, everything stops until they sit back down.

Has he been neutered yet? That could be causing this boisterous attitude... I don't think you even need to consider euthanasia at this point at all... I think the dog just needs some boundaries and routine. He is taking charge of the other 2 dogs by fear and that isn't something that is acceptable and YOU as the owner need to step in and show him that it isn't acceptable. If he needs to be out separate for some time- that's what happens.

Just as an aside you should always try to break up a dog fight if it's that serious or has the potential to cause serious harm. It's never recommended to stick your hands near their face or around their neck.

Without actually being there it is hard to access, or give advice on, this behavior and what could be triggering it. The only course of action I would recommend is to seek out a trainer or behaviorist and work on it continually with a professional. The way in which you describe the altercation is chilling and not something I would let pass in the slightest. Biting and shaking is a very primal action, and one you need to address ASAP with someone who can help or understands how dangerous it is.


In terms of in house interactions with other dogs, he may just be coming of age and is trying to establish his position over your other pups. Things like claiming an area and blocking, as well as controlling, or demanding food off of the other pups, gives me that feeling.


Feeding time is also a very important and primal moment / activity. Sure we feed them out of bowls and such but it is still about the basic aspects of food itself. Some of us never get to a point where we can feed our dogs in the same room, let alone beside one another. My two current pups can eat inches away from one another but they both protect their food from each other with their bodies.

Though you shouldn't have to "babysit", as you put it, you might want to think of at least feeding him in a different room or area for the time being. If anything it would at least allow your other pups to relax and enjoy their food without being bothered and would allow Kato the same as he wouldn't need to worry about what the others are eating or doing.

Implementing NILIF, if you aren't already, might help as well as possibly hand feeding him for some time or at least slowing down his food intake during meal times. Eating super fast has it's own problems and should be limited if possible.


If it were me I would get in touch with a behaviorist sooner rather than latter and find his triggers or needs and why he is acting out. Trying as much as possible to find the root cause and nip it in the bud.

Best of luck!
~Chris~

Thank you both for such good advice. I will have to call up a behavior specialist ASAP.
Like I said I would never put him down, for any reason. I'm going to do everything and anything I can to help him.
As for the feeding...I will continue to seperate all three of them to make sure they can't harm eachother, and like you said create a meal time.
I know he is trying to be dominant and tell the other's who's in charge, but it's just scary to see him act like this. This all just started about a week ago.

arooroomom wrote:

Has he been neutered yet? That could be causing this boisterous attitude...

this was the first though that popped into my head. you need to work on your pack so they all know you are the one in charge and not one of them

jbealer wrote:

arooroomom wrote:

Has he been neutered yet? That could be causing this boisterous attitude...

this was the first though that popped into my head. you need to work on your pack so they all know you are the one in charge and not one of them

Oh trust me I have been...i'm wondering if it's because he's realizing the puppy is getting older and he wants to let her know what is what? Both of my dogs are 2 years old...Kato being a month younger than Karma.

The two are fine and have grown up with eachother.