Hi everyone,

I'd seriously appreciate all the input you guys can offer! I have a two year old female Sib Husky. Before she got into heat, her temperament has always been amazing- active, happy, gentle and overall her behavior has always been great.

Three weeks ago she went into heat, and ever since then she's been really aggressive with my other smaller, male dog. She pins him down to the ground and growls very aggressively, although no physical injuries could be seen on my other small dog. It's a very scary sight, and I feel that I don't know her at times like these. She gets aggressive when he sniffs around her, or when he tries to take her rawhide bone. Sometimes she doesn't even allow him to walk past her. I know food aggression is fairly common, but she just doesn't let go of him once she pins him down.

Just an hour ago I had to pull her away from him, and although my smaller dog managed to escape, she still wanted to charge at him. Please advise! I'm worried that this behavior might stick. Would it help if i keep socializing her with other dogs? Sometimes she gets annoyed with puppies who jump around her and she snaps at them. She is VERY GENTLE with humans though.

Thanks all!

Samantha

Well he is trying to jump her bones and she has no desire to father his pups. Get her spayed problem solved.

Thanks for your input, but i do plan to breed. I'm just worried, could this aggression lead to more serious behavioral issues in the future? ie aggression for no reason / towards children? She is aggressive even when he walks by and does nothing to her. Is there anything i can do to get her to be more patient? Thank you so much.

I think Len nailed the issue, GET HER FIXED. We don't need any more unwanted puppies in this world. Even if they all have homes. There are thousands of dogs dying every day in shelters some are purebred huskys both young and old. If that doesn't bother you then maybe the welfare of your dog will.

Read this:

So you want to breed

I would also recommend you step into my reality as a rescuer. Go to your local kill shelter, if it's like mine there are 50 to 100 dogs tagged each day to die when the shelter closes. Look into their faces and try to decide which ONE dog will live while the others die.

Sorry to sound judgmental but that isn't just talk it's real, too many dogs and not enough homes. People need to know the reality of the current world we live in.

That behavior isn't uncommon for females in heat. Is your other dog neutered? I'm guessing not. If I were you I'd give her space away from the other dog.

As for breeding I won't go there but I hope you plan on showing or working her and at least getting her eyes/ hips/ elbows tested by a veterinarian certified in that kind of testing.

The fact that you didn't know that this kind of behavior is common in a female in heat signifies to me that you should not be breeding. Get her fixed. Breeding isn't for everyone and should really only be executed by trained show or racing kennels. With the number of huskies out there in rescue and over running shelters, we don't need anymore huskies in this world that are not being bred to better the breed in work or show.

I agree with Kristina though... she should be separated from ALL dogs when in heat for her own comfort, safety, and the safety of other dogs.

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I'm sorry that I am very new to this, and I'm sorry that my plan to breed her has upset a few of you. I am very aware of what goes on in shelters and the risks involved with regards to breeding, but I do hope you'd also respect my possible decision to breed her in the future. It might or might not happen. I do believe that good temperament is essential, which is why I am alarmed.

The reason to why I'm not used to aggressive behavior is because she is my first female dog. I really would like to breed in the future, and yes, I although I do lack to knowledge and I have not done enough research, it's never to late to keep learning. I do understand that breeding is not for everyone; i too am concerned about the responsibilities I would be holding should I decide to do so, but please do not assume that i take this lightly in any way. Should i choose to breed her, it would be for the right reasons.

My question was only asking if such aggressive behavior will stick or will she go back to her usual self once again, based on your experience? I could really appreciate your advice, aside from spaying her. Thanks.

Right reasons? Money?

While I appreciate your response and your resolve, as well as your willingness to learn, my best advice to you would be to find a truly reputable breeder in your area and ask if he or she would serve as your mentor. If you are SERIOUS about breeding and are doing it for show or racing, the BEST way to learn and train yourself in it is to work with an operational and successful reputable breeder. Visit with him/her. See his/her dogs. Be there for a birth (if they let you) and learn about bitches in heat.

I don't think anyone on here breeds, as we leave that to the professionals, and thus we are not going to be your best source of information.

Take that for what it's worth, but part of research is knowing where to go for information. Breeders, reputable ones, are the true source. Not an internet forum.

First off human aggression and dog aggression are 2 totally different things. Her new attitude towards your other dog does not mean in any shape or form that she is now more prone to being human aggressive.

A heat cycle is a stressful time for a female dog and that response is not unusual. If I were you I would separate the dogs unless you are physically working with the both of them. That is the best way to avoid any sort of incident if you insist on not having her spayed.

Breeding is a taboo subject on pet related internet forums. Many of us have rescue dogs who are the product of irresponsible breeding. Generally, breeding as a whole is looked down upon unless the dog is worked or shown as well as sound in structure and temperament.

NO... not money Brian. I find this actually quite painful to take whilst I'm being questioned like this. I do love dogs and I do understand the realities of today, despite the fact that I do not work at a kill shelter.

I would - If I am positive that I am educated enough about the entire process and its consequences, can provide well for her and her pups, find a really good home and be close enough to monitor them, and to also better the breed. And I've just mentioned - i do have a lot to learn about breeding, and I would not do anything detrimental to her or her pups if I find that I cannot or am unable to bear such responsibilities / deal with the harsh consequences.

Thanks so much arooroomom and Koda - i will speak to a reputable breeder to learn more if I decide to breed her. To be honest I am not 100% sure that I'll be breeding her and i did not plan to bring this topic up - my initial concern was only about her aggression. Somehow it lead to this. Thanks for your tips.

Did you say that she is two years old? Is this the firt heat she's had? ...or just the first heat with another dog in the house?

Hi Lisa - no this isn't the first time she's gone on heat. She's been on heat with this smaller dog around and never showed such aggression. i was told that at 2 years, she could be a little more edgy because she's also coming to physical maturity. This sudden aggressiveness really worried me.

That would be my thought, Samatha, her becoming older and more sexually/physically mature.

Thanks alot Kristina. Your dogs are beautiful. I'll be keeping a close eye on her these few weeks, hopefully she lightens up. Breaks my heart to see her so stressed.

Though it seems were crashing down on your idea to breed Zoe, as mentioned before most breed specific internet forums frown on non professional breeding (BYB). Sometimes its quite difficult to say what you want without having the others feeling slighted in some manner. Bear with us, we wish the best for Zoe thats all. I think once the heat session passes Zoe will return to her old self. (Which goes to show my own ignorance about female dogs in heat. My question does it go away after a short time like a "period/PMS?")

Great avatar picture!

Hi Len, thanks for the clarification. I do see everyone's true intention here and I have learnt quite a bit from everyone's comments. It's definitely something to think about. I live in Malaysia and i have come across many breeders who only care about making a quick buck, so i do understand and share all your sentiments.

I'll be watching her - she is still as gentle with people, although my smaller schnauzer is staying away for the time being. Thanks so much guys.