My boxer is 9 months old and has been going to the dog park for several months now. However, the other day she was so aggressive to all dogs. If a dog smelled her or got to close to her, she instantly turned aggressive by snarling and trying to bite. This is the first time she has done this. About a month ago, she was attacked by another dog (not hurt) but has gone to the park since and was fine. Again, this is the first time she has done this. I would like to know what types of things can I do to stop this aggression before it gets out of hand? She is trained and is obedient. Any suggestions would be great.
2006-12-18 06:48:57 · 5 answers · asked by crys2co 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Abbie is spayed
I have socialized her with my parents dog, sisters dog, cousins dog, mom-in-law dog and my aunts 3 dogs. She goes to the dog park once or twice a month...except when it snows. I feel like I have socialized her but maybe it is not enough. She is protective of me although I did not think she would be aggressive toward other dogs? Will have to think about this one. Hope this can clarify some of the questions.
2006-12-18 07:15:25 · update #1
Is she coming into heat? Many females will get aggressive when they're coming into heat if a dog gets too close - and a lot of them don't appreciate dogs rudely running up to them and sniffing. If that's not it, you can't let her off leash - why not call your puppy's breeder for advice on how to handle this. They've gone through it and will have tips for you - boxers can be hard to handle, I have a friend with a 5 month old female boxer who is very aggressive with other dogs (and she's going through training right now).
2006-12-18 06:52:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, is she coming into heat? That makes any woman cranky, and it is natural for her to warn off male dogs before her eggs are ready. She still smells enticing to males, and this may be the reason for the aggression. Some inexperienced males or those raised in an unhealthy environment will attack the female when she is the one they are trying to mate with. Not good PR!
Is she trying to defend you or someone she loves? Does she see these other dogs as compettion for your love? Getting into her head is a good first step. However, I do not condone just any dog aggression. Jerking the choke collar and saying No firmly without hysteria is the best way to warn her. If that doesn't work, carry a water pistol and spray her when there's a problem. Or try distracting with a favorite tug toy or frisbee. Use sit, stay for a time out until she is settled down. If she becomes uncontrollable and you cannot find a legitimate reason for the aggression, a swat across the nose or grabbing the head and forcing her to look at you, and a very firm No, repeated as often as possible will be required. Then sit-stay for a time out. They understand "time out", so use it as often as necessary. Do not continue to be angry or fearful; when she drops it, you drop it.
2006-12-18 15:05:42 · answer #2 · answered by dancer5224 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you socialize her enough when she was a puppy ? I cannot stress socializing a puppy enough it is very important to do that so that the dog becomes nice and shows no agression towards ppl or other dogs . I think maybe i would have her checked to make sure that her backside does not hurt also she may have some lingering issues or memories of being attacked by the other dog or she could be coming into heat like the other answerer was saying . these are just some things that might be considered . good luck and god bless and happy holidays.
2006-12-18 15:01:25 · answer #3 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she is trained and obedient then I am going to assume that she is able and willing to calmly walk beside you. I would suggest getting a color that will fit snugly around the upper part or her neck. Keep her on the leash and make her sit next to you. When another dog approaches her and she starts to act aggressive simply pull her head away from that other dog. at the same time come up with a simple command like a quick "sh!" to help snap her brain out of that aggressive mode. This worked pretty well with my chow chow and now he is one of the friendliest dogs around. I will say though try NOT to hurt your dog you don't want her to make a connection of pain with other dogs. Other than that my best advice for you is to just find a way to snap her brain out of the 'attack' mode and to simply keep her clam. Hope this helps!
2006-12-18 14:58:05 · answer #4 · answered by Drifter D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been having the same problem, and it seems it's due to lack of socialization with other dogs. She (Oreo) simply isn't around other dogs enough to know how to act around them. Oreo is also very protective of my wife, so any dog that comes near with my wife present tends to amplify the problem. We're trying to resolve it by slowly introducing Oreo to other dogs that she can get to know so they won't be considered strangers. It appears to be getting better but she'll occasionally snap and attack unfamiliar dogs if she's caught off guard. It's frustrating, but the important thing is to never hit your dog. Using a firm voice will do more than anything physical could ever do.
Good luck and use patience.
2006-12-18 15:07:40 · answer #5 · answered by FBWillie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋