dog aggression

Hi. I am new to the group. I have an older female Rottie named Zoe and a 3? year old Rottie/Pit? mix named Xander. I recued Xander about a year ago. He is a pretty well behaved dog, we have been in obedience classes almost constantly since I have had him. He is just so aggressive towards other dogs. We have tried some things in the different classes I have taken, but it is just not working. My "theory" is that he must have had some bad encounters with other dogs before I got him and he is really afraid, but he makes all of this noise and commotion to show them that he is tough. Besides Zoe, the only other dog I have really had him around off leash is my brother's lab. He jumps all around him and makes all of this noise, but he doesn't hurt him. And when I think the poor lab has had enough and I separate them, the lab just can't wait to get back out with Xander. I guess I am just looking for any ideas about how to ease his aggression a little bit. I would like to take him for as walk in the park just once without being totally embarrased by his lunging and carrying on. Thanks.

 

If you can teach this dog to direct his attention to you when you request it you should be able to get him over this. For now I would try to walk him in areas where they are few if any other dogs while you practice getting his attention when you request it. Put a muzzle on him if you have to during walks until you can modify his behavior. Soon when you see another dog from a distance you can get him to look at you (and remain focused on you) before he reacts to the other dog...lots of praise and a treat when he does.
You might also be able to find a trainer that specializes in aggressive dogs who can work with you to get this under control.

Here is one such trainer in Western NY, I don't know him personally but he claims to specialize in dog aggression amoung other things. He even offers a free consultation over the phone:
http://smartdogtrainer.com/counseling.htm

Also, I highly recommend a book called "Aggression in Dogs" by Brenda Aloff. Its about preventing and modifying aggression in dogs. Great book! :y_the_best:

Good luck.

 

here is a site that meight help you


http://azaz.essortment.com/aggressivedogb_pkd.htm

honeybear