Protective or something else????

[sasmeow]

Gus, my 9 month old male (neutered), just started a new behavior. He has always been super sweet, but lately, on walks, he will growl and sound real mean when we see other dogs on leashes. If the dog is in a yard, he doesn't do it, as much at least. It started a few months ago, but he would bark at dogs in yards, and I thought he just wanted to play with them, he didn't sound mean, but I still corrected him and made him stop. He would pull so hard and get up on his rear legs. I thought if I had him neutered it would help, but it's been a little over a month and he is only worse now. If I pull on his collar, he gets even more angry and sometimes starts to bite at Izzy (my female boxer). He sounds really mean and I am afraid of what he will do to the other dog... I never get close enough to find out. It is kind of confusing because he is around other dogs. He is in obedience class and kisses all the dogs there. I also take him to the dog park and when he is off leash, he is totally fine. Does he sound like he is aggressive or is he protecting me, or is it something else? He has never had anything happen to him while on walks. Any suggestions or ideas of how to correct this would be appreciated. Even if he is trying to protect me, I do not want this behavior to continue. I am going to talk to our teacher in class, but don't know how much help she will be. I also have "The Dog Whisper" book, and plan to read that soon. I just don't understand why such a friendly puppy would change like this and it scares me. Now I am even afraid to take him to the pet store with me. He loves going there so much.

 

[sasmeow]

Anyone have any advice or similiar experiece??? I really need some help/advice.

 

[gmacleod]

It is not protection (hard to imagine how he might come to the conclusion that you're under threat really, isn't it?). It is what is known as leash aggression, and usually stems from fear.

Part of the cause of leash aggression is thought to be that the restraint prevents dogs from exhibiting a normal range of body language communication with each other. A second problem is that it removes the option of flight. Whenever a dog (or person, or pretty much any other mammal) gets into a situation where they feel uncomfortable or threatened, they make what's known as a "fight or flight" decision. Whether to stand up and fight, or to flee (or just walk away). Well, a dog on a leash doesn't have that option. So if he feels threatened, his sole remaining option is fight. And that is why leash aggression is quite common. The majority of altercations between dogs take place when one or other (or both) is leashed. And as you note yourself, when you take that restraint away, your own dog no longer has a problem.

The answer is, in part, more socialisation. But you've also got to look at your own leadership there (he's not hiding behind your legs, looking to you to control the situation and/or protect him, is he?), and your reactions to his behaviour on leash. Very likely you're at least tensing up (would be surprising if you didn't). Or you may even be trying to "control" his behaviour as soon as you spot another dog. Both are going to make things worse - as they confirm to him that there's something to be worried about, increasing his tension, and the likelihood of him trying to defend himself. A vicious cycle, in fact.

Here are a two posts from the sticky thread at the top of this forum, the first of which is specific to leash aggression with some suggestions on how to deal with it; and the second on aggression and desensitisation in general (and with links that can help you to find someone to help). They may be of some use to you - though I would strongly recommend employing the services of a behaviourist (not a trainer) to come and work with you. You probably won't notice the subtleties of his rising tension, and even more probably won't notice your own An impartial observer who's been through this before and who can help you to modify both your own and your dog's reactions can be invaluable.
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=378078&postcount=3
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=378065&postcount=1

 

[sasmeow]

Thank you so much for that reply. I know that I am part of the problem... I tense up and hold his leash tight when he starts the behavior, now sometimes even when we get near another dog... it's hard not to!! He is not fearful, he stands in front of me, between me and the dog. That is why at first I thought he might be protecting me.
I recently had dogs that I knew help me out. I was totally relaxed and had the owner bring their dog up to Gus. With a lab, he was totally submissive and peed all over and was fine with that dog. Then, I had a boxer come up to us. He was fine at first, but when the boxer started to box at him, he started growling and getting agressive. The boxer owner said that Gus was just playing, but I don't think so, since his hair was sticking up down his back.

Thank you very much for the useful information. Hopefully I can find a good behavoirist in my area. Too bad the "dog whisperer" can't come to my house!

Thanks again.