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Advice, please! I am becoming agressive towards other dogs!

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Max

Somewhere there- is something I- can eat..		 
 
Barked: Mon Jan 14, '08 3:01pm PST 
Hey guys, posting this here and in the Behavioral forum, looking for a little advice, please!

So, lately, I have been a bit of a punk, according to my mom. I have always had an obsession with small dogs (except my brother Fred, who I get along fine with)... usually though it is just that I follow them around staring at them until my Mom distracts me from them. Lately, when they get close to me, I turn around growling and snapping at them. Today, I accidently bit my mom because she grabbed me and I turned around and nipped her hand. It didn't bleed, but I hurt her... I did stop when I saw it was my mom, though... But she is very disturbed by it. So, the person with the other maltese-looking dog went to the other side of the park, and we were fine again. (My two siblings, and my Lab friend Maggie were all on the same side just fine.) About thirty minutes later, a guy with a pretty white bulldog came in and it was fine for a few minutes. My little sister Xena (5 months) was jumping around and I think a little too much for an older dog and the bulldog growled. So, I got in the middle of it and before I knew it, we were fighting and mom was grabbing me and yelling again! . The bulldog's owner was very nice about it- (at least that fight was even) but still, that's two fights in one day.

Mom has this to add:
This is a new thing. Max has grown up around other dogs and been properly socialized with all dogs. He is 21 months and neutered. This started about a month ago where I felt that I couldn't trust him around small dogs... Now, every time we go to the park, it is some dog or another- today was the first time he went after a bigger dog. So, I have never had an aggressive dog, and don't know how to handle this- any suggestions? It is absolutely not directed at people, he loves all people, and once you get him calmed down, loves all other dogs again... It's literally like he is bipolar and something sets him off and he just goes... Sorry this is so long, any advice is appreciated.. Thanks!
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Eve

Eve: aka Evil- Sidewinder		 
 
Barked: Wed Jan 16, '08 8:14pm PST 
awww Max .... wish i could help frown sounds kinda like you want to protect your pack thinking maybe some other pups can help you out ...
or in the behavior & training forum.
hughughughug
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Rocco

Don't let things- bother you!		 
 
Barked: Wed Jan 16, '08 8:20pm PST 
You might want to get help from a behaviorist because its hard to get the whole picture over the internet. Is it specific to size, breed, or other traits of the dogs he gets this way with.

Mom just noticed that you have the markings of my sister Kema and I have more of the markings of Xena. Opposites laugh out loud
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Rocco

Don't let things- bother you!		 
 
Barked: Wed Jan 16, '08 8:26pm PST 
Has there been any changes in your/his life?
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Max

Somewhere there- is something I- can eat..		 
 
Barked: Thu Jan 17, '08 2:41am PST 
Other than Xena coming home? My hubby and I were talking about it, and a lot of the agressions did start after Xena started going to the park with us... I am starting to wonder if maybe she isn't the problem...

I did post in the Behavioral forum, but no one really responded. I was also hoping someone with a very stubborn Boxer might have been through this and have some advice. We have talked to a couple of trainers, one met me at the dog park, and I really didn't like the way that she interacted with me or Max. She talked down to me and talked to Max in a baby voice when she greeted him (sorry, personal pet peeve b/c it gets him REALLY wound up for absolutely no reason...) .

A friend suggested using a shock collar, but I really dislike that idea. Esp after reading some of the posts in the behavioral forum. I think I will keep trying to find someone who is willing to work with him in the environment he has problems... Thanks for the support!
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Max

Somewhere there- is something I- can eat..		 
 
Barked: Thu Jan 17, '08 2:44am PST 
Rocco, it is not really specific to any particular kind of dog. Basically he is fine if the dog comes up and smells, greets Xena, etc. If the other dog acts assertive AT ALL, it's like Max snaps. He dosen't start it, but he definitely escalates it and finishes it (or tries to!). Does that make sense?
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Buster

661982		 
 
Barked: Thu Jan 17, '08 5:46am PST 
I have a boxer who will be 4 next month and he is getting more aggressive and when i talked to my trainer he said that boxers males especially are very dominant and if there is another dog that they feel is trying to be more dominant or they feel threatened by them they will be aggressive with that dog. her said the reinforce that that type of behavior is unacceptable and if the dog continues to display that kind of behavior than don't take him to the park when there are a lot of dogs there (and when there are a lot of dogs at the park is NORMALLY when i see aggression in him), or if it still continues than stop taking him to the park until the problem is solved and only go for walks and MAKE him realize that you are more dominant than he is. i hope this helps good luck!!
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Gwydion

Boxer Gentleman 		 
 
Barked: Thu Jan 17, '08 9:35am PST 
You may want to contact a pro handler/trainer of boxers. The dominant behavior in a boxer is really very common against other dogs. BUT there is hope and ways of training it down. The lady who runs Trifecta Boxers is world known for being a boxer expert, so you could try to call her (or write) and maybe get some suggestions as to someone in your own area to help out, or she may be able to help you just by guidance.

http://www.geocities.com/trifectaboxers/contents.htm Is the addy.
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Rocco

Don't let things- bother you!		 
 
Barked: Thu Jan 17, '08 10:25pm PST 
Try to look up some socialization classes in the area. You may want to take Max to the park by himself with Xena not there to rule out whether it is only in the presence of Xena. Second, are they on leash when this happens? Does it only happen on leash? Is the aggression only when they meet or if he passes another dog too?

I would start off by proofing his obedience. I don't know how much you've done in obedience or what methods you use but here is what I would suggest. For now cut back on him coming nose to nose with other dogs. As another dog approaches (if you are on the sidewalk pull of to the side) see if you can get him to do a down stay or sit stay.It is also helpful to try to keep their attention so they don't focus on the dog and get riled up. And let the dog pass. If he obeys then praise him for a job well done. If not I would correct him and place him back in the sit or down. If you can notice his body language relax after the dog passes that is when I would praise and continue. If the sit or down seems to make the situation worse then I would see if you can keep him in a heel and just walk past the dog. If he passes with flying colors then great.

Next, I would have people you know help you by bringing their dogs for a meeting but have then meet slowly. Do not stop and let them sniff just go for a walk and slowly allow the dogs to get a scent of each other. The walking keeps them from getting "possessive" of a certain spot- by walking the greeting becomes second in importance. If you keep moving just right the dogs will not have a chance to get all "big and bad", stand tall, and looking at each other like I'm watching you. Slowly bring them to the point where they can walk next to each other with out it being a big deal.

Sometimes, we have to go back and lay good foundations. Taking a step back to evaluate and correct the situation is always better than allowing the problem to continue. Go back to the basics. Its better to go slow and have everything go well.
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Tank

Settle Down Tank		 
 
Barked: Fri Jan 18, '08 3:32am PST 
1st of all we are not professionals. I have had and raised and trained my own dogs all my life. Boxers only the last 5 yrs. My 1st boy was verrrrry mellow . Now Tank on the other hand has been a handful since day one. I have had to remind him daily that I am the boss. My suggestion is a daily re train session. Long on leash walk alone and then onleash basic command session. Never ever let him win a battle of wills. No baby talk or behavior to incite excitement. Sometimes a job (carrying a pack or finding something by scent everyday) before the park. Also try it alone at the park a time or two to concentrate on him. Have friends come to his house and remind of socialization skills. Always stand above him during work times. Never eye level or him above you. Most of all don't give up. I would not take for Tank. He is wonderful w/ my grandaughter (2yo) So gentle and very protective. He is only dominant with other dogs. I just remind him daily that I will NOT under any circumstances permit bad behavior. Good Luck
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