agressve terrier with other dogs! Any Ideas

M

mandycrosby77

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 January 2007
Messages
104
Visit site
I have a 3yr old parson terrier,on 1st october my german shepherd had to put to sleep,Harry the terrier had grown up with her and was very cocky as she was his back up.
Now the problem is when ever we go out for a walk he is very aggresive if we meet another dog,even worse on his lead.
He is a very nervous dog and is very scared of noises etc,i believe his agression is his way of dealing with fear,has any one got any tips please as he is getting worse
 
Have you tried walking out with a friend with a very submissive dog? Socialisation classes etc?

On the other hand - My 'hero' for this kind of stuff is Ceaser Milan - I know it's US stuff but I do think a lot of what he says about aggressive behaviour can work and makes sense. With our 'pack' we tried the techniques and we have three dogs who, although two are rescue can be controlled with absoute minimal effort all out on the lead together. Even when the big male dog wants to start a 'discussion' with anything we meet.

He basically says you have to raise your status as pack leader then when you meet other dogs you are the one that controls his behaviour. Have a look at the dog whisperer on Sky if you have access or get someone to tape a program or two.
 
I do like Cesars no nonsense methods and believe the best way to tackle dog on dog agression is socialisation in a controlled environment....but there are methods u can try in regard to reward based methods...esp when people are not willing to have their dog used as a tester
grin.gif


FOR WHEN HE IS ON THE LEASH
If he is treat orientated/greedy...u could try taking ready prepared treats, chicken/cheese something delicious he would not normally get.
Also try a clicker to use along side the treats.

When u approach a dog...try not to get to uptight and start to reel him in...cos he will become aware of what is about to happen...and in turn become frenzied at the approach of the situation/other dog.
So....get your treat ready in good time and as the dog approaches try to get his attention with the treat.....keep it in the clasp of your hand and tease him with the smell to keep his attention.....if he still shows interest at the time the dog is passing....turn him in a tight circle around u and back to your normal position....this will take his immediate focus of the passing.....allow him to take the treat at the exact time of passing and CLICK with the clicker.
This exercise allows him to assosiate the passing of the dog with a positive and the clicker will reinforce the receiving of the treat....it also learns him to respond to the clicker in hope/exchange of a reward.
It is imprtant that the treats are given at no other time except for training....and the treat and click are introduced at the correct times...i.e at the passing of the dog.

If u can get to a socialisation class...or somehwere he can have free play with other well behaved dogs(easier said than done)
crazy.gif
dogs are in general more aggresive when restrained by a leash...and terriers are fiesty little beggers at the best of times....dog aggression...in most cases can be lack of free play with other dogs on a frequent basis, so getting him to mix would be beneficail.
Good Luck
 
Is he neutered? We've got a very aggressive little jack russell type, always jumps in and asks questions later, and the vet recommended an injection which acts like neutering for about 3 weeks. The idea is that if it works then it is worth having the dog neutered, and if it isn't his hormones, then no point having him neutered as it won't make any difference.

It definitely calmed him down but the weird thing is he has been better ever since, even though it is only meant to last a short time. So we haven't got round to having him done as he has been fine ever since, although not sure why - maybe broke the cycle?

Obviously no use to you at all if yours is already neutered!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top