Aggressive with other dogs

Jamie88 · 11-02-2011, 04:45 AM

We recently bought Mercy who is almost 3 but, she has been bounced from home to home quite often. I think we are her fourth family. She is great around people and children, but she gets really aggressive around other dogs even if the other dog has shown no signs of aggression towards her. We live on an Army base where there are dogs everywhere and if she bites another dog we will have to get rid of her. I am looking for a way to correct this behavior as soon as I can. Any advice is much appreciated.

jetscarbie · 11-02-2011, 05:27 AM

You would probably do very well investing in a good trainer for her.

Poor baby has been shuffled around so much that's it is probably impossible to tell what's shes been exposed to over 3 years. A good trainer will help you figure out where to go and what to do from here.

It is possible that she may never do well with other dogs. Some don't.

**Samba** · 11-02-2011, 06:43 AM

Where are the dogs that she is acting aggressively towards?

**MaggieRoseLee** · 11-02-2011, 10:23 AM

There's a good chance in the bouncing around she wasn't socialized properly and maybe even had some bad (getting attacked) experiences. Normally what you describe LOOKS like an agressive dog but is usually more likely a fearful reaction. The snapping/barking/growling keeps those scary dogs AWAY, and distance is more calming in the long run when other dogs are around.

Finding a dog trainer to help would be a good start. Probably with privates. This will also help your dog gain more confidence with you as a LEADER so they'll feel you maybe will take care of some of the scary dogs and they can leave it to you. But until they KNOW you have that role, they feel it's up to them to over react.

The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell is full of great ideas to put us in the leadership role that is NOT an obedience book. Tons of easy things we can do throughout the day.

Amazon.com: The Dog Listener: Learn How to Communicate with Your Dog for Willing Cooperation (9780060089467): Jan Fennell: Books

Have you started clicker training yet? For adult and puppies... Intro to Clicker Training (perfect for puppies!)

And then does this video look familiar???

Surprise Party - Clicker Training: helping the reactive dog - YouTube

Stosh · 11-02-2011, 11:20 AM

If she's your first gsd you might be misinterpreting her actions- like others have said she may be fearful not aggressive. It would be best to have her evaluated by a good in-home trainer and go from there.

gagsd · 11-02-2011, 11:47 AM

IMO, whether she is fear aggressive or just plain-old aggressive.... obedience is the key. She needs to be taught to walk properly on leash, and have a very solid sit/stay. This needs to be taught at home first, and then gradually add distractions until you can take her out in public for walks.
I assume, since you are on a base, that there will not be a lot of loose dogs running around.

Don't be afraid to tell people "no" you can not approach my dog. Might even consider getting a harness with "no pet" "in training" stickers. Patrol Dog Harness - $34.99 : Dog Equipment, Police Dog, Schutzhund, Service Dog, Dog Agility
and these
Identification Badges Embroidered 2 x 3 - $7.49 : Dog Equipment, Police Dog, Schutzhund, Service Dog, Dog Agility

I am not recommeding using the harness to walk the dog, just have her wear it to keep others away.
Often, once your dog has solid obedience, the other issues diminish.

pets4life · 11-04-2011, 01:56 PM

is there one that says keep dogs away? Strangers will often try to make their dogs meet yours even without asking even if you dont have a dog aggressive dog its not something you want to deal with while going on walks because you never know when 2 dogs will not like each other. Scary thing is small dogs.

11-02-2011, 04:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jamie88 New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 3	Aggressive with other dogs We recently bought Mercy who is almost 3 but, she has been bounced from home to home quite often. I think we are her fourth family. She is great around people and children, but she gets really aggressive around other dogs even if the other dog has shown no signs of aggression towards her. We live on an Army base where there are dogs everywhere and if she bites another dog we will have to get rid of her. I am looking for a way to correct this behavior as soon as I can. Any advice is much appreciated.

11-02-2011, 11:47 AM	#6 (permalink)
gagsd Knighted Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 2,970	IMO, whether she is fear aggressive or just plain-old aggressive.... obedience is the key. She needs to be taught to walk properly on leash, and have a very solid sit/stay. This needs to be taught at home first, and then gradually add distractions until you can take her out in public for walks. I assume, since you are on a base, that there will not be a lot of loose dogs running around. Don't be afraid to tell people "no" you can not approach my dog. Might even consider getting a harness with "no pet" "in training" stickers. Patrol Dog Harness - $34.99 : Dog Equipment, Police Dog, Schutzhund, Service Dog, Dog Agility and these Identification Badges Embroidered 2 x 3 - $7.49 : Dog Equipment, Police Dog, Schutzhund, Service Dog, Dog Agility I am not recommeding using the harness to walk the dog, just have her wear it to keep others away. Often, once your dog has solid obedience, the other issues diminish. __________________ Animals do not have rights. Owners have responsibilities. www.columbusworkingdogs.com Last edited by gagsd; 11-02-2011 at 11:49 AM.

11-02-2011, 05:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
jetscarbie Master Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 744	You would probably do very well investing in a good trainer for her. Poor baby has been shuffled around so much that's it is probably impossible to tell what's shes been exposed to over 3 years. A good trainer will help you figure out where to go and what to do from here. It is possible that she may never do well with other dogs. Some don't.

11-02-2011, 06:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
Samba Administrator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: USA Posts: 6,447	Where are the dogs that she is acting aggressively towards?

11-02-2011, 11:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	If she's your first gsd you might be misinterpreting her actions- like others have said she may be fearful not aggressive. It would be best to have her evaluated by a good in-home trainer and go from there.

11-04-2011, 01:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
pets4life Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 465	is there one that says keep dogs away? Strangers will often try to make their dogs meet yours even without asking even if you dont have a dog aggressive dog its not something you want to deal with while going on walks because you never know when 2 dogs will not like each other. Scary thing is small dogs.

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