How do you help a dog get over aggression towards other dogs?

5 Responses to “How do you help a dog get over aggression towards other dogs?”

1. Jen says:

   11/21/2011 at 2:04 pm

   Aggression isn’t something you want to mess with unless you are an experienced trainer. The dog needs to be desensitized to other dogs and the very best way to do that is in a controlled environment under the direction of a trainer that is experienced with aggressive dogs.

   So … find yourself a good trainer and make your goal to be able to pass the CGC (AKC Canine Good Citizen) test. If it’s not a real bad case of aggression, it can actually be dealth with and cured pretty quickly, but you need to have an experienced trainer see how bad the aggressive response is and guide you through dealing with it.
2. Bonzie12 says:

   11/21/2011 at 2:53 pm

   Contact a professional trainer in your area and see if they can help you out. this is really something that should be handled by a professional for the safety of both dogs involved.
3. Ellesmera says:

   11/21/2011 at 3:45 pm

   I would try to correct the behavior whenever he growls or snaps at other dogs. This way, over time he will learn that he should not be aggressive towards other dogs and that they are not going to harm or hurt him.

   On the toehr hand, for the safety of both dogs and both you and your dog, I would avise to get a proffessional or expert on this manner.
4. Wheaten Mom says:

   11/21/2011 at 4:16 pm

   No short answer to this one. I would try to seek out a professional trainer or behaviorist (the two are not the same).

   Start a serious Nothing In Life is Free program.

   Here is two links to locate some for your area…
   http://www.apdt.com/po/ts/default.aspx
   Assoc. of Pet Dog Trainers –>good positive trainers.

   http://www.iaabc.org/suchen/
   The International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants

   I would definitely recommend someone who has knowledge of dog behaviors. Who knows all the quads and extinction. Who knows Operant conditioning and Classic Conditioning, and who knows how to apply them. Anyone who uses corrections/aversive’s should be skipped over.

   In the meantime some books you should pick up and read—>

   “Control Unleashed” by Lesile McDevitt. Geared towards the agility dog, it has great exercises for the reactive dog (and for any dog really).

   “Getting a Grip on Aggression Cases: Practical Considerations for Dog Trainers” by Nicole Wilde

   “Aggression in Dogs: Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification” by Brenda Aloff

   “Feisty Fido: Help for the Leash-Aggressive Dog” by Patricia McConnell—> really she has a few books that I just love.

   Good Luck! You are not alone, and it can get better.

   One more thing, whatever method you choose, ALWAYS be consistent. Follow through entirely with the methods. Aggressive dogs can get better, but think of it like alcoholics, they can always “fall off the wagon”, and it will be a life long thing.
5. Denis Prasetio says:

   11/21/2011 at 5:16 pm

   I think your dog needs dog training.