Agression towards people but not dogs

obiethedobe · 06-25-2008, 02:13 PM

So, Obie is 6 months almost. He is fine with dogs, will try to dominate any dog but isnt always successful. If a dog challenges him he cries and runs away. If no challenge he's a bully and bumps them around but no fights at all.
He is fine with my 5 year old neice,one year old neice, my family. But strangers (adults or kids) he growls and barks.
We were in his puppy class and he was good with other owners and other dogs, one adult guy he decided he didnt like and was growling softly. Another dog owner brought his kids to the class and Obie was watching them and growling again.
I dont understand why he is like that. I realize now that I probably should have started with a female for my first dobe but it's too late now.
And he just got neutered on friday.
Any tips??

WorkingInSTL · 06-25-2008, 02:30 PM

First, aggression toward other dogs and aggression toward people are two completely different things. The motivators are completely different. Without seeing the dog it is impossible for anyone to say exactly what is motivating the behavior. Usually in young dogs, growling at strangers is a form of insecurity. It's a bluff, and the dog is saying "stay away from me". Sometimes, the dog just doesn't like people. Again, it's impossible to say over the internet. Either way, it needs to be corrected, and dealt with now, as opposed to when he is a year old and has learned this is an acceptable habit, and has the mental and physical capabilities to be dangerous and resistant to an attempt to correct him.

The first thing to do is to correct the dog whenever he growls at anyone inappropriately. The important thing is to teach him that his actions are not acceptable. Do not pet him, and talk softly to him and try to "soothe" him; this will inadvertently reinforce his behavior. Be stern with him and let him know without a doubt that he is out of line.

With young puppies, I like to teach them that other people are fun and nothing to be afraid of. With puppies that don't like strange people, I hand their leash over to strangers (strangers to the dog...not random people I meet on the street) and simply walk away for a period of time. Leave the "stranger" some of your boys favorite treats, or a toy, or something else he likes, and get him used to the idea that people are fun, not scary or mean.

For things like handing an insecure dog off to others, it is best that these be "dog people" who like and understand puppies, and are willing to let the puppy take to them at his pace. A local schutzhund club or local obedience club is usually very welcoming, and would be an ideal setting for things like this.

Others will contribute more I'm certain, but I have always found the "hand-off and walk away" method very effective at stopping unwarranted aggression in young dogs.

Rosamburg · 06-25-2008, 02:34 PM

I believe 6 months is a bit of a fear stage for some puppies where they will often show more outward aggression, and this will likely pass, especially if you do what WorkinginSTL suggests.

obiethedobe · 06-25-2008, 02:44 PM

I totally agree, I think he is scared and is trying to act tough. I give him a stern "NO" and if he's on the lead a pop with the prong.
That is an awesome idea to join the obedience club. I plan to do protection work but the club in calgary says to wait untill he is one year old. I'm not sure if there is a schutzhund club in calgary, i'll have to check it out. Thanks!!!

WorkingInSTL · 06-25-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by obiethedobe

I plan to do protection work but the club in calgary says to wait untill he is one year old. I'm not sure if there is a schutzhund club in calgary, i'll have to check it out. Thanks!!!

What club said to wait until he is a year old...the obedience club ? Nothing agiainst obedience clubs at all, but I caution you against taking advice on schutzhund or protection training from people who do not actually do schutzhund or protection training.

obiethedobe · 06-25-2008, 02:56 PM

The protection club said to wait. The website is ultimate K9 bodyguards. Mostly do pitt's and corso's.

2RescuedDobies · 06-26-2008, 12:02 AM

I would have to strongly disagree. At my SCH club the puppies have been coming since 12 weeks. If you wait until 1 you miss out on golden opportunities to lay your foundation. Check out Purely Positive Training by Sheila Booth and Gary Patterson's Shaping the Behavior. Now is the time for laying the foundation for focus work and obedience. Take him everywhere expose him to as much as you can.

Rosamburg · 06-26-2008, 12:58 AM

Yes the foundation work, especially in protection is important at the puppy stage. I know there is a club in Calgary, but not sure of exactly where. Check the German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada (GSSCC) website

**Incredibledobe** · 06-26-2008, 02:00 AM

WorkinginSTL gave GREAT advice. the only thing I would add, is to have people greet him with either their side or back to him, and let him approach them first. Having them kneel down is great too. DON'T let them approach head on, lean over him, stick their hand out to sniff, or smile big at him - these can all be threatening body language to an insecure dog. Don't let them pet him on top of the head, have them start under the chin.
Carry treats and have them hold one loosely in their hand, but don't let them reach it out to him, let him go to them to get it. Did your puppy get out alot and meet tons of people before 16 weeks old? It could be a lack of socialization issue too.
If you are going to do schutzhund, you should be doing imprinting of OB and tracking now.

**avalonandon** · 06-26-2008, 02:46 AM

Yeah...I tend to like alot of dogs more than alot of people too, lol.

No amount of socialization seems to change this either