Agressive towards unfamiliar dogs

[LuvMyObie]

I am having trouble with my year old boy Tank. When I take him for a walk he is SUCH a good boy... that is until another dog is in sight then he completely flips out and totally ignors me. He does everything he can to get to the other dog. I know he is trying to attack the other dog because his hairs raise on his back and he growls (sp?) like crazy!
I don't understand this since 1) He was raised with my 2 year old boxer who loves him to death, never showing agression towards eachother. 2) He has been socialized with other dogs as a pup. 3) He is fixed.
I just can't get him to focus on me instead of the other dogs we come across while walking.
Any suggestions?

 

[hldavis]

This is a good question because my Helga does the same exact thing and she was raised around my other babies and my friend brings her dog over periodically but when I take her to the vet or walk she goes nuts over the other dogs. Sorry I can't help you out but maybe I can also get some good advice about this.

 

[MacFish]

Vegas is the same way. We've had a couple different trainers in to give us tips. They seem to think it is fear aggression. He was bit a couple times when he was younger and was attacked by my neighbors pitbull last summer. Since then, he has been really bad.

The 2 trainers gave us 2 separate ideas. One said to make sure another dog doesn't get too close. Put him in a sit and start feeding treats like crazy until the other dog is out of site. If he isn't paying attention to you, the other dog is too close! Start quite far away and slowly get closer to the other dogs as Tank becomes more comfortable. It will take a LONG time so don't push it.

The other trainer told us we should take charge more. Again, don't let the other dog get to close or it is a waste of time. As soon as he growls, raises his hair, shows an aggressive posture, even gets the "look" in his eye, correct him immediately. This is showing him that you are in charge and there is nothing to worry about. Continue on your way as if nothing is wrong but if he isn't paying attention to you, correct. Keep correcting until he does pay attention.

Honestly, I really wish method # 1 worked with Vegas. I am a huge fan of positive reinforcement but for this problem, it just wasn't working with Vegas. Method # 2 is working much better for him. We are still a long away from being fixed but he has got so much better than when we started.

I would really recommend getting a trainer in. I can explain what we were told to do all day long but until someone is watching you to point out what your mistakes are, you won't get better so Tank won't get better.

Good luck! I know what it is like taking your dog for a walk and have everyone freak out because they think he is vicious. Be patient.

 

[madlib]

I have the same problem with one of mine... except she doesn't really attack. She flips out, barking like crazy, will not listen, tries to get off her leash etc... She has actually gotten off once. All she did that time was run up to the other dog and stand, wondering what to do... then she backed into a rose bush, got a thorn in her butt, cried and came running back :P but it is a problem i'd like to remedy very much

 

[susanm]

My 1 year old girl Jessie has the same problem. I took her to the vet last month and had to put her in the car while we waited it was so bad. She is so good on walks until another dog approaches. I have been correcting her but she is so strong it tends to escalate. I definitely don't look like I have any control at that moment! I am glad I am not the only one with this problem!

 

[LuvMyObie]

Oh wow, I was afraid I was the only one with this problem, I am glad I'm not alone!
MacFish~ Thank you for the advice! I think finding a local trainer or behaviorist around here might be a good investment. He is only a year old and soon he will be able to over power me strength wise. So I need to fix this soon. Thanks again!
Madlib~ That is too funny! Lol, I'm glad she realized fighting is not the answer. :P