Aggression to other dogs in a 'submissive' dog

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Sundae

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Hey
Just woindering if anyone has any advice or experience of the above...
Basically our 4 year old JRT has started getting really snappy with other dogs- to the point where he is going to start a dog fight....
He has always been really submissive with other dogs- rolling over and going around with his tail between his legs if he felt worried by them- he is very little so has been bowled over by over excited dogs in the past. One other dog has 'gone' for him. None have ever drawn blood or 'beaten' him up. Not sure why he has always been so overly submissive (probably cos he is small??).
Anyhow, recently a few dogs have come over when we have been out walking and he has launched at them with his heckles up and snapping. I havent made a fuss (mainly because he has been walking with us minding his own business and the other dogs have run rather keenly over to him). Yesterday however he ran up to a young dog and started doing it- this caused the other dog with them to turn on my dog who is turn went for the young dog again. He came away easy enough, but not really the point.

I am thinking of putting him on the lead when other dogs are around- not sure if that might make it worse though (know some dogs dont like it). Or perhaps taking him to dog classes (where to find the time...). He has never had a nice dog to play with- I have never seen him rolling around on the ground having a good playfull tussle- it always seem to end in him getting scared? So anyhow, if anyone has any tips greatly appreciated!

He is a lovely dog, crazy about playing ball and food!!! But everyone loves him- he is great with people (apart from the postman, who I definately wouldnt trust him with...).
 
Training classes are always a good idea for a variety of reasons. If you mention to the trainer the kind of problems you are having he/she will advise you on how to approach the class with the minimum amount of disturbance.

Regarding the aggression I am not an expert and I think you need to speak to a specialist, but I would keep him on the lead for safety's sake, but try to keep him distracted. As soon as you spot another dog try to get him to turn around and look at you and put him through some of his training (sits, downs, etc) to keep his attention on you. Use yummy treats and/or great toys to keep him focused on you. If other dogs are loose ask the owners to call them back or if needed have a friend stand between you/your dog and the loose dog and stop them from approaching. Hope this helps!
 
Yeah thanks Booboos- I do think it is probably a 'specialist' problem as its not a simple how to teach them to sit etc (Although I know that can be hard too lol!). But yes I will try your approach- he used to take no notice of other dogs- he would just run away or ignore them which was fine.... Ta!
 
I had roughly same problem with my rescue a
He either hid or caused a massive fuss. Had a training session one to one. Learnt a lot of it is me getting tense and I am the mummy who needs protection and his own insecurity very much work in progress but just socialising as much as piss on lead atm. And then can let him off again.
 
It sounds like fear aggression to me.....however, without seeing first hand it is IMPOSSIBLE to be sure, so I would advise an APBC behaviourist as your first stop.....assuming of course that there are no physical problems???

Try to make any interaction with other dogs a positive experience for him....does he have any doggy mates that he is comfortable around and which are non-reactive? If so, try and walk with them. Treat him for good behaviour around other dogs. If you use a clicker, click and treat for focus on you. Try to stage manage encounters if you can in the short term so that he is not exposed to rude dogs running up. If it happens, step in and stop the interloper in his tracks! :mad: Your dog needs to have confidence in you.....confidence that you can protect him and that he does not need to take on the role of an aggressor. Any books by Turid Rugaas are good on dog behaviour if you need help in analysing the body language of any dogs that run up to you.
 
Hmm thanks for the tips- I do need to prevent other dogs from running up to him- you are right there! Not ever thought of that one... I do need to stop him now running up to other dogs. Basically I think the ansswer is about taking a bit more control of the whole situation by as everyone has said getting him to focus on me more. Thanks all, think it may be the nail on the head. Will hopefully update with a positive :) LOL at the typo!!
 
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