How do I stop my dog from being aggressive towards other dogs on our walks?
Mee asked:
About four days ago I adopted a dog from a local shelter and he seemed to be fine around dogs there but whenever I take him for a walk and he sees another dog he growls. Its so embarrassing and I do my best to hold him back but then I just end up dragging him. He almost bit another dog a few days ago! Im really worried. PLEASE HELP!
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About four days ago I adopted a dog from a local shelter and he seemed to be fine around dogs there but whenever I take him for a walk and he sees another dog he growls. Its so embarrassing and I do my best to hold him back but then I just end up dragging him. He almost bit another dog a few days ago! Im really worried. PLEASE HELP!
August 31st, 2009 at 8:13 am
The dog is not socialized. Obedience lessons would solve this problem by socializing your dog in a controlled environment plus you would both benefit. You would learn how to control your dog and train it and he would learn to trust and respect you.
Dog behaviour in the shelter is not how they normally behave. It’s an abnormal environment for them so they behave abnormally. It can take months for their natural behaviour and personality to come out.
September 1st, 2009 at 1:11 pm
try taking a squeeky toy in your pocket as soon as you see another dog squeeze the toy and and gove your dog attention if the other dog has passed without your dog attacking it then reward it with a treat or lots of love and attention.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
you can try distracting him when another dog is near. bring his favorite toy and some treats on the walks and when another dog starts coming near use the toy to distract him. or when he starts getting aggressive turn and walk him the other way, when he calms down turn and walk the way you were going and just continue in that pattern and he will realize that him barking at other dogs isnt going to get him anywhere. if you are persistant he should get it.
September 4th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
By training it! Save the time of giving me the “My dog is trained line” becasue if you are in this situation or asking this question then it is obvious your dog is not trained! Train your dog!
September 4th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Hire a trainer or behaviorist, they’re the only ones who can help you.
You need to stop walking him near other dogs as well; he is dog aggressive. Try walking him very early in the morning and late at night when fewer dogs are around, and if you see one yell “my dog isn’t dog friendly!” and cross the street. Try getting a head halter or front clipping harness so that you can keep control of him if he tries to run towards other dogs.
September 6th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
i have the same problem dude. im not exactly sure what to do but giving the dog lots of attention has seemed to work for me when i tried doing it. and dont listen to the person saying oh walk it really early in the morning or late at night and just try to get away from the dogs. that person probably has no clue what they are talking about, being out early and late is when most people walk their dogs, and you should try to socialize the dog like some other have stated, dodging the situation wont solve anything.
September 9th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Don’t stuggle trying to hold him back. Thats hard on your arms. Try this. While his attention is on the other dog. Quickly put your foot as close to his collar as you can and step down on the lead. Where your foot goes, his head will follow. Hold him down until the other dog passes. He will not like this and will soon learn his behavour is unacceptable. Chose a phase he will remember..I use the phase ” Leave it ” another trainer uses ” Don’t touch ” . Drop the tone of your voice so he knows you mean business. You will see how quickly he picks up on this and he will remain calm when another animal passes. Now he may whine or even growl in the beginning, but the jumping and pulling toward other animals will stop after only a few times of using this method. And do not let him up until he’s still…if he struggles, keep him held down. This is not hurting him in any way so once you commit to putting him down,ensure he stays there until YOU decide he is calm and by calm. I mean prefectly still. Once he learns to behave on lead, your walks will be enjoyable. Then the chances of you keeping and caring for this animal long term increase tenfold. Thank you for adopting yet another unwanted pet. Their love, and devotion is unmatched when they are cared for and trained properly. Good luck.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
My dog used to be the same and I tried everything. Eventually one behaviourist suggested taking a small squirty drinking water bottle with me on a walk, and when my dog started to get aggressive towards another dog then to give him a short squirt with water. It was enough of a distraction for him to stop immediately. I only had to use this method a few times before he learned it wasnt acceptable behaviour. You have to be quick with your timing however and squirt as soon as he starts to get aggressive, otherwise he wont associate the water squirt with his behaviour.
Good luck!
September 15th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
my sisters dog did this and after watching a show on television she took a water spray bottle out with her on her walk. when her dog started going for another dog she sprayed him in the face with the water whilst saying loudly and clearly “No”. she only had to do it twice and on the third time she only needed to reach for the bottle and he stopped.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
that really is embarassing, believe me i’ve been there too, with my rottweilers..well 1st thing you have to do is talk to the 1st owner, what kind of trainings he has given to your dog. maybe he really is trained to growl with other dogs..if not here is a simple way, use a CHOKER! whenever he growls to other dogs chalk him a little bit then say “NO” in a loud way. do this everytime but always be carefull using chokers, dont aqueeze him to much, he’l get the point with a little choke..
here are more easy trainings but works in a few days
September 20th, 2009 at 6:00 am
In many cases, this behavior can be changed by teaching the dog to focus on his owner and by rewarding the dog with praise and treats for ignoring the other dog or dogs. Under no circumstances should a dog be punished or corrected for this aggressive behavior by yanking on the leash, yelling at the dog or hitting the dog. The aggressive behavior is usually caused by fear, and punishment can increase the fear and thereby increase the aggression that the punishment was intended to stop.