Aggression towards dogs (sometimes)

[Brenda]

Hi,

Rufus is my 9 month old mini smooth..., most of the time he is the sweetest little guy, but lately I have noticed that sometimes he acts aggressive towards other dogs (mostly big) dogs. It seems to depend on the dog, most dogs he likes and others he does not. 90% of the time he is friendly, but that 10% is embarrassing when it does happen. He has been to puppy school and got along great with the dogs there. We have had him since a puppy and he gets lots of interaction with other dogs.

Any suggestions?

Brenda
Rufus' Mom)

[Mark]

Hi Brenda,

Does it always happen in a particular place or type of place or does it occur anywhere.

If anywhere . . . Rufus probably needs to be socialized more. Pet stores are a good place to expose him to other dogs. You said he's been to puppy school is that obedience training? If not, obedience training can help too.

If it's a particular place . . . where? Is it possible he feels ownership/territorial of those places?

The other thing is that he may feel threatened or that you are threatened by the bigger dogs.

Mark

[Brenda]

Hi Mark,

Usually it happens when we are out walking. I always try to go a different route every day so that we don't get bored and it gives him to opportunity to run into different dogs.

I'm beginning to think that either he feels threatened or he feels he is protecting me. Luckilly the few times it has happened, it has been with mostly big mellow dogs that were not bothered by him. Could he be trying to prove that he is the dominant male? It also just recently started happening - I would say so far it's happended 3 times.

He plays with lots of other dogs and has no problems. The puppy school was for Obedience Training. He was quite the stubborn little guy at school, but did manage to get his diploma.

Brenda

[Krista]

Many dogs may act agressively toward other dogs when they are on a leash. This supposedly goes with the fight or flight instinct. The leash takes away the "flight" option. They cannot flee a threatening situtaion. Their only option is to be agressive in a situtation that frightens them. This is why many trainers do not suggest introducing dogs on a lead, but to let them out into a neutral fenced area, and if you are worried about biting, to muzzle them.

That might be the problem. He might also think of you as his property and that he must protect you from the big bad doggies.

I agree that socialization would be the best route. Is there a dog park near you, or a doggie play group? Maybe you have friends with dogs of various sizes that could get together with you for play time Buy a properly fitting muzzle and use it, if you think he might bite.

[DoxieNut]

I'm having a similar issue. Chili generally loves other dogs, especially large breeds (she seems to think she is a GSD)...recently we ran into a neighbor that has a black lab puppy. She got all ferocious...lips curled back, fangs barred, growling the lowest, meanest sounding growl I've ever heard. I couldn't understand it. After some other encounters, I finally discovered her problem. She does NOT like un-fixed male dogs! She's fine with all females, and fixed males, but not un-altered males! It's weird, and must be something hormonal. I don't think there's anything I can do about it, but at least now I understand what's happening!