Dog Aggression

knaptama · 06-12-2008, 05:59 PM

I have a newly adopted puppy about 9 months old. He was a stray my brother found and no one claimed him so me and my fiance adopted him. The vet thinks he is a Jack Russel/Welsh Corgi mix. We do not know much about his history but he has a pretty good temperment and is good with most new people he meets except for small children which is understandable (although he only growls at them not attacks or barks.)

We have been taking him to our local dog park for interactions with other dogs big and small. He does fairly well in these situation (loves big dogs and most of the time ignores the little ones) although he is not neutered yet (he will be soon) and 'takes' to certain dogs at the park. Once he has become attracted with a dog he gets obsessed and will not let any other dog in the park come close to the dog he is attatched to. Comes to the point where he is very aggressive and snaps at any other dog trying to get near. It is not merely playing it is real vicious behavior. I realize this is a territorial thing and it only happens if he is really attracted to a particular dog.

I was wondering if anyone knew if this type of behavior will lessen as he gets fixed or as soon as I better train him (because i'm working on that as well and he is getting so much better). As of now if he does it, we take him out of the situation and try not to go to the park when the dogs he is really attracted to are there. We also try to go when only a few dogs will be there because this also seems to be beter.

Any one have any ideas?

gingersmom · 06-12-2008, 06:06 PM

I would not continue to take your dog to a dog park at all if he repeatedly snaps at other dogs.

It is certainly possible that his behavior could change after he is neutered. In the meantime, focusing on training (especially on coming the first time he is called, "leave it", and getting him to sit immediately even when he is far away from you) is a very worthwhile investment of time.

knaptama · 06-12-2008, 07:03 PM

I realize that is a good solution for now, but i want him to be able to go and be ok in any situation. Since he does not snap or get angry for any other reason even over toys or food. Do you think a behaviorist would help?

Mr Pooch · 06-12-2008, 07:11 PM

Knaptama its the JRT in him.
My good friend has one and it is the kingpin of the area,fearless even my Bullmastiff is afraid of him!LOL

I will be honest and say my friend has never corrected his bad manners and may have thought because he is small that need not be.

Personally i worry about him,my dogs have all been around him from pups and apart from my bitch he greeted my boys with a bite on their 1st encounter.
Maybe they have never forgotten that and hold respect?who knows.

All i do know is my dogs could easily kill him and as he is not mine i dont tell her what she should and should not do as far as his behaviour is concerned.

I'd opt for either a vet or behariourists opinion on what to do.

Good luck.

BTW he is neutered.

knaptama · 06-12-2008, 07:16 PM

Thanks, yes, recently he went for a full sized great dane. I don't think he means to hurt or injure, only to "prove" he is the boss. Sigh, hopefully too when he gets a bit older it will lessen as well.

Mr Pooch · 06-12-2008, 07:21 PM

Thats the thing he may not?

My dogs seem to have an understanding that he is boss,which he clearly is!!
Because its my friends dogs i worry about the dog that is not afraid of him!
Again to be honest ive yet to see a Pit,SBT,or any dog capable of killing him even dare to challenge his authority.

Maybe he smells of"im the king"?.LOL

This was a back in january.(Alfie is far left)

gingersmom · 06-12-2008, 07:23 PM

I do think a behaviorist could help, especially in providing a controlled environment with another dog who is unlikely to be provocative.

This link may also be a good starting point:

http://www.flyingdogpress.com/aggressionbasics.html

knaptama · 06-12-2008, 07:36 PM

Thanks guys, all this does help. I realize JRT do have that "boss" thing about them. I just don't want to be "that" dog owner, because he really is a sweet dog and a fast learner. He listens well when he's not distracted and he is starting to get better at paying attention to me when there are distractions so i think that it is about 70% of the time. Which is good for only having him for two weeks. I've had dogs my whole life and understand the "pack order" issue, i've just never had a dog that has tried to be the top dog all the time agains other dogs. I'll keep posting and let you all know what i find out and how he is progressing, thanks again for the ideas!!!