I have two dogs that are brother and sister from the same litter (that's what I was told at the rescue shelter) and have always been together. A couple of years ago I noticed the male dog with a rabbit in his mouth. He would not let me approach him and just kept running off as I got close. Eventually he dropped the dead rabbit and I disposed of it. No other significant signs or actions from him.
About 6 months ago as I went out to feed my dogs I noticed that the male dog was laying on the ground eating a rabbit. He was going to town on it and the female dog was not interested and just laid on the ground 15-20 feet away resting calmly. As I opened the door to go feed them he got up and walked away with the rabbit. Normal feeding process is she eats first then him because since they were puppies he would finish first then take her food.
As I put her food down for her he dropped the rabbit and came to the feeding area. I was not concerned as I thought he was just coming to wait for his food. He did not sit in his normal place and had an aggressive look on him. He attacked the female in attempt to take her food. I broke them apart and separated them for a few days as I struggled with what had just taken place.
Reunited them after a few days and no problems until yesterday. Found a dead coyote in the backyard that he was staying close to while looking protective. I was closing the gate to secure them in the back yard and they both approached as I closed the gate. As I looked at the dead coyote he attacked the female and when I yelled at him he withdrew. I separated them again then let him out into the front yard which is also fenced and gated as I disposed of the coyote. I did not see any signs that he attempted to eat it just that it was dead and already pretty stiff. It was not a very big coyote so i presume it was pretty young. Attached is a photo.
My concern is his aggressive state of mind after a kill and how he is lashing out at the female dog. As a note, I live out in the country on a gated property where there are rabbits, squirrels, gophers, rats, possums, coyotes, bobcats and even mountain lions. All of which I have personally seen on my property. My dogs are watch and guard dogs that have not been socialized much with other dogs or people except me and my family. Both are pit mix must and are pretty awesome besides this. Any info, advice or recommendations would be great.
Thank you!