Agression problems

[zoe1]

I need some advice on how to handle my boxer's aggression toward other dogs........ I took her to the dog park the other day, and every dog she came into contact with she was growling, jumping and causing many upset dogs. (Not to mention owners)
She has always been a very dominant dog, but I am fearful that as she gets older her behavior will get worse. She plays with my friends golden retriever several times a week and she doesn't have any issues. I've tried ever since she was a puppy ( she 2 1/2 now ) to socialize her with other dogs and it just seems like It's getting worse.... any thoughts???:(

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

There is a book "On Talking Terms With Dogs" and video entitled "Calming Signals: What Your Dog Tells You" by Turid Rugaas. This book and video will be extremely valuable to you in resolving this issue. I highly suggest it.

You could also contact a behaviorist and ask about the socialization aspect and get some assistance in modifying the aggressive behavior.

Now, if this is the first time you've taken your dog to the dog park there could have been a level of fear/apprehension in your dog because of the new uncertain surroundings, all the strange dogs, smells, etc., etc. Change is not easy for dogs. And if you took the dog there without first exposing him to many other dogs first, a dog can react badly in such a situation. The fear and confusionis overwhelming and dogs have 3 choices when in that situation: Freeze, Flight or Fight." I would suspect since your dog has a dominant personality, its choice was Fight rather than flight. Many other dog owners who've experienced odd behavior at dog parks report their dogs become ultra submissive. Its the personality of the dog.

And if your dog was on leash and others were not, that can cause leash aggression problems, or visa versa (the other dog on leash and your dog off). There are a LOT of variables and it is important to help your dog understand WHAT TO DO, before throwing him into the middle of the ocean and expecting him to swim to shore!

Good luck.