What do I do about my dog's aggression? 2 yr old boxer/pit.?

Question

He is a good dog when it is just my husband and I but if you throw other people (or dogs) in the mix he gets a little psycho. I also have a 6 month old boxer that he has actually nipped a few times..once causing minor bleeding. Every incident has been over a scrap of food, dog bone, etc. But most of the time the two dogs are fine together. It's when dogs or people that he doesn't know come around he goes nuts. There is nothing I can do to control him, he's so strong I certainly can't hold him back. When he gets to this point not even a filet mignon would distract him. Although he's never bitten it scares me that he might. When children are around he has a completely different reaction. He barks and growls in a seriously aggressive way. I'm afraid he would attack a child. He also has recently began to destroy everything in the house which is the straw that has broken the camels back. I want to give him up. I would be sad without him but I feel like he's too much. What to do?

I don't want him to be euthenized. Should I take him to the humane society? Would anyone want a dog like him? I feel guilty but I think he has special needs that I unfortunately don't have time for.

I didn't choose to get a pit bull. I thought he was a "mutt" that wouldn't have those strong tendencies toward aggression. I took him from a friend's litter of puppies...I actually would have chosen a pit bull last (sorry pit bull lovers...I know they can be good dogs but you never know) It takes the right owner.

Answer 1

Sounds like you need a trainer/behaviourist.... both for the dogs and your family... its something all of you need to go to class for... they will teach not only your pups but your dog how to deal with your problems in a humanly manor..take BOTH dogs to the training.... if you take the one to the shelter they will probably euthanize him :( so if you cant keep him try finding a Rescue group.....good luck...smile

EDIT: here is some info on both breeds...
info on the breed:
FCI Official Name Boxer
Country of Origin: Germany

FCI Classification: Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds; Molossoid breeds, mastiff type.
Utilization: Companion, Guard and Working Dog.
AKC Classification: Working Group
Personality: Intelligent, playful, fun-loving, even-tempered, affectionate, very devoted to its owner. The Boxer is weary of strangers and makes an excellent protection dog. When threatened, they exhibit fearless courage that would deter most intruders. They are highly adaptive to the home environment and will not claim all your spare time.
Size Category: Medium
Height: 21-25 inches at shoulders
Colors: Fawn or brindle : Fawn comes in various shades from light fawn to dark deer red but the most attractive shades are in the middle range (red fawn). Black mask. The brindle variety : fawn background of varying shades has dark or black stripes running parallel to ribs. Stripes must contrast distinctly to ground colour. White markings should not be discarded.
Average Litter Size: 6
Life Span: 10-12 years

Grooming Requirements: A quick brushing will be sufficient.
Shedding: Moderate
Social skills: Gets along with familiar dogs quite well, but can be aggressive toward strange dogs.
Suitability for Children: The well-bred Boxer is gentle, fun loving and patient with children. He may be wary of unfamiliar children.
Exercise Needs: Very high. The Boxer needs plenty of daily exercise (2 hours daily would be ideal for this high energy dog).
Train Ability: Easy to train but can be stubborn.
Health & Behavior Issues: Boxers are considered strong and sturdy dogs, but they suffer from several genetic diseases. The most common ailments are: lung cancer, skin allergies, joint problems, paw infections, sinus infections, hip dysplasia, gum tumors, and heart problems. It is strongly recommended to buy a Boxer puppy from a reputable breeder who takes good care of their puppies and provides a healthy living environment.

some facts I found about pitbulls:
Pitbulls are GENETICALLY bred to be aggressive, that means, taking aggressive dogs and breeding with other aggressive dogs. Even if you are not breeding for an aggressive dog, the dog will have genes which make its temperment aggressive.

This means that you can have puppies bred from very calm not aggressive parents that will still be aggressive. It will take years to breed aggression out of pitbulls. Do you get it?

They are simply aggressive, and even if you have one that was raised in a loving home, doted on, goes to obiedience, gets socialized, they still have those genes. They are basically time bombs waiting to go off. I stand by what I say. There is no reason on earth for ANYONE to be allowed to, or to want to for that matter, have and own a pit bull terrier. Especially when there are so many other breeds to choose from.

It is irresponsible to keep this dog breed and promote it. Breeders of these animals sell them and they have no idea what the people are like they are selling to.
I know you love your pitbulls, but you could have easily fallen in love with another breed.

Its for pure selfishness and macho image that these dogs are kept as pets.

PIT BULL FACTS

How dangerous are pit bulls?

Temperament: The American Temperament Testing Society evaluated 122 dog breeds and found that the American Staffordshire Terrier, a type of pit bull banned in Denver, passed its evaluations 83.3 percent of the time, just behind the golden retriever (83.6 percent).

Bite fatalities: The American Canine Foundation calculated rates of human dog-bite fatalities by breed, and it found that pit bulls bite at a lower rate than many other dogs. The Doberman pinscher was found to bite 10 times as often as a pit bull. Another study concluded that fatal attacks "represent a small proportion of dog bite injuries to humans, and therefore, should not be the primary factor driving public policy concerning dangerous dogs."

Most deaths: Pit bulls and Rottweilers have caused the most deaths, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society of the United States, which examined 20 years of dog-bite data. Julie Gilchrist, a CDC doctor who researches dog bites, said many factors go into biting risk, including the health of the dog and how the animal was raised.

Answer 2

I don't really know what can help you. I have many dogs for many years. Their bark has a quality to it. A bark that goes up in high tone is many times a call for "I want to play with you" while a low tone bark, down in the throat is an angry bark. If the dog is angry, many times, the hair on its back will stand up. Its tail can still wag though. (some do, some don't) Generally, it is somewhat obvious to the owner if the dog is angry. -------- Has a child ever hurt the dog, thrown stones at it? You plan about having the children in the neighborhood give your dog treats is good, but must be done more than once. Perhaps you could have a small tray with little goodies the children could just take from when the dog gets used to it a little. Offer money, is that really needed? ----------- I have two outside dogs that are just so friendly and approachable by all even other dogs, puppies and all. Two other dogs inside are not used to people, and even when my grandson stayed here for 3 weeks, they never got to the point of getting close to him; they were always running away even with goodies. So some things are easy and other things impossible. Hope the best for you and your dog. --------- (A dog on a chain sometimes thinks he is guarding the house and is more unapproachable than when unchained. Of course, around children this cannot be tested, except by putting him an a leash. Don't ever try to force him close though)

Answer 3

i have always found that the reason dogs are aggressive around other people is because of a power struggle. When its just you and your husband then the Dog rules. The dog will not get aggressive with you because the dog is aware that he rules. When other people are thrown in then the mix the dog feels he has to overpower the strangers in order to become "top dog" again. My advice is let the dog know it is not the Leader. You live in the house and the dog is lucky enough to live with you. Once you take the "top dog" position there will be a point where the Dog will try and show its dominance. All i would do is shout at it and bang pans together. It will shock the dog into being submissive. If that dosent work i would seek the help of your vet. (It is not wise so get boxers newtered as ther is a chance of it going bald.)

Answer 4

My team of dozens rescue a lotta dogs and we deal with this issue on a daily basis. I agree with many of the posting here that you should consult a pro, but let me give you one more tactic to use. When I bring a new dog that is aggressive in my environment I firmly establish alpha and ensure that the dog understands he is at the bottom of the feeding chain. They way that I do this is to bring the dog to my living room and palce him on his side or back. Then lay on top of him and hold him until he ceases struggling. Once complete, I bring my four personal dogs in and one by one they too sit on top of him but just for a few moments as I dont want to cause undue stress to the dog. I do this roughly 3 times or until the dog gets it. With that process I have had ZERO aggression issues with the dogs I handle and believe me I get some doozies! This also works with the destructive behavior and do it every time he is even remotely aggressive to humans.

Please do not give up on your dog. But if you cannot follow this measure or that provided by a pro, please find him a home or rescue service and DO NOT get another dog of this breed.

Answer 5

He needs a professional. You will need to be prepared to come out of pocket a bit, and even then there might not be a guarantee he will be any better. Can I ask if he's been Neutered? If he is not, he may need to be, it calms them down a bit.
I know Euthanization is not a great option, but if he is as aggressive as you say, it may end up that way if it's a genetic predisposition. I would contact some of the rescues, especially pitbull rescues, they may take him instead of you putting him in a shelter, having the chance a family might take him and the children end up hurt or dead. If you do give him up, do disclose all of his behaviour, it wouldn't be fair to the next person in contact with him to not know.
I hope you can find a good behaviourist, I couldn't imagine giving up my little one, she's my everything!
I wish you luck...

Answer 6

Jeez what a surprise to hear the dog has pit in it. You need to get this situation under control right now. And above all if it's even worse with children keep all children away. If you're scared of what this dog might do why have you not done anything yet? Of course he is going to bite someone.And for all the people who are so for pits, have you ever kept tabs on how many dogs with aggression problems make it to this site that don't have pit in them. I have.

Answer 7

WHOA! Don't go given in the feller just yet! My female pit started showing aggression when she was just a little one. I never knew the effect of being the Alpha until I got her. My first pit I owned was lovable and couldn't muster up to be aggressive. The pit I have now is a little bit of a different story. I have asserted myself to making sure she knew who was boss(Alpha) and she figured it out rather quickly. I've now found a trainer who is going to help me guide Emma (my pit) into being a well trained dog ( I hope). Talk with your vet to make sure there is nothing physical going on with him, that maybe causing the behavior change, then seek a behaviorist/trainer. If you are unsure of weather he will bit, buy a soft muzzle and place it on him, this helped me with Emma.

I understand you frustration, I was to the point of giving up Emma and I couldn't figure out what was wrong, I have had other pits that never even came close to behaving like Emma. Don't give up, it will get better with a little work. Good luck to ya!

Answer 8

The dog is completly out of control. You need to establish the hierarchy in your house hold. Intense training will help with that. With an Alpha in the household you and your husband your dog will feel more secure and balanced.

The dog should sit for everything. Down when he gets to worked up. He isn't allowed to eat till you tell him, he isn't allowed to go outside even w/ the door open till you tell him. If he gets upset about the toy - take it away. When the other dog comes around tell him to down. He needs some serious bounderies.

Everything in your home should be a "command" to your dogs. Down, sit, go away, enough etc. AND they have to follow through - even if that means you have to stop what you're doing and make sure they do. To keep better control of your dog w/ the training snap a leash on him inside the house.

Contact a trainer in your area to come to your home. There are ones out there that deal specifically w/ aggressive dogs. That will be a WONDERFUL step for you to take to help this dog. He is lost and YOU and your husband need to step up (no offense) and guide him.

My Setter was aggressive towards other dogs and very hyper around children. I set more rules and bounderies in the home that when she's out and there's another dog - it takes one snap of the leash and she's down - faster than lightening!

It's possible to have the perfect dog. You just need discipline, training and love. (In that order!) oh and LOTS of exercise!!!

Good Luck

Answer 9

you dont have to put your dog asleep to control this situation... And it not the breed of dog you have, i have a Am Staff/ Blk Chow mix and he is the sweetest dog ever.. Its all the way they are brought up. you may not brought it up wrong but the dog may be lacking something.. for example Does your husband and you work every day? your dog could be lacking socialbillity.. or if you just dont give him the loving he need. hes going to think thats how all people are... and if you had your dog from about 8 weeks or so you should have properly socialized him with other dogs. he wouldnt be mean towards then now.. my pit mix has been around dogs all sizes, horses, 11 cats, and many other animals. and he dont bother with none of them. hopefully you can get your problem worked out..... Maybe try taking to your vet and see if you can get something to calm him down.. them work with him to get him used to people and other animals

Answer 10

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/gPKax

If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

Answer 11

breeds like these do get aggressive and it takes a lot of training and control. and taking him to a trainer might help. but there is that strong possibility that would not even help. l would say as much as you may not want to , to see what the human shelter will tell you. or you may have to put him to sleep. some wheres along the life of the dog, you didn't notice. he was getting the upper hand. now that he has it, it will be hard for you to correct him. if you have the money to spend on a good trainer, you could try that. other wise he may need to go to the shelter or be put to sleep. l am sorry this is a hard decision for you to make. my heart goes out to you and your family. good luck .