I have a dog that's aggressive toward other dogs. What can I do to break her of this with out harming her ???

Question

The dog is a good and loving animal to humans and I don't want break her spirit.

Answer 1

There is no easy answer to this question. I would find a trainer in your area that specializes in dog aggression. Often they will have training dogs that will help yours get over their issue be it fear/dominance/protection. There are different reasons for aggression. It could also be that your dog is in pain somehoe and is warding the other dogs off. You may want to take him to the vet for a physical just to rule that out, though if that were the case you'd most likely see a change in their reactions towards humans as well.

Here's a site where you can search for certified trainers in your area.
http://www.apdt.com/po/ts/default.aspx

Answer 2

It depends on how old she is. If she's young, you can start socializing her more. Take her to a dog park, but gradually work her up to being off leash. Don't do it until you are sure she will be ok and not hurt any of the other dogs. Take her to the outside of the fence, on leash, and praise her when she shows good interest. When she barks or growls, tell her no.
Let the other owners pet her. The people will smell like the dogs and will help her understand that she shouldn't be threatened.
Also, petsmart offers puppy classes for a small fee. You can socialze her there too.
If she's old, it's going to be a lot harder, but it is possible.
Wait until she's better until you introduce any new pets at your home. That's HER territory, so she thinks, and is more likely to be aggressive there then anywhere else.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Your dog will probably never *like* other dogs. But you can teach her how to tolerate them and how to behave appropriately around other dogs.

First things first, you need a background in basic obedience. Especially if you want or need to approach this problem by yourself. Depending on her level of aggression you may be able to take regular group obedience classes (which would help you bond as well as help her learn to behave and listen around distractions such as other dogs) or there may be a special class in you area for "feisty fidos" (classes taught by instructors experienced with problem animals geared specifically towards more aggressive dogs). Or you may have to do private or at home training.

A Board-and-Train program (where you drop the dog off at a training facility/kennel) may sound appealing and may even work for you. But Board-and-Train is not the best method for training a dog IMO. After all, they train the dog but that doesn't mean that your dog will respond the same way to you when you get her home again. Plus, training of any kind promotes the bond between dog and handler. Do you really want your dog developing a trusting bond with a total stranger rather than yourself? By doing the training yourself (preferably with the aid of an experienced trainer...after all, books are great but nothing replaces the value of having a real live person right there to explain and show you how to employ techniques and answer questions) your bond will become strong and your dog will learn to look to you as a leader.

There are a few books that are really good for explaining and describing ways to deal with dog aggressive dogs. Fight! A Practical Guide to the Treatment of Dog-Dog Aggression by Jean Donaldson, Aggression in Dogs: Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification by Brenda Aloff, and Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog by Emma Parsons. These books all discuss primarily positive methods that will help you deal with dog aggression in a non-threatening and non-abusive manner.

Answer 4

I have a almost 2 year old Australian Shepherd that is like that. She wasn't properly socialized when she was a puppy so she is aggresive towards other dogs and something people. But she is the best Agility dog. But... basically, keep her distracted around other dogs. Award her (with food or treats) when she is good around other dogs. You can take her to classes. If she barks at other dogs, have her sit next to you and focus on you and ignore the other dog. And always Keep her at a safe distance away from other dogs to prevent fights, which will only increase her aggresiveness.

hope it helps
PS. She will always probably be agressive...

Answer 5

I even have 4 Golden Retrievers yet no professional education so take my suggestion consequently. the 1st questions i might ask is how the owner of the canine reacts to the two the adult males and the different canines. canines are very intuitive and in the event that they experience the owner is startled or afraid, he/she may well be protecting of the owner. the 2d element that I furnish is it particularly is feels like your buddy hasn't widespread herself because of the fact the alpha. The canine needs a correction the 2d he shows aggression. No mixed alerts. appropriate behaviors not wanted and do it continuously. a thank you to humanely appropriate a canine is obtainable from all varieties of aspects online and in books. Ask valuable canine vendors for recommendations, as properly. finally, is the canine getting sufficient exercising so as that boredom/aggression isn't being fostered?

Answer 6

You don't have to break her spirit, just teach her that you are the master or leader of the pack. If you take her to a training school you should be there too, because a lot of the learning is for you also

Answer 7

I have a friend with a rotweiler that had the same problem. he asked around, got a GOOD REPUTABLE dog trainer, gave him up for two weeks, went and trained a weekend witht the dog and the trainer, and now the dog is PERFECT. still ultra-friendly to people but stops on a dime when told to by his owners. it was expensive, but well worth it.

Answer 8

You can take some obedience training classes with her, that will help socialize her with other dogs and teach you how to deal with her when she does get aggressive to another dog.

Classes are fun for you and your dog, and they do help.

Answer 9

Obedience classes

Answer 10

I have the exact same kind of dog. Mine is a chocolate Lab. You can do nothing, just accept it. My Lab is now 11 years old and nothing has changed. She especially loves children.