Dogs Fighting?

Question

My fianc&eacute; and I adopted two dogs roughly 4 months ago; as they were bonded sisters who were abandoned by there previous owner. They have always gotten along and we have been able to keep them out of their cages while we go to work as they play together great. As of 2-3 weeks ago they have started viciously fighting to the point where they break skin on each other or us. They are truly difficult to break up and at times when we try to break them apart by picking one up the other one will come attached (via bite). Recently we have started putting them in cages to separate during the day when we leave, so they have time apart (see if that helps some). 

The other concern is that we can typically tell when they are about to snap as there hearts start racing and they growl...then snap. We can't always catch it, but several times have been able to. 

HELP!?!? Ideas on changing the behavior;

Answer

I am not a dog trainer or even a dog lover, but it may be prudent to have them checked by a vet if you already haven't... the reason I say this is that I have extensively studied pathology and biochemistry and it could very well be that they have been exposed to some kind of infection that may be altering their behavior (one thing that comes to mind for me when you describe this is adrenal function which among other things causes increased heart-rate, respiration, strength, and usually a supernatural level of strength and/or speed... but it could easily be some other things too).

I am not saying it couldn't be purely behavior based, but like you said before "They have always gotten along..." and even someone trained to deal with dogs will be at a loss to resolve the issue if there is indeed a medical issue present. So, like I said, your first step should be taking them to a vet (IMO).

Hope you find a solution, whatever it is... :(

Dogs Fighting?

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