My dog has started fighting with other dogs.?

Question

He's a 7 year old male German Shepard cross. Recently (within the last few months) when we take him out for walks he has started to growl and bark at almost every dog he sees.

Can anyone suggest a reason for this or give any serious advice for a prevention.

As you can imagine we are worried in case he tries to fight a pit bull or other such dangerous dog.

Apart from this he is a gentle dog in every other way and lets children pull him all over the place.

Answer 1

First off, not all pit bulls are dangerous, but it best to be careful with any dog and aggression. Our dog does this too, we went to the pet store and bought a 'gentle leader', it looks like a muzzle, but it isnt. your dog can still open its mouth just fine. This makes it easier to to control your dog if he makes an aggressive move towards another dog.

Answer 2

I feel your pain. My dog has done the same thing in the past year. If you havent had him fixed then there really isnt much you can do. Just do what i do and watch out for other dogs the harness leash works a little bit but not much for really strong dogs like a shepard. I have a shepard and irishwolfhound mix, if he wants to pull he will pull no matter what he is wearing. A shock collar is retarded. they can malfunction and burn the dogs throat so they cant bark anymore.

Answer 3

It's not uncommon for an adult dog not to be friendly with strange dogs he enounters. It's essental you keep him on a leash so you can control him. It's worrisome even if he fights with a less scary dog than a pitbull... he could still get injured, need emergency vet care, and cost $$$. And if he's off-leash when he chews up the neighbor's terrier, they may try to sue you for their own dog's vet bills and such.

If the problem is stray dogs, call Animal Control. People shouldn't be letting their pets run loose.

If he does manage to get in a fight, don't get in the middle of it. Some dogs will give up fighting if you take a garden hose and spray the heck out of them. Be careful who walks him... you don't want one of your smaller children to panic and try to break up a dogfight.

Answer 4

Have you ever watched "Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic Channel? He's great. He would probably say that your dog thinks he's the alpha in your family, so he's in control, and in doing so, he's gotten a big ego. Does your dog obey all your commands? If not, he doesn't see you as the alpha male in his world. If you can check out this show, you'll know what to do after watching only a couple of episodes.

Answer 5

Your dog sounds as dangerous as any pitbull that I am personally familiar with. In fact, more dangerous as he is showing aggression toward other dogs. This behavior will transfer to aggression toward people if it is not "nipped in the bud". Talk to a professional about this behavior issue as soon as possible or you will have a lawsuit on your hands. Call a trainer who uses positive reinforcement training and get them to do some one-on-one sessions with you and your dog. I know people who have had similar problems and used a company called "Bark Busters" and were quite satisfied with the results.
Don't delay in addressing this issue as it will escalate to a serious problem before you know it.
Good luck.

Answer 6

Did you just have a child? Sometimes dog get protective of children. Did you or anyone in your family have an altercation with another dog? Again, they get protective, especially German Shepards. HE/she might be coming into their own and realizing that it was bred for protection and is now assuming the role. I would suggest to constantly take it to a dog park and sorround it with other dogs until it can feel relaxed. If that doesn't work, you will need to contact a behavior specialist.

Answer 7

You've received many good answers! I'll share a story that happened with my GSD a few years ago. This ordinarily sweet creature became aggressive........not acting like "herself".....after a few months of this a trip to the Vet reveled that she was suffering from a neurological condition and she crossed the Rainbow Bridge within a year. Dogs express their emotions and conditions in many ways..even illnesses. I'd take her to a Vet that is familiar with GSDs just to make sure! Blessings to you and your Dog :)

Answer 8

Here are many reasons for his behavior:

-The dog is a German Shepard, which has mean bred in him (really, these dogs were originally used during war time).

-The dog is territorial.

-You are his master and he feels that he has to protect you.

-These are intelligent dogs and they know the difference between a child playing, but he probably grew up around children.

Watch the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel on Mondays at 9:00PM or check the websites below to for information about teaching your dog to behave better.

Answer 9

get him a harness leash so you have more control over him when you walk him. another idea would be too purchase a shock collar with a remote and say bad dog and shock him whenever he growls at another dog. although this is gonna hurt hiim a little it always works. he is gonna hurt a lot more if he fights a pit bull so you'll do him a favor no matter how you enforce no fighting. this may also just be a stage or he might have had a bad experience with another dog lately. hope this helps.

Answer 10

I think you should take him to the Vet and get him checked up and ask their opinion. I know 7 doesn't seem old but the #1 reason I have heard of dogs behaving that way is when they lose their sight. They get anxious because they can't see threats as well and so more things become threatening.