[Holst]

I need some help as I have never had to deal with this issue before and I do not know how to correct it. My wife and I are foster parents for a local rescue and have just gotten a problem child, 18 month old Tony. That is not entirely correct... He does well with basic commands (such as sit, come, etc.), and is a very lovable and affectionate young man...when by himself. However, occasionally when one or more of our family dogs comes over to us to get petted, Tony gets snarly and snaps at our dogs. It does not happen all the time, just sometimes. Since bringing Tony home yesterday he is always near me (laying at my feet, following me from room to room, and sitting/laying near me when I get to where I'm going) and it seems as if he has laid claim to me and, to a lesser degree, my wife and is warning off the other dogs. I can discern no trigger and there is no warning when it happens. I am sure that if I try to correct this behavior without getting advice from y'all, I will make it worse. The only thing I can think of doing is to scold Tony verbally, have him go away, and continue to pet the offending (to him) dog.

On a side note, Tony has a history of aggressive behavior with un-neutered males and, on at least one occasion, aggression to a person that was interested in adopting him (all prior to us getting him). Also, Tony only wants to rough-house when it comes to playing. And only with me. Chasing balls, tug, laser light, other dogs, all have no affect. Since he has a tendency to aggressive behavior, I refuse to allow him to rough-house. Walking him seems to not make a difference and needs a lot of work, which I can handle. As of now, I think Tony would make a great dog for a potential family if they do not have another dog. I want to make him more adoptable by correcting his not so desirable behaviors. I think being in a house where he has boundaries and structure, gets training, and gets socialized will do wonders and I can do them. In fact I could correct consistent dog aggression, and have on several occasions. But this on/off thing has me stumped.

Whew, that was long! Thanks for reading the whole thing and for any advice you might have. You guy's rock!

[TooneyDogs]

Originally Posted by Holst

The only thing I can think of doing is to scold Tony verbally, have him go away, and continue to pet the offending (to him) dog.

Try this...next time Tony starts that...step in-between them standing slightly sideways to both dogs and just look at Tony from the side of your eyes (not a hard/challenging look). Don't say anything. If you're sitting down hold out your hand like a stop sign to him. By body blocking him you're staking your claim. Watch his reaction. If he backs up even slightly he got the message (even if he continues to bark).
If he advances, he either doesn't recognize that very basic body language; is in resource guarding mode (you are the resource) or in a demand for attention mode.

If he doesn't understand body blocking you'll need to teach him by walking directly towards him...make him back up. A narrow hallway works well for this. This isn't a threat...no hard/challenging looks or commands to move...just back-up. If you're overbearing or threatening, you'll end up teaching him to run and hide and that's not what you want to happen.

You counter the demand for attention by giving it (consistently) only when Tony is doing the good things...sitting or laying quietly. Demands for your attention by barking (aside from the need for potty/house on fire) are always met by turning your back, maybe leaving the room....he doesn't even rate a look of acknowledgment from you. Hopefully, he will learn that barking doesn't get him what he wants and with luck, it will turn into a whine and the whine into quiet expectation.

[French Ring]

Originally Posted by Holst

However, occasionally when one or more of our family dogs comes over to us to get petted, Tony gets snarly and snaps at our dogs. It does not happen all the time, just sometimes.

Was Tony being tethered? How did you introduce him to your family dogs? Have you done any proper introduction such as first meeting them outside your home, walk together in pack for an hour, and then crate Tony more often until he earns your trust, respect, and learn all new rules. A dog like Tony who tried to snap at other dogs because someone is petting them not him, he is being dominant and correcting them that he must be first one to receive attention.

You are the pack leader, you should not let Tony behave like that to other dogs. A dog like Tony should not have too much freedom in the house and he has to earn your affection and respect. Practice a simple thing like NILF can help Tony getting one step ahead. When Tony is out, he should kept on tether until he understands what behavior is acceptable and not.

Since bringing Tony home yesterday he is always near me (laying at my feet, following me from room to room, and sitting/laying near me when I get to where I'm going) and it seems as if he has laid claim to me and, to a lesser degree, my wife and is warning off the other dogs.

If he is growling, snapping, and baring his teeth at everyone, it sounds like he is controlling, manipulating, and owning you as a person. If you kept letting him doing that, you are giving him too much power and making yourself very weak.

I can discern no trigger and there is no warning when it happens. I am sure that if I try to correct this behavior without getting advice from y'all, I will make it worse.

Well, I m sure there are triggers that you didn't catch before he reacted. Any experienced trainers can recognize signs so I highly recommend you to hire a trainer who has experience with issues like you are describing.

By the way, I don't think it is a good idea to take advice from people on the board. They and I haven't seen your dog and we don't know what is the proper technique that improve your dog's behavior. Maybe my advice is not the right one for your dog and it makes him get more aggressive? Honestly, it is better to have a trainer or behaviorist help you out. Doesn't your foster program provides or pays for trainers? Ask them for their opinions.

The only thing I can think of doing is to scold Tony verbally, have him go away, and continue to pet the offending (to him) dog.

Well, that will assist you to become a better pack leader, but there are other things that he might get what he wants. Is he pushing or clawing you for attention? Is he demanding anything such as toys, attention, anything? If he wants you to pet him, then he needs to do something to earn your affection.

Also, Tony only wants to rough-house when it comes to playing. And only with me.

I would stop that kind of playing because it is never good idea to let Tony gets an idea how weak you are. He is practicing this on you to see how far you can go on. If you let him wins often, he is going to be more powerful and stronger. He will learn to intimate his strength over you and other dogs/people. I will quit playing that kind of game with him.

Chasing balls, tug, laser light, other dogs, all have no affect. Since he has a tendency to aggressive behavior, I refuse to allow him to rough-house. Walking him seems to not make a difference and needs a lot of work, which I can handle.

I will not let him playing with a laser light because it makes dogs very neurotic. Basically, it is a very bad idea because they will start to look for it everywhere then they will notice the reflection and shadows and try to chase them. It will be funny at first, but after a while it can be very destructive and develop bad OCD.

Anything like chasing a ball and playing tug of war. I will keep on doing that and making them into very rewarding things. If he is retrieving a ball for you, you tell him to sit before you throw the ball. Later on, you can teach him sit and stay then put a ball down on the floor wait until for the cue to say GET IT. This way you can teach him many different fun games. Teach him hide and seek game like hiding his ball and cue FIND IT.

Do it again and again. You can use tug or war and a ball to teach him how to heel and walk nice too. You have to practice that first in your back yard then bring in more distractions; however, keep this session very short and simple everyday. Don't last it for more than 10 minutes because you don't want to lose your dog's focus. You are building his focus on you and you want to keep that way.

[Poly]

Let me correct something please.

This IS NOT dominance aggression - at least not as you describe it.

This IS a form of resource guarding - and you - both of you - are the resource.

Resource guarding can over time become coupled with dominance behavior and that does become a very serious situation which may require an outside behaviorist. But it doesn't happen right away - especially when there are new leaders in the mix (YES THAT IS YOU AND YOUR WIFE). If you work on the resource guarding issue immediately, you can reduce the chance that it will be connected with any dominance behavior.

Also, you must let your dogs work out their pack order. Do NOT interfere unless one dog is obviously being injured or ganged up on. Snarling, growling, and even snapping at each other is how a pack works it out. Don't correct this as such - but DO control the resource guarding.

I'll be even stronger than the previous answers. YOU are NOT a resource to be guarded - you are the PROVIDER and CONTROLLER of resources. If Tony is guarding YOU, you must remove yourself and any resources from him. If he is eating, you take away the food. If he is playing, you take away the toys. If he is simply laying down in a comfortable spot near you, make him move from it. If the room is small enough, make him leave it completely. He ends up with nothing - not your attention - not your presence close by - not anything else he had.

Don't do this with words or instructions - except maybe for "AY-AY-AY" or growly noises. Concentrate on your body language and your actions and MAKE IT STICK.

Try not to interact much if at all with the other dogs while this is going on - this is just between you and Tony at this point. Believe me, the other dogs will be very much aware of what is happening.

That isn't cruel - it is being a leader and doing it will prevent this guarding behavior from connecting to any dominance behavior.

After a little while has passed, you can return something to Tony - his food, his toy, his resting place, allowing him in the room, whatever - but only under the "NILIF rules". When you are doing the NILIF thing, make sure Tony is paying attention to you - not to the other dogs - and that you are paying attention to him.

[poodleholic]

I'm in total agreement with what tooney said.

Holst;305278]I need some help as I have never had to deal with this issue before and I do not know how to correct it. My wife and I are foster parents for a local rescue and have just gotten a problem child, 18 month old Tony. That is not entirely correct... He does well with basic commands (such as sit, come, etc.), and is a very lovable and affectionate young man...when by himself. However, occasionally when one or more of our family dogs comes over to us to get petted, Tony gets snarly and snaps at our dogs. It does not happen all the time, just sometimes. Since bringing Tony home yesterday he is always near me (laying at my feet, following me from room to room, and sitting/laying near me when I get to where I'm going) and it seems as if he has laid claim to me and, to a lesser degree, my wife and is warning off the other dogs. I can discern no trigger and there is no warning when it happens. I am sure that if I try to correct this behavior without getting advice from y'all, I will make it worse. The only thing I can think of doing is to scold Tony verbally, have him go away, and continue to pet the offending (to him) dog.

On a side note, Tony has a history of aggressive behavior with un-neutered males and, on at least one occasion, aggression to a person that was interested in adopting him (all prior to us getting him).

It appears that Tony is being possessive, and resource guarding you, based on what you've said. It does concern me that he was aggressive to a human, at least once. That should not be overlooked, or minimized. Find out exactly what the circumstances were, if possible.

I, too, foster rescues, and have for many years. What has worked best for me was to keep the new foster in one area of the house with the use of baby gates, x-pen, and/or crate, and only gradually integrate into the daily routine with your resident dogs.

Establish a daily routine, providing structure. This helps the new dog feel secure, and you're likely to see who he really is much sooner. It can take weeks, months, and even a year or so for a rescue to show his true nature. I've had new fosters who seemed to be sweethearts - so affectionate, obedient, and seemingly getting along with the other dog(s) and cat(s) until the point where they're feeling secure enough to relax and WHAM! "Suddenly" the dog shows dog-to-dog aggression, or other unwanted behaviors.

Also, Tony only wants to rough-house when it comes to playing. And only with me. Chasing balls, tug, laser light, other dogs, all have no affect. Since he has a tendency to aggressive behavior, I refuse to allow him to rough-house. Walking him seems to not make a difference and needs a lot of work, which I can handle.

Good, no roughhousing. I'd implement NILIF into daily life immediately. He must work for everything - attention, affection, food, walks. I don't know what you mean when you say "walking him seems to not make a difference and needs a lot of work, which I can handle." Do you mean he needs work to learn how to walk on a loose leash?

As of now, I think Tony would make a great dog for a potential family if they do not have another dog. I want to make him more adoptable by correcting his not so desirable behaviors. I think being in a house where he has boundaries and structure, gets training, and gets socialized will do wonders and I can do them. In fact I could correct consistent dog aggression, and have on several occasions. But this on/off thing has me stumped.

You haven't had him long enough to make an accurate assessment, and, you've not given him time to adjust/adapt to his new environment, which can be quite stressful to dogs, before integrating him into the household. May I suggest keeping a daily journal to record your observations of Tony. I encourage you to keep him separated from your other dogs most of the time, and under your direct supervision and control when he's with the other dogs. He should not be given freedom of the house until he's earned it. Provide brief, individual training sessions throughout the day, and (adding one dog at a time) then together with your resident dogs. It might also be wise to let your dogs outside to potty without Tony. When they come in, then Tony can go out. You want to be proactive rather than being forced to be reactive, with the goal of never allowing a fight to break out. I use body blocks, but not everyone is adept at this, so keeping a leash on him for control would be a tool to keep in control.

Fostering is very rewarding, and can be very challenging and difficult at times. The main thing to keep in mind is that every dog you bring into your home is going to have an effect on your own dogs, good, bad, or indifferent. I always error on the side of safety when I have a rescue with a questionable temperament.

Good luck to you, and keep us posted!