Aggression towards other dogs

[keesha]

I am having a problem with Lil Alex showing aggression towards strange dogs. He has never liked other dogs but now when on walks He goes balistic. Growling, snarling, barking and pulling on his leash.I either pick him up or walk away, anything to try to divert his attention. the only thing I can think is it is about territory. Yesterday it was two shephards and a pit bull. He does not realize how small he is and it is so emarrassing. Just wondered if anyone else has this problem and how they deal with it. Thanks Keesha

[Tulip]

Re: Aggression towards other dogs

Hmm. I was having just the opposite problem with Butterfly. She loves other dogs and was overly excited upon seeing them. I took her to a training facility for a few weeks where people and dogs were constantly in and out and they kept her in the front. It helped desensitize her.

I'm sure someone like Nanook will come in with some good advice. It sounds like your dog feels strongly alpha. I lean towards saying ignore it and keep walking like nothing is going on. Picking him up seems kind of enabling.

When Butterfly used to go buckwild when I got home from work, it didn't stop until I kind of ignored her a little bit when I walked in the door. She still is excited but not to the level that it was since I stopped acting like it was a big deal too.

[keesha]

Re: Aggression towards other dogs

Its just crazy and something he has started. He does not have a problem when he is groomed but then he is in and out. I wait until he is done and he has never had to be put in a cage around the other dogs for anytime.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: Aggression towards other dogs

Is he neutered? That usually help.

[Nanook]

Re: Aggression towards other dogs

Two words: Obedience Class! Spring classes are just now starting up and an invaluable tool to help you deal with instances just like this one. Usually...by going once a week for 8 to 10 weeks, they train you how to train your dog. Be choosy as to where you go, I would pick a training club that puts on obedience trials as that shows the trainers are exprienced and doing it for the long haul.

What do you use for a collar when you walk? You should use a training collar such as a chain choker, or a nylon slip style, but the chain ones are best. Properly put on the dog, they work with a release method that rewards good behavior with a loose fit, but a "quick snap" correction will work wonders, along with whatever you decide to say such as "LEAVE IT!" (said like you mean it). after the quick "snap" the collar releases back to loose, and sends the message the behavior is wrong.

A flat collar will do NOTHING but give you something to hang on to. Never EVER leave a chain collar on a dog when you are not walking it. Used properly, they are an invaluable tool. Incorrect usage is ineffective and can be deadly. There is a certain way they need to be put on so that they properly release....so if you don't know how, I really do strongly suggest taking a class in beginner obedience.

Picking him up and carrying him is so not the answer...nor is just walking along like nothing is happening. Do you remember the story of the P-om that was carried away by an owl around the 4th of July a few years ago and dropped and landed on a woman's car at a stop sign? Nobody I know was surprised when they heard it was a P-om...they can be very feisty and tenacious.