i have a choc lab who is aggressive towards dogs but very soft with humans and our other dog .?

Question

my dog is 2 1/2 he was attacked by a staff when he was 8 months old he was okay before this happened and he only growls at small dogs . He is such a loving and loyal lab towards anyone he meets and he loves our older dog to bits who dominates him but never in a vicious way. Has anyone else had similar experiences

Answer 1

The dog probably feels threatened by other dogs he doesnt know. He knows your older dog and therefore isnt aggressive towards it and doesnt feel threatened by humans. When he is around other dogs you need to reassure him that he is ok and let him be around other dogs to get used to it. Start slowly, but keep it up. Good luck!

Answer 2

This is a very common problem with pups that didn't spend enough time playing with others when they were 8 - 16 weeks old, and the attack at 8 months will have just confirmed his suspicions about other dogs. It is treatable!
You just need a behavioural trainer who has experience with dealing with dogs who 'weren't properly socialised'.
Basically the re-training will consist of you and him spending time among other well trained dogs, then meeting them in the local park and streets. Gradually his suspicion will die down and he'll relax. But I would suggest a refresher course for him about once a year. Plus any further attacks will set him back.
I had a terrier with the same problem and fixed it. Its embarrasing when a 9" high dog wants to fight every rottweiller he meets!

Answer 3

my mate has a lab that was only a pup when the babysitter decided to put him in the oven and try to cook him for 20mins. he luckily survived with no injuries and the people who did that to him have been punished.

ever since he hasnt liked strangers, he will only come near the family that he knows and if anyone comes near him he backs into a corner and growls.

i think your dog had a traumatic experience with that pitbull and now he is taking out his revenge on other small dogs. he doesnt pick on the bigger ones as he knows that is isnt strong enoughtto take them on. dogs are like humand and have feelings too.

I dont think he'll ever overcome his experience but maybe if you can buying another puppy might help him to get used to other dogs and stop bullying other dogs. he wont like it at first because hes been the only dog in your life, but he'll get used to it and will look after the other puppy from the experience he went through.

maybe a friend is something that he needs

Answer 4

Because your dog was young when he was attacked , it has left a lasting impression on him. The best way to find out if he can get along with other dogs again is to bring him to a 'Doggie Daycare' if you have one in your area. Most dogs act better when their owners are not present and they are not on their home turf. They act aggresive to other dogs because they are trying to protect the humans and their territory while at home. Group playing with other dogs in a clean and safe environment might be the only way you will know if your dog can overcome his uncertainty of other dogs.

Answer 5

Its A Territorial Thing, And He's Trying To Protect You When Another Dog Comes Near You, Probably Due To His Own Experience As A Pup.

Answer 6

He's trying to be the dominate dog after he was attacked now he feels a type of protection over your family its normal if you've had the dog since he was a baby

Answer 7

my dog was also attacked and also by a staff strangely enough, i think he is just reacting to the incident, my dog is ok with most dogs he is really rough with smaller dogs (but i think its rough play more than anything) but hates staffies now!! i know its a difficult one because it is your responsibilty to ensure he doesnt hurt any other dogs and so you cant let him of the lead to socialize if u know he will be agressive, but then he doesnt get any better if u do that! i would contact your vet or a behaviourist or dog trainer for help

Answer 8

yes my uncles dog was like that (but i don't know if he was ever attacked) but he got a dog trainer in and after a few weeks of training he kind of loosened up towards other dogs the trainer said that he was always tense around other dogs and he growled as a way of trying to defend himself.

Answer 9

i have had a lab before- and they are incredibly smart. i see it as a reaction to the incident, but more of a protective instinct. however since theyare so smart - i would take him to a training class and have the behavior modified. look at your local Pets-Mart type store for their adult training classes - and see if you can enroll him. this way it is not punishing to the dog, he will have some bonding time with you AND it will simply redirect the behavior you need to modify.

Answer 10

Feeding raw meat is understood-about, not as causing aggression in direction of human beings, however that's understood if an Animal is fed raw meat, and then at some degree bites a Human, the Animal would note of the flavor of raw meat, and stumble on it as a source of nutrition. it is the numerous reason now to not feed, aggressive breeds of canines raw meat. extraordinarily in homes with babies.