Why certain people?

[Shotze's Mom]

Shotze has developed an "attitude" lately with certain people. She adores my family but cant stand a few neighbors. She has NEVER had aggresion issues before now. If it was just the young guys I would understand it, maybe they are picking at her, but she has developed a strong dislike to a sweet neighborhood girl and an older neighborhood Dad. She acts like if she could get to them she would bite them and has them worried about her getting them if she were to get out somehow. For some reason, it seems like she is more aggresive if Im with her at the time. Can females develop "attitudes" later in life or is she just being moody?

 

[MoxieFawnGrl]

Totally understand what you are going through!

I have had my first boxer since last November. She is a almost 2 now and a rescue. I have been working very hard with different trainers to work through her aggressive issues, too. She is the same...likes some people and hates others. I never know what will set her off. I finally hired a behaviorist and she said that she doesn't have any coping skills and low self-esteem. In my case, she doesn't trust that I am the alpha dog. I am working very hard to earn that role. Nothing in Life is Free (NILIF) has helped, too. She has to sit for everything, we make her wait until we say okay before she can eat her food, we go through doors first, etc... I think when they have issues like this, they really need structure and discipline. One of my biggest challenges now is the fear. I have a huge fear when strangers are around her. And I know she feels that so I am now feeding the behavior. It is all very complicated. Since she was given up by one family, went to a shelter and then with a rescue foster, I can't imagine giving her up and having the rug pulled out for her again. Good luck and I hope you can gain the alpha role, too.

 

[my buddy]

My Buddy can be the sweetest dog 98% of the time. But I can identify with the stress of the other 2% when you never know when. Buddy has been socialized with ALOT of people. Certain ones that he has been aggressive to for NO REASON AT ALL I have given them special treats to give him. He gets the treat and then he is nasty, but only to that person, another person could come by and he won't even flinch. If I'm in the truck and ANYONE comes up to the window to talk to me he makes Cujo look like a pussy cat. I've been reading and reading. I'm afraid to test him because I don't want anyone to get hurt accidently, I take him everywhere I can with me, but I have to tell people not to go near him just in case he decides to be a "punk". Perfect description for him too. Any success stories out there?

 

[Biff]

Yip, it's strange......

Biff seems to love everyone (so far anyway )

Most dogs seem to like me too - in fact I'd say all dogs - apart from my sister's!

That dog has hated me since the first time I met her at 8 weeks old. Even now, she is 12 years old and doesn't see me very often, but anytime she does see me - she growls and backs away like she's scared of me :eek:

 

[ELubas]

Guarding?

Interesting topic. My boy, when he was younger, would do this. I agree that it is an alpha thing. They need to know who is boss and if they do not think it is you they will lead the pack. Sounds like they may be guarding and who knows what subtle thing occurrs that turns it on and off. Afer all is said and done I found the more firm I was and in control the better it got and now he just does not do it. If he gives a low growl or a look I stop it immediately and then he will accept anyone. The house is still an issue and we continue to work on that but that was my fault-babying him when he was young. I agree, though we need to be careful as I would feel trerible too if anyone got hurt. I do not belive my boy would bite but any dog can so I am very careful. We practice with experienced "dog" people, never strangers. But If you are consisitent and let him know you are under control I think he will get better. And reward him everytime he does not act up or nicely accepts someone. It is hard to "play" alpha and dogs know if you are faking it. Have you read "Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson-I found that bood really helpful. Hang in there!

Eileen