Q: My trainer told me I should let my two dogs sort things out if they’re arguing. Should I let them or interrupt them?

A: When conflict happens between dogs living together, their caregivers may wonder if they should interrupt or allow the dogs to work it out. Although dogs have their own communication skills with other canines, allowing them to resolve serious arguments without intervening can be physically and behaviorally dangerous.

Minor disagreements, such as a quick growl or lip lift over a toy or a hard stare when one dog gets too close to the other’s food bowl, are normal canine communication. If both dogs remain calm and respectful of each other’s space without escalating their body language, some allowance can be given.

However, even small arguments can become practiced behaviors if not appropriately managed. Repeated conflicts create trigger stacking and add to their stress. Your dogs may begin to see each other as the cause of tension, increasing the chance of escalating aggression.

Many dogs lack the skills to de-escalate tension once conflict begins. One dog may have previously learned that aggression has worked for them (growling moves the other dog away from their food bowl). In contrast, the other dog shuts down during conflict, using elevated levels of fear and learned helplessness to avoid conflict. Expecting your dogs to work out their resolutions will likely reinforce these undesirable learned behaviors and not help them make better choices for the future.

It is best to manage the environment (which may include gates and muzzle conditioning), understand their individual play styles and body language, and step in before behaviors escalate. A qualified dog behavior consultant or board-certified veterinary behaviorist may be needed to repair relationships or develop individualized behavior plans.