Playful or agressive dog?

Question

We have an 8 mth old female bulldog who seems a tad to aggressive. My husband says she is just a puppy but I don't think so. She growls and barks and tries to bite and actually will sometimes nip at us. Until a few days ago, she didn't scare me that much but now I am jumpy around her. I don't know if she senses my fear. She has never broken skin but has left marks on myself and my husband. He says to give it a bit but I am ready to ship her off to a glue factory. I don't think it is puppy playfullness. Obedient classes didn't help at all. We bought a collar that zaps her when she gets out of control but it doesn't faze her. The vet says she is an Alpha dog and we need to let her know that she isn't but nothing seems to help and I am at my wits end. She also just got done w/ being in heat and her behavior has worsened since then. Any connection? Any suggestions from other bull dog owners.

Hey...don't worry I don't plan on putting her to sleep!

Answer 1

Dogs are pretty good about being playful but knowing how not to hurt you. It sounds to me like she's being aggressive to show you who's in charge, as your vet said. You are right to be afraid, because a dog showing aggression can get much worse at any second, if given the right stimulus. But, keep trying to get through to her, it might be a mixture of her being an aggressive breed and being a puppy. That is, she might get better as she ages. I wish I were more familiar with bulldogs, I'm sorry I can't be of more help and I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

She is running the house not you and your husband. You and your husband have to become the pack leaders and she has to learn that type of behavior is not acceptable. Visit the dog whisperer site. The man is awesome. He does not train the dog but shows owners what to do with animals that don't behave. He has a book out called Cesar's Way and some DVDs that show his methods. He is a dog Psychologist and a darn good one. Also, your dog needs to be walked at least 45 - 60 minutes twice a day. Cesar believes in exercise , discipline and then affection. The dog must be in a calm submissive state to be worked with. And, YES she can sense that you are now afraid of her and she will take advantage of that. Remember, a tired dog from exercise is easier to work with than one who is full of energy.

Answer 3

She's not aggressive. I know for a fact that she thinks she's the alpha-dog. Don't show fear, just dominance. If she bites, growls, or barks, say no loud and firm. Look her right in the eye when she's backed down the growling and such a little. Hope I'm helpful! Keep an eye on fido!!

Answer 4

I have a 10 month old Pittie/staffie mix, and he used to be a bit playful with his teeth, too. And he was just playing. Yours probably is too. Next time she does it, grab her by the scruff, put her on her back (submission position), and tell her firmly "no bite". Oh, she'll try, that is when (keeping her on her back by the scruff) you take her muzzle (from the bottom, so you don't obstruct her breathing) and hold it closed... just enough pressure to keep it closed, if you squeeze too hard, it will obstruct her breathing. Tell her again "no bite". Every time you've got to make her submit... you must *not* fear... master your fear or she will never respect you.

Answer 5

-Why- is Ur female dog still intact after her first heat?

surely, if U are planning to breed her, U are aware that she will need a C-section in order to whelp safely?

we're talking anything from $1,200 to $2k or more, assuming that she has =No Complications= : i.e., infection, calcium drop in her bloodstream, excessive blood-loss, etc.

GET HER DE-SEXED, please - ASAP!

and yes, her increased aggro-displays are most likely related to her hormonal changes; This WILL get Worse, with each succeeding estrus/aka 'heat'.

i saw the link to the 'sit-stay-fetch' trainer's site; i'd advise against it. from his copy, i'd bet he uses highly confrontational techniques to 'shut down' the dog's bossy and aggro behavior.

as U are a pet-owner, not a pro dog-trainer, U need techniques that are SAFE, as well as effective; there are things that a pro can do 'safely', i.e., they don't get hurt, that U can't.

Ur dog could also be hurt.

find a local positive trainer, or give her up to Bulldog national rescue. U're in over Ur head.

Answer 6

Get her spayed as soon as possible. This will help.
http://www.friendsofanimals.org has a certificate to get the spay done for less than $100...I went through them.

You and your family need to make sure the dog realizes she is under you, and that ya'll are higher in pack order.

I can help you do this, and advise you on the biting/nipping issue as well.

Please email me at [e-mail]
http://www.geocities.com/libertydogtraining

Answer 7

The extra you get into the mixture, the extra injury you will do. Your older canines could delight in the corporation of the toddler, yet i'm specific that usually he's had sufficient. he will tell the doggy by using warning her, and he or she would not get it, he warns her extra strongly. The extra you get in the middle to referee, the longer that's going to take for them to paintings it out. the only time you may desire to ever intervene is that if issues get out of hand. you may attempt a can of pennies - whilst it gets too tough, shake the can a pair of cases to startle them out of it. otherwise, they are going to come to an expertise on their very own. Like young ones, that's how the doggy is going to income. Who extra effective to coach him obstacles than yet another canines? that's what the parent canines could do if she have been nonetheless together with her muddle. stable success and have exciting! that's what domestic canines are for! Kris

Answer 8

If you feel that the obedience classes did not help. I would then look to find another reputable trainer that would be willing to come to your home and train you to train your dog. Most reputable trainers will do private in home training, you just need to look around. Good Luck.

Answer 9

This is an early sign of aggression and should be treated seriously. Here is a great program where Professional Trainer Daniel Stevens helps you deal with aggression specifically.

http://skycforme.sitstay.hop.clickbank.net/?type=aggression

Answer 10

hey ,bulldogs are sometimes aggresive but just show your puppy who's boss but if the bulldog doesn't work out try going for poodles because they are really docile pets