My dog exhibits aggressive behavior, what should I do?

Question

I have read as much as I possibly can on this subject and really am just looking for a socially acceptable approach to the problems I am experiencing with my dog. She is 9 and half years old and I have had her since she was a puppy. She shows a few different types of aggression: Territorial, Dominance, and sometimes Predatory. The problem I am facing is whether or not to have her euthanized following an incident with her biting my two year old son. She has always displayed aggression toward children, particularly small children. I have been reading a lot since the incident and have decided that she feels that she has a "higher pack rating" than my son does. I love my dog very much and have spent a lot of time debating this with myself through tears. I will obviously choose my son over my dog, but would rather find a way to correct the behavior before being forced to make that choice. She is a liability and I know my neighbors would be happy to see her gone. I need opinions.

Answer 1

Has the dog always been this way? If she bit your son or anyone else, that is indeed a very serious problem. If this behavior in only a recent event, I suggest you take the animal to the vet to rule out any physical problems that has made the the dog unapproachable. If it turns out the problem behavior is not linked to a physical problem, you have to address the lack of leadership and fast. There is no way you dog should exhibit dominance in your home in any fashion. You just establish yourself as the leader now and take control of the dog and the health and safety of your family. If your up to the challenge, start by walking. Lead the walk from the moment you leave the house. That means you walk out first and lead the walk. The dog cannot walk out in front of you; only beside or behind you is acceptable. When you return home, walk into your yard/home first.

In addition to the walk, you have to establish all the rules of the house and all the family members must follow the same. Eat first, walk in first, out first, control food and water. The dog eats when you say it's ok. Prepare the food after the walk and make him wait until you feel he's calm and submissive to your wishes. If you have to, set the food down, tell the dog no and call him away from the food until you want to give him permission to eat it. Maybe you want to make him sit ot lay down for a few minutes before eating. All I'm blabbering about is really control, rules, and leadership. Everything you do with that dog MUST revolve around leading him and make sure the family participates.

If you don't establish the rules, he will and your family is really in jeopardy. Sorry, I forgot to add this. You can make this dog a happy, healthy and a member in good standing with your family. Even if the dog is 9 years old, with proper dedication and persistence by you and your entire family "Fido" will change for the betterment of all involved.

Answer 2

You say she has always displayed aggression, especially towards children, so this is nothing new. A dog that has been allowed to be aggressive for 9 years is going to be almost impossible to help at this point. You must protect your child first. If you insist on keeping this dog, she must be locked away where there is no chance of her hurting anyone. At her age she could also be painful from arthritis, which could make bad behaviors worse. This is more than simple dominant issues. I know you love her, but if she seriously injures or kills your son, you'll never forgive yourself. Giving her away is not an option--you will still be liable if she hurts someone, even if they are told she is aggressive. Also, if you end up seeking medical attention for your sons bites, by law the doctor has to report the bite to the authorities. If the dog is a repeat offender, you could be in trouble with the law or child services.

Answer 3

Reasons For Dog’s Aggressive Behaviour :

Reason 1 :
Illness .

Reason 2 :
Fear .

Reason 3 :
Anxiety .

Reason 4 :
Dominance behaviour .

Reason 5 :
Possessiveness behaviour especially for food and place .

Note : Aggressive behaviour of dog will not be change within overnight.

Steps To Stop Aggressive Behaviour Of Dog :

Step 1:
Give dog toys to your dog for playing.

Step 2 :
Give social training to your dog from puppy hood.

Step 3 :
Give regular walk and lot of exercise to your dog to change aggressive behaviour.

Step 4 :
Use muzzle when going out side with dog because it can be bite some one .

Step 5 :

Contact to vet and dog trainer they can also be change aggressiveness of the dog.

Answer 4

Why has a dog that's over 9 years old been allowed to display aggression and dominance for so long? This needed to be corrected when she was a puppy. I don't think you can do much with her now. Your son deserves, no must, feel safe in his own home. You need to make the tough decision to have this dog put to sleep. Do not hand her over to a shelter where she can possibly be adopted to bite some one else.

Answer 5

I would hate to see you get rid if your dog. Do you have a place where your dog can be by herself? Maybe even a crate. I have 3 dogs and a child. One of my dogs just likes to be by herself and doesn't like people that well except for me. I have a great fenced in area. When people visit I put my dogs in my bedroom. If you can't make some adjustments in your house to keep your dog, please try and find it a good home.

Answer 6

it is her age.She's like a rebellious teenager,and can be attempting to declare her dominance over something of the "p.c..."i could watch her.save her separated (crated) at nighttime and once you're actually not at living house so she will't harm any of the different animals,and save letting her comprehend which you're the boss.do not supply treats or toys freely precise now,save them placed away so as that she has not something to guard.Feed the animals separately,or save the cats' meals up the place she can not attain it.Make it sparkling to her that growling at you or showing her tooth isn't tolerated,whether you are able to desire to do a "scruff shake" or a "pin and stare," until she seems away and submits to you. you are able to desire to nip aggression in the bud whilst she continues to be malleable. good good fortune.

Answer 7

I recommend going to pawpersuasion.com the trainer there knows aggresive dogs how to retrain them

Answer 8

your dog may be suffering from fever,get her check from doctor,provide her yogcrud everyday.take her for walk,give her toys to play,ball is their first liking.