Weird aggression

[dotdash]

So, I've been socialising Dash with lots of people and animals, but we're having some problems with aggression towards other dogs. She wasn't aggressive with her litter mate from what I saw when I collected her three and a half weeks ago. She doesn't like other dogs being anywhere near her. If they come up to say hello the very least she'll do is growl and pull a (very unattractive) sneer. She has nipped a full grown lab on the nose and if we didn't tell people to back off I expect this wouldn't have just been a one off.

As far as I'm aware she hasn't had negative experiences with other dogs that would influence this behaviour. She was pounced on by a boxer outside a Starbucks, but it wasn't savage, it gripped her harness and flipped her on her back, she screamed a lot and was terribly frightened, but came to no physical harm. Thing is, this was after she'd already shown aggression towards other dogs, including her nipping incident.

She's about 21 weeks old now - anyone have any ideas how we might help her understand that she's not in any danger and other dogs could be fun? We did have some discussion with some friends who said a relaxed breed of dog might help her if we'd consider having a second, either a docile sort of pup that she could grow up with, or an older dog to demonstrate how to behave. We're thinking about it but not entirely certain it'll be the right thing to do. We are planning on getting a second dog at some point, but a little further in the future.

 

[KateandSam]

Hi , first of all , I wouldnt advise you to get another dog , not for a while anyway and definately not until you have dealt with the problems with Dash . At 21 weeks , the aggression isnt likely to be just aggression but more a case of fear . Dogs have the flight or fight instinct, so when they are on lead and cant escape , they take the fight option ! I really think the best thing to do is to ask your Vet about puppy socialisation classes , they are very good for fearful dogs , lets them meet others in a controlled environment . Do you know someone who has a calm dog , someone you could take Dash for a walk with ? This would help an awful lot, its a case of building her confidence and letting her see that not all other dogs are out to get her, good luck !

 

[Rosie33]

I agree with Kate, another dog at this stage would not be a good thing, in my opinion.

Her problem does sound like fear and certainly, the incident with the Boxer will have made things worse.

A good training class could work well for her in helping her to relax around other dogs. x

 

[dotdash]

Thanks for the replies We went to puppy class tonight for the first time and it was actually so much better than I had expected. She barked as she went in, got a little growly with a poodle, but by the end of the evening the poodle was her favourite other dog there and they were having a good sniff, bow and jump together. She met adult dogs on the way out and was more inclined to sniff and wiggle than to snap. Was quite amazing, and very reassuring for me! We're continuing in training so hopefully will see more of the same.