Dog becoming agressive, what to do?

mellotune · 09-22-2008, 07:14 PM

I've a 2.5 year old 6 pounds toy poodle. She's our only dog but to help with her socialization, we used to go to training classes together. Anyway, she used to be nice and sweet but in the past few months, I've noticed that she's becoming agressive. Like when we are walking or at the dog park, when other dogs sniff her, she gets annoyed and snapped. Last week, a cable guy came and she wanted to bite him. The strange things is, she goes to 2 doggy day cares regularly. The staff at both day cares love her and she loves them. When I asked about her behavior at day care, I was told that she is really sweet and sometimes she likes to be alone, sometimes she likes playing with other small dogs. When I specifically asked whether she has problem with other dogs, they said no and that she is really nice. I also secretly observed her at day care and she seems fine. I don't know why she has gotten so agressive when we are out. I'm suspecting that she's only mean when I'm with her (like she can count on me or something). I stop taking her to the dog park and when we walk, if I see other people w/ dogs, I turn and try my best to avoid them. What to do?

starky83 · 09-22-2008, 10:19 PM

Are you a nervous person mellotune?

If yes, then she could be picking up on your nervousness and acting out of fear. when dogs sense instability they will take over and start to run things. Most dogs are happy following and don't want to lead. That's probably why she's ok in daycare. The other dogs keep her in line and are the authority figures to her so she's content and in line. So really she might be thinking that you can count on her when she's with you.

"Like when we are walking or at the dog park, when other dogs sniff her, she gets annoyed and snapped."

If she is on leash and the other dogs are not she could feel threatened, that could be a reason why she's snapping at the park. If you are comfortable letting her off leash then she might be less threatened.

If I were you I would work on leadership with her and also give less affection if you're giving her a lot already. Over affection can turn into a problem. Give affection when shes relaxed and submissive.

Line-of-Fire · 09-22-2008, 10:34 PM

If you are nervous, any dog will pick up on it. Good point, Starky.

I know of a way you could train her to be not agressive with people if that is the problem. I don't think I understand fully. She hasn't ever been agressive, but she is now? and she's 2.5... I don't know anything about poodles (other than how to show them) but if it were my shepherd and I hadn't shown much of a leadership role, I know that my dog would be testing me. Some dogs do this later than others. She may be testing her boundries with you as the alpha.

I second the statement about being off and on lead. If another dog were to attack her for some reason, she is defenseless. She cant go anywhere on the end of a lead. She is stuck. Unless you KNOW you can trust her recall and trust she is not dog-agressive anymore, I'd hold off on the dog park and set her up with other, unfamiliar dogs that you know are well behaved. Big and small.

AdoreGoldens · 09-22-2008, 11:46 PM

^^These people have the right idea. You need to have respect from your dog. I have a feeling that the doggy daycare you have may also be a cause for aggression. When dogs get among other dogs their aggressive side may come out- dogs will be mean to show dominance. Simply put, you need to show the dog that you're the boss- it's all about gaining the respect for yourself and other people.

Mish Mish · 09-22-2008, 11:50 PM

Is it possible that your dog is being protective of you around other dogs and the cable guy?

mellotune · 09-23-2008, 12:54 AM

1) When we were at the dog park, she was not on a leash. We stopped going there now, coz of her behavior.

2) I was not a nervous person, coz we used to walk around with no problem. She used to be friendly to kids and other dogs. I think now I'm becoming a nervous person. After seeing her attacking other dogs quite a few times, I'm concerned that she might injure a smaller dog or start a fight with a bigger dog that she will get injured.

3) I've pretty straight rules about things and the dog doesn't mess with me. I know consistency is key in dog training but hubby likes to spoil her. Could that be the cause of why she's getting mean to other dogs and people?

klip · 09-23-2008, 05:07 AM

Does she only snap when other dogs get too close? Or does she start displaying aggresively when they are still "out of reach" ?

Dogstar · 09-23-2008, 10:18 AM

I don't think any of the advice above is what you need right now. I think what you need is a trainer local to you who is experienced in small dog issues AND aggression and who can evaluate your dog in person. Aggression or potential aggression is not something to play armchair-internet behaviorist with.

Mish Mish · 09-23-2008, 11:27 AM

Your dog sounds like it has some problems similar to mine and I'm looking for help, too. Small dogs are "special"! I don't have an answer, but I feel your pain. When people say small dogs don't know their size, I disagree--I think they DO know they are small which is why they are sometimes guarded with larger dogs. It doesn't mean it's okay for them to be snarly little beasts, of course, but I am seriously wondering if my dog just can't really cope very well around most large dogs.

mellotune · 09-23-2008, 12:03 PM

She only snaps when they get too close.

Dogstar: I will try to find a trainer. We have never use one before and we are new to the area. How do we go about finding a good one? Is there some kind of dog trainer association web site with reviews or something like that? Thanks.

Mish Mish: I'm right there with you. What dog do you have???

pamperedpups · 09-23-2008, 01:40 PM

mello: Check these listings for a qualified behaviorist: http://www.iaabc.org and http://www.animalbehavior.org

Trainers can be found here: http://www.ccpdt.org

Dogstar · 09-23-2008, 01:43 PM

I'd start with the APDT.org site, as well as looking for IACBC certifications.

I *think* this lady is good - http://www.thinkpawsitivedogtraining.com/ - check her references but if she's who I think she is, she'd be a good place to start, even if she's not local to you (I can tell you LOTS of Texas trainers who speicalize in things other than what I do or do similar things in other parts of the state, and I bet she can too)

pamperedpups · 09-23-2008, 01:47 PM

The working link is http://www.apdt.com