dominance in dogs?

Question

I have a 2.5 year old yellow lab. She's very smart and has always gotten along with people and other dogs until my recent breakup with her mother. We share the dog and she goes back and forth each week. She loves us both and plays well with her "friends" but if another dog comes near her she's aggressive and this behavior is very new. She seems to do this more with me than my ex. She does go to doggy daycare and she is fine at school. no fighting or biting. She shows fear agression and also shows alpha dominance while on walks with me and when we visit our dog run at my complex. She is also ball obsessed. We did take her to a "behaviourist" but that didn't work out at all. The suggestions were just too dangerous to try. Any ideas on how to help my dog? I want her to be the happy dog she used to be.

Answer 1

Aggression is not easy to handle and requires the supervision of a professional. I'm sorry things didn't work out with the behaviorist you contacted, but there are lots of fish in the sea. Contact someone else. I am assuming since you said the suggestions were too dangerous to try that the behaviorist uses punishment. Look for someone who uses positive reinforcement-based methods.

Since this behavior is new I would guess that it is related to the upheaval in her routine and environment. However, it is also wise to get blood work done to rule out a medical condition, especially a liver or thyroid problem.

Answer 2

She is protecting you. She might feel your tension and has picked up that you need to be protected. If she shows aggression towards another dog, discipline her (providing you are the dominant one in the relationship with her). Once she realizes it isn't acceptable, she will quit.

As for the ball aggressive. good luck on that one. I have a pitbull mutt that is great with other dogs and people if no balls are present. If there is a ball present, and the other dog grabs it, he attacks that dog with intent to kill (if it does not drop the ball). He seriously hurt our other dog until it picked up the hint. Now, the pitbull mutt chases and gets the ball while the other dog grabs on his tail and pulls him to slow him down :). We just have to be careful not have have balls around if there are new dogs at our house, and we can never bring him to a dog park.

Answer 3

Go to leerburg.com and listen to Ed talk about dominance and aggressive dog issues. If you are smart you will listen to what he says, and do it. Please make sure you have the right attitude for this.