Dog Aggression

1. 72

   frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

   Anyone any idea how to deal with dog to dog aggression?
   
   Ours does it (we think) due to a lack of socialisation. Fear driven. It could possibly be from being attacked when she was younger - it's hard to be completely sure.
   
   It's not every dog either, she's very random. Some get ignored, others are not so lucky. So far, no real damage as I am aware of her potential to go on the offence.
   
   I don't tense when I see another dog, I don't grab at her or talk to her - I'm the 'alpha dog' and I decide for us. I don't leave that to her. In fact I make the decisions full stop. We have the three choices open to any dog (or person) when faced with a potential threat - fight, flight or freeze. We take flight - though in a calm manner.
   
   Anyway - slowly slowly she's improving. But it really is ssssssslow! Am I on the right track? Is there something I'm not doing?

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   1. 60

      qwarkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Watch the "Dog Whisperer."

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2. 97

   Sally's Troveposted 14 years ago

   I share your concern with this. I am not a dog person, like a Caesar or a Victoria. I had one dog for a few years and she taught me a lot, including that her view is not mine.
   
   There are great resources out there on the net and on cable TV about dog behavior (and our behavior in the presence of dogs).
   
   The one dog I had and loved, I learned to understand and manage with the help of a trainer. It's worth the investment, believe me.

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3. 69

   lrohnerposted 14 years ago

   You really need Whitney for this.
   
   I know that all of my dogs were socialized from a young age (or at least from when I got them). When meeting other dogs, I watch their body language closely, and redirect their attention when they show any signs of anxiety or aggression. While the technique may be different for different dogs, it could entail putting them in a sit, giving them a treat or a favorite toy--whatever works. When they are calm, I would try the meet and greet thing again.
   
   Some dogs have a problem with face-to-face meets, and prefer the face-to-butt first before they are comfortable. My doxie is one of them. In other words, do not get up in her face until she's thoroughly sniffed your butt and deemed you acceptable.
   
   And don't always assume that just because your dog barks when they see another dog that it means aggression. My 8-lb doxie barks horrifically and tries to pull at her leash whenever she sees another dog. But it truly is just her way of saying "Hi! Let's play!" As soon as she gets a butt-sniff, it's all hands on deck for a play session. That's one of the big problems I had when initially training her. I was going at it as though she was being aggressive--but it wasn't aggression at all.

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4. 72

   frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

   Thankyou both
   
   Sally - I am a dog person. I 'get' dogs and have always loved having one around. I love everything about them - even the bad days!
   
   lrohner - I tried (initially) to avoid assuming. Unfortunately those are the occasions where she almost got the pair of us into trouble. UK folks seriously dislike 'nasty' dogs (which she's not!) and are rather vocal with it.
   
   Now I know her better. She uses the offence tactic - 'if I wipe the threat out, it will diminish'. It's not excitment and eagerness.
   
   She really is the most beautiful girl, so adoring, refreshing, fun and intelligent. She just got herself some 'tude!

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   1. 97

      Sally's Troveposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      FD, you are the boss in that you are a dog person, which I am not.
      
      However, I say this: There is 'tude and then there is 'tude. Dog aggression is an acting out of something gone wrong. As you said and suspect, perhaps it's a lack of socialisation.
      
      You are not the alpha dog, because you are not a dog. Your beloved dog has issues which I think you deny or downplay.
      
      lrohner had good council...don't know if that would be Whitney or a trainer that you can work with.
      
      I see you and your family adore this dog, but at what cost?

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5. 71

   ddsurfscaposted 14 years ago

   You left out the age and breed and sex of the dog.  If it is a pup, good chance it is out of fear.  At any rate, most of the time a bit of obedience training helps.  It gives their mind something to do beside dwell on the problem.  Also, if possible find a dog he gets along with and begin socializing with that animal,   I think once he finds a friend, and he is obedient on a leash, try slowly getting nearer to other dogs when you walk.  Usually a second dog as a playmate does the trick though.  Once they get used to even one other, the problem shrinks.

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6. 65

   psycheskinnerposted 14 years ago

   It sounds to me like you are doing the right thing and just need to hang in there.

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7. 59

   Tanzzeeposted 14 years ago

   Here is a good source of reliable information: http://4petsonline.com/my-reports/how-c … ggression/

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