dog, cant get along with other dogs, and is small, HELP!?

Question

my dog is a little mut, and loves humans! but i cant even take him for a walk anymore cuz he doesnt get along with other dogs. like, we ll walk past another dog and he ll bark, yank, and the other dog will come after him!!! he is a lil dog and cute, but i think its protectiveness over me and other dogs? HELP ME!!!!
p.s. he gets along with only the nextdoor neighbor dog that is a golden retriver. my dog = male
next door neighbor= female
help!!!!!

Answer 1

You need to stand your ground, him being protective over you means that he is in Alpha dog position and you need to teach him to respect you as the 'Alpha dog', it's true. You are a member of his pack now and have to train him the way he is supposed to behave in your 'pack'.
Being scared could mean he might of been traumatized in his past by a larger dog or he isn't socialized.

Also I would suggest talking to a dog trainer and enrolling in a puppy classes, which have sessions at places like Petsmart (check yellow pages) or ask your vet about recommending a dog trainer that has knowledge about behavior problems.

The part you mentioned about the golden retriever is back to the Alpha dog position. The golden retriever has 'told' your dog that it demands respect and not to even try to challenge it.

Good Luck

Answer 2

***Please do NOT ever hit your dog.***
His behavior on leash as you've described is fear-based and it is so totally not OK to hit a dog, especially in this context!!!

I agree with Bella (above) and would just add that by paying your dog a LOT with treats whenever you see another dog, you will reinforce the idea that seeing other dogs = a good thing. If he's too stressed to take treats, move farther away from the dog that's stressing him. Dogs learn by repetition, and you will need to do this a lot to change your dog's mind about other dogs. And don't be afraid to tell other people with dogs to please back off. Be nice about it but be sure to not get your dog into a bad situation. Just say "Training - sorry!" as you back away from the other dogs, and people will understand (one would hope, anyway...) Good luck!

Answer 3

By exposing our dogs to different kinds of people, animals and environments, which involves everything from dog obedience classes to vet visits to walks to the park, we can help them develop confidence and ease. This goes a long way in helping them become resilient in the face of unsettling situations.
This is why your dog is happy with the next door neighbours dog he sees regularly and not so happy in unfamiliar environments.
The more you take your dog out the better he will become.

Answer 4

The answers you have received so far are great answers. One last suggestion that I have for you is to watch Ceaser - The Dog Whisper on National Geographic Channel. He shows dogs with that type of aggession all the time. And he shows the owners how they need to change themselves and correct that behavior.

Answer 5

Yours is funny But it is a trait in some small dogs. My 10lb JK Russell jumped out a truck window to get a chow. the chow was ignoring him but he kept up & made the chow bite him. He is determined to whoop the the biggest dogsass whenever he sees one.

Answer 6

almost the same thing happened to me with my dog, who is a mutt terrier-type. if your dog seems to love humans a lot, especially you, maybe he is very protective and territorial. you are his and he has to protect you from other dogs who seem like a threat.
try introducing him to other dogs, female would probably be better, on "neutral" ground, not your house or the other dog's, and introduce them gently to each other. calm your dog by talking to him and petting him and the other dog too. if he keeps on barking, punish him (hit him gently but firmly on the nose).
hopefully it will work for you, it worked for me and my dog. good luck!