Our dog was very unfriendly towards other dogs and would growl as she passed them and one day actually chased one and nipped it on the rear end. I was shocked and horrified, but knew that this could not continue.
My vet advised me that Saffy was protecting me and that I had to teach her that I was the boss and she did not need to protect me.
I did this by making Saffy walk behind me at all times. She could not pass through a gate or doorway before me and must stay behind me even if we were walking with other dogs and could never lead "the pack." We both found this hard going at first, but now I have a very happy, friendly dog, who wags her tail on meeting all dogs and never gives the slightest sign of aggression.
She was 10 years old when I started this training and although I am no longer quite so strict, I still let her know that I am in charge. You can teach an old dog new tricks!
Source: Advice from my vet and other dog owners
By Margaret from Fleet, England
Dog on people aggression is a very serious situation. Training a dog to eliminate aggressive behavior is important for having a safe, positive pet and owner relationship.
Many pet owners look to neutering their dog as a way to reduce aggression. It may help to some extent, but it is not a cure for aggressive behavior. This is a page about, "Does neutering a dog reduce aggression?".
No matter the breed, if you have an aggressive dog, it can be difficult for you and your family. This is a page about aggressive poodle.
Winston is a male 3 yr old short haired red Dachshund. He loves everyone. He's good with other animals and all people. His issue is that if we're in bed or on the couch and someone walks into the room or walks by the door (family or not) he freaks out. He will start barking and grab onto the blanket with his teeth and "kill it"! If there is no blanket, he will do this with whatever is close. A piece of furniture or a stack of folded clothes.
This behavior is getting worse. He jumps down and runs toward the moving person barking and acts like he's going to bite them. He is extremely affectionate. His best friend is our female Lab and we dubbed him the cleaner. He licks and cleans her face, ears, nose, and mouth daily. He is a sweet, loving dog except for this one issue. I fear that he is going to eventually bite someone and I do not want that to happen. I do believe it is a protection issue just not sure how to address it. Help!
This is a page about dealing with a protective dog at home. Dogs can offer a sense of protection to their owners. However, some pets are overly protective and can be a challenge to handle in daily situations when someone comes by.
This is a page about dog has become aggressive with owner. Determining the cause of sudden dog on owner aggression is the first step in reestablishing a good pet and owner relationship.
My boyfriend has a 3 year old Pit Bull that barely listens, has no discipline, and jumps on everyone when entering a room. He bum rushes our cats and then attacks them when they defend themselves and on top of it he shows aggressive behavior when animals approach his food bowl. He eats out of everybody's food bowls, but if they go and eat out of his he shows aggressive behaviors.
I'm at my last straw especially when coming home one night to see he got out of his room and we found our cat near death. The cat actually died in my arms. I have not been able to look at his Pit Bull the same since the incident. I have now had to shuffle animals around to accommodate this dog and I feel at 3 years old and only having one owner since a puppy his training should be top notch. Please I need help any ideas?
You are correct. Having had only one owner, the dog should be very well behaved by now.
Training for large breed dogs such as pit bulls, mastiffs and rottweilers should start in puppy hood and continue on through adulthood. The dog should be trained not to jump up on people and not to take things that aren't his. He should sit before receiving his food dish. He should walk on a leash next to the owner and not pull, lunge, or crisscross in front. the needs to be socialized to people, other dogs and smaller pets.
Unfortunately, the dog is now an adult and has not been trained. It is certainly past your boyfriend's capabilities to rehabilitate a pit bull that needs all training and has already killed. It is also completely unfair to this energetic animal to have to keep it fenced in or behind closed doors, but you are having to do this because not only are your own cats in danger, but others' pets are as well. I guarantee your boyfriend can't control this animal on a walk and it will eventually get out of his control and kill somebody's little dog.
The only real hope for the dog is rehabilitation at a pit bull rescue with knowledgeable and dedicated staff.
I have a male Boxer/Golden Retriever mix who is one year old. He is very loveable to our pets and children and to other people. However, he will attack and try to kill small dogs. I am unable to walk him anymore, because if he sees a small dog he will break free of his collar and start attacking. I know he needs exercise, but I can't have him killing other pets. He has also killed two of our cats. I would appreciate any help you can give us. Thank you.
By Tina S. from San Antonio, TX
Something is very wrong here-you state that your dog is nice to your family and pets but has killed two of your cats? This dog can attack in an instant and is completely untrustable. You must not leave him with children and animals and probably adults-ever!
Your dog has an extremely strong prey drive. I doubt he is a danger to other large dogs or adult humans, but I agree this is going to get into lawsuit territory when he kills someone's beloved pet.
He does need exercise, as you say. You can't just chain him or pen him up.
I suggest you re-home him with someone who has experience training large breed dogs with a strong prey drive. There also might be a large-breed rescue in your area that can give you some advice.
We have a 10 yr old lab boxer mix who also has always been the same with other animals and it does not matter if they are smaller or not.We walk him with a muzzle on at all times. It takes two of us with two heavy leashes to control him when he sees other animals so one of my son's help me walk him.We use the tread mill when it's wet or too cold.Get a good heavy leather and metal collar and he will not be able to break it.
I have a 3 year old Ridgeback who has always been a fun friendly dog. He has lived with our family and an older German Shepherd. We had to have our Shepherd put to sleep. Since then the Ridgeback just shakes all the time and growls if any of us go near him. It's bad enough grieving over the loss of my dog, let alone the upset of the one we have left turning nasty. I have two kids that love the dog to bits. They have always been really close so it is upsetting them, too.
By a glt
Your grief is affecting your dog. Animals grieve pretty efficiently if left to their own devices. They live in the moment. What's happening right now is at the forefront of their minds.
Humans are unique in our ability to reminisce about the past, and in a way, actually live there. Dogs are confused and upset by this and will show neurotic behavior.
It's important to let go of the Shepherd. He was a wonderful companion, but he no longer lives in your home. Your other dog knows this. Remove his scent ("ghost") by removing all of his items, including bedding. If you aren't quite ready to donate them, at least put them in storage containers somewhere out of the way, like a garage. Steam clean or shampoo your carpet and sofa. You can keep framed pictures of his dog, but don't keep his things - they carry his scent to your other dog.
Start a new routine where you focus on your other dog. Play with him. Get him used to being with you again. Then walk him every day. When he's behaving normally again, start taking him to the dog park. Start seeing him as your "new" dog.
How can I get my 8 year old Pomeranian to stop being so aggressive with other dogs?
By Denise H. from Tacoma, WA