We have a 4 year old catahoula leopard that we adopted a year ago. We were told by the shelter that she was spayed and that she got along with other dogs. A year later, we have found out that she is neither spayed nor gets along with other dogs. (We were embarrassed at the vet to find out she wasn't spayed.) Needless to say, she is getting spayed next week. However, she is very aggressive towards other dogs to the point of being dangerous. She has NEVER been aggressive toward people or our cat. Would training be effective in this situation? We would like to be able to take her for a walk without getting dirty looks from every one and take her to the park without fear of her hurting another dog.
2007-05-22 09:45:05 · 10 answers · asked by Finraziel 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
These dogs are known to be dog aggressive, especially with same sex dogs, and territorial. They need an experienced owner who's not in the least timid about staying on top of their training. Since this dog was gotten from a shelter (and one who obviously lied to you), it's going to be tough. You don't know anything about her background and catahoulas, if neglected or mistreated, either turn shy or aggressive. You might be best to consult a behaviourist to see what you can do with her, or take her to someone who does one-on-one obedience.
2007-05-22 09:52:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 17⤊ 3⤋
I know a a similar story that happened when a someone adopted a dog from a shelter. While shelters in themselves are good, the people who work there are not always honest. You should defiantly have a talk with whoever runs that shelter.
As for aggression, I think special training classes would be your best bet.
Also you can try going to a doggie park, and sitting down on the grass with your dog some distance away. Feed her treats, give her attention and praise. Bring a favorite toy and play with her right there. If this goes well move her close and closer to the other dogs. While this will not exactly ensure that she will PLAY nicely with other dogs, it will at least help her from trying to go after every dog she sees in the distance. At least that way she will behave a little better while you walk her around the neighborhood.
2007-05-22 09:55:52 · answer #2 · answered by Maria 3 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Training can be very effective, provided you use a behavior based trainer and not a pop and jerk.
Also, the difference between a dog on leash acting 'aggressive' and off leash is major.
There are lots of things that can help.
Try looking here for a trainer:
www.ccpdt.com
2007-05-22 10:01:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Training would probably help immensely, it sounds like she has alpha dog issues, basically the dog thinks she is the top dog in your house, which would explain whey she is cool with your people and your cat: because she sees them as a part of her pack. She is aggressive to other dogs because they are seen as strangers and they are trespassing in her territory and possibly even threatening her dominance over her pack. You need some obedience training to let her know that you are the alpha dog, then she will not be so aggressive because if you are okay with the strange dogs and you are the pack leader then they must be okay.
My dog is great around other dogs when we are out walking, but if any dog gets anywheres near our yard when we are at home she will bark like crazy. She also used to pull so hard I couldn't even take her for a walk without being dragged around. That was until I started using a Halt! collar, which operates under the same principle as a choke chain but is not so painful for the dog. Halt! collars are about $20 at Walmart, they are a good tool for training.
2007-05-22 09:55:50 · answer #4 · answered by fleetwind141 4 · 9⤊ 1⤋
Of course you can train this dog to be non aggressive when around other dogs. That is the only way to correct this behavior. Just guessing, but with a lot of experience, your dog is fear aggressive. That it is afraid of other dogs. I'm surprised it is not also afraid of strangers. You mean strangers can come right up and pat the dog on the head? If so, good. Enroll in a good obedience class and this will teach you about dog behavior and give you the tools to correct bad behavior and help socialize your dog to other dogs.
2007-05-22 11:06:19 · answer #5 · answered by DaveSFV 7 · 7⤊ 2⤋
Yes, find a good trainer that doesn't hurt the dog and uses positive reinforcement.
2007-05-22 09:51:50 · answer #6 · answered by [random name] 4 · 7⤊ 1⤋
You should watch the show Caesar on animal planet. He is good at these things. Also, she may calm down after being sprayed.
Good luck!
2007-05-22 09:55:55 · answer #7 · answered by Beaker73 1 · 3⤊ 6⤋
it is possbile, however it will take time and energy on your part to correct the behavior.
2007-05-22 09:51:31 · answer #8 · answered by coasty4now 1 · 4⤊ 3⤋
id sue the shelter for misinforming you ..they can get into huge trouble for that
2007-05-22 09:52:49 · answer #9 · answered by greyhound mummy 4 · 3⤊ 10⤋
No not really
2007-05-22 09:48:05 · answer #10 · answered by Yorkie; Dogue de Bordeaux 3 · 0⤊ 9⤋