My dog is very agressive and territorial. What can I do?

Question

I have a 5yr old female lab/shepard cross who is very territorial and seems to be getting worst. She has bitten 3 dogs, no major wounds. If we take her to the kennel where there are other dogs, she seems fine. She is friendly with women, not men until she gets used to them and most children. My wife and I have had enough and are thinking of getting rid of her, but she is so attached to us. We have no idea what to do because the dog knows that she has done something wrong everytime. She will avoid us and go lay by herself for hours.

I have a 5yr old female lab/shepard cross who is very territorial and seems to be getting worst. She has bitten 3 dogs, no major wounds. If we take her to the kennel where there are other dogs, she seems fine. She is friendly with women, not men until she gets used to them and most children. My wife and I have had enough and are thinking of getting rid of her, but she is so attached to us. We have no idea what to do because the dog knows that she has done something wrong everytime. She will avoid us and go lay by herself for hours.

Thanks for the answers I have received so far. To answer some of the questions. Tasha has not been to dog class, but I have spent tons of time training her. She is a very obedient dog (99%) of the time. Also she knows her place in our family. She knows that my wife and I are in charge. She stops her attack as soon as I tell her to stop (all times it has been a split second ie. gotten off her leash). I have socialized her the best I can.

Answer 1

aggression is really a sign of fear gone bad; most dogs are doing what they feel you are not; being the leader and running things; so your dog is taking over the role; it is like a bully in school, put him in a different circumstances and where's the bully; you can retrain the dog but it will take time, patience and consistent training; is this dog getting exercised? a tired dog is less likely to be an agressive one; she is looking for direction and is not getting any; she knows to feel bad but what else can she do ; she doesn't have the skill and training to correct herself; a better trained dog with you as the leader is a happier dog; check out the dog whisperer , I think that can help; also it is easy to get along with a caged animal; she is protecting herself b/c she feels that someone has to do ; take control and everyone will be happy. Good luck

Answer 2

Training Method 1 - It is never too late to start socializing Poochie, even if Poochie has long passed puppy stage. In fact, it is all the more important for socialization to start. Many dog to dog aggression is caused by Poochie’s lack of understanding of a dog’s common body language as well as the canine behavioural code. Frequent socializing will ensure that Poochie picks up this canine knowledge fast and gain more confidence around other dogs. You will be surprised at how much socialization will help curb dog to dog aggression. However, because your Poochie is dog aggressive, please be alert at all times to ensure other dogs’ safety as well.

Training Method 2 - Sometimes, prevention is better than cure. When bringing Poochie out to meet other dogs, do observe his every move. You will learn to pick out signs of Poochie’s warnings that he might attack any minute. When you spot these early tell tale signs, cheerfully say a "let’s go" command and bring Poochie to a quiet corner away from other dogs. Stay isolated with him for a few minutes before bringing him out to meet the other dogs again. Repeat whenever you see the slightest warning signs of aggression.

Training Method 3 - Dogs like humans, have 2 basic instincts when faced with a threat - fight or flight. Your dog aggressive Poochie will most likely choose the former in an uncomfortable situation with other canine friends. You however can let Poochie know that a flight option exists and that he should learn to flee the situation instead of choosing to fight. Whenever you sense a fight coming, grab Poochie’s collar and run. If you do this consistently, Poochie will be conditioned to flee a threatening situation instead of taking it head on, thus avoiding a fight.

An important pointer to remember:
Do not attempt to keep your dominant dog at home all the time to avoid a fight. You are doing him more harm than good. Help him socialise with his doggies friends and be ready to take him to a quiet spot when he is getting work up. Over time, he will get better at making friends with other dogs and learn to play with them.

Answer 3

Is your dog spayed? If not, there could be a hormonal influence causing the aggression. Take her to the vet to make sure there isn't something else going on like arthritis (I know she's only 5 but it has happened in young dogs) or other sickness like diabetes.

If you have never taken her to an obedience class, there is no time like the present. Many dogs that are not sure of their rank in the pack will lash out and try to be the dominant one. You can NOT let that happen, you and all humans in the household must be dominant, she needs to learn that she has to listen to you whether it is to sit before feeding her or calling her back if she takes off after another dog. You may need a trainer who specializes in "problem" dogs... but not one who is going to "force" her to behave... clicker training is one excellent method. Check out Patricia McConnell's website (dogsbestfriendtraining.com) or the "Nothing in Life is Free" training program for other options.

I'm not saying your dog is bad, but I do think you owe it to her to make things right and obedience training is one of the best ways out there.

Answer 4

there are schools out their for agressive dogs-- for now keep a muzzel on her so no one gets hurt.

Answer 5

it sounds like a great dog to me

Answer 6

Keep the dog will problably protect the family.

Answer 7

you should take her to a tranning place or u should take her to the vet because it sound like she has problem

Answer 8

throw people in the backyard that you dont like

Answer 9

obviously you have not had enough -GET RID of the DOG!!!!

Answer 10

starT training that ***** NOW!!!!!!!!