Dog suddenly aggressive to other dogs, pls help

[Blue326]

Hi, first post so pls be nice!

2 years ago when my labradoodle (Flossie) was 5 we got a King Charles (Milo). Upto this point Flossie was a pushover with all breathing things, she would always be submissive in play with other dogs and if another dog was aggressive to her she would just cower by me. She was (and still is) a big softie with children and babies. She accepted Milo no problem and they quickly became best buds, with Milo very quickly becoming the dominant of the 2.

When we started walking Milo, Flossie suddenly started acting aggressively toward other dogs, in particular when on a lead. This has been going on for the last 2 years, but has only been when she was on a lead. We thought she was just being protective and maybe felt threatened when on the lead.

Recently however she has started being aggressive off the lead.

This afternoon I heard a commotion at the front of my house, Flossie was on the path and had attacked another dog, turns out the guy we share access to our back garden with hadn't shut the gate and she had got out.

The other dog didn't appear injured but I will go and see the owner later to check (we live in a small village)

nothing has recently happened to spark this behaviour change. I'm scared she may soon be aggressive to children, what if that dog had been a child?

What can I do? Any advice appreciated!

 

[JoanneF]

It is very hard to say without seeing the behaviour and it is worrying that she has been honing it over quite a long time. First, for now keep her on a lead so you have her away from other dogs. Distance is your friend here. She will have an invisible radius of space around her where she feels secure and other dogs are not a threat. Find out what that is and keep her far enough away from other dogs that she is relaxed. Reward this calm behaviour. Gradually, over weeks and months, not days, work on reducing the distance. But - be aware that if your dog has had a stressful episode the stress hormone can stay in the body for up to 48 hours so a distance she was comfortable with the day before might be too close that day. So the safe distance can change, watch her body language.

You might want to muzzle train her. This has the added advantage that people often keep away! Use a basket type muzzle, introduce it as a positive thing by smearing meat paste or squeezy cheese from a tube inside it.

But in all honesty, I wonder if you might benefit from professional support. Your insurance might cover this. Be aware that dog behaviour work is an unregulated industry and the bloke next door with zero experience or credentials could set himself up as a behaviourist or trainer. So look for someone who is a member of the APBC or COAPE.

 

[crazypetlady]

It sounds like working with an experienced trainer who can witness the issues might be the best thing to do