Dog aggression issue

**rusty** · 04-05-2008, 10:43 PM

Well, now that we've started having great weather finally I'm trying to take Rusty out on a leash around the neighbourhood. It went well as we took our Lab too, which he is in love with, so he followed him nicely.
The problem is that every dog we encountered Rusty would pull on the leash and bark, howl and sometimes growl. He was pretty good with humans and only barked at a couple groups that were in their driveways, but I could easily get him to knock it off.
What should I do when he's barking aggressively at other dogs? Will this always be a problem or are there things I can do?
In all fairness he hasn't been around other dogs except his dog, Cocoa, so could it get better with time?
We are starting training next month.

DLS · 04-05-2008, 10:47 PM

Can you talk to the trainer who's classes you are taking at the end of the month? Or is there any other ongoing classes that you could join right now? Your dog needs to be socialized with lots and lots of other dogs, but it needs to be done in a controlled enviroment with a trainer to assist you.

**ReDobie4xtina2** · 04-06-2008, 04:23 PM

I agree with DLS on this one. Enlisting the help of a trainer and socializing your dog in a controlled manner is needed. My boy has been in training since 14 weeks old.

I don't tolerate growling or barking with my Dobe, so I give a sharp NO and maybe a leash pop. Then encourage him to walk with you, averting his attention from the other dog..

Try to scan ahead of you and watch for other dogs. Monitor your puppy's behavior, if he starts to stiffen, make a sharp turn and walk the other direction.

Also, be sure to greatly praise him for good behaviors.

Hopefully, you can sign up for a class very soon. Good Luck and Stay Positive !

natdobe · 04-06-2008, 04:31 PM

With him being nearly five months old, he needs to be around other dogs in a class ASAP like the other two posters said. Mine all started puppy class at 14 weeks also. Socializing them with humans AND other dogs is so critical. Rusty is a handsome doberdude! I'm sure once you get into classes it will help him greatly.

**rusty** · 04-06-2008, 04:35 PM

Well, I wanted to update. Yesterday was his FIRST experience with strange dogs. Today was 100% better. He didn't bark automatically and I was able to introduce him to dogs!! They sniffed and socialized and fooled around a bit. I was shocked. There was only one dog that was very bad with some teenagers and he went nuts barking at him but it wasn't his fault. Otherwise, I was so proud!!

dobesanddragons · 04-06-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusty

Well, I wanted to update. Yesterday was his FIRST experience with strange dogs. Today was 100% better. He didn't bark automatically and I was able to introduce him to dogs!! They sniffed and socialized and fooled around a bit. I was shocked. There was only one dog that was very bad with some teenagers and he went nuts barking at him but it wasn't his fault. Otherwise, I was so proud!!

More socialization is a must. Start taking him everywhere you can. Kids games, errands, training classes, the park, Petsmart, to get your oil changed, just everywhere, at your side. And go armed with treats. I would correct the barking right now. He needs to learn to be around on leash other dogs and it be no big deal to him. But also don’t let him meet and greet every dog he sees on leash either. For instance, when at my training club or Petsmart, on walks, stuff like that, mine don’t go up to other random dogs, on leash or not. It just isn’t a good practice. You might find this article helpful:
He Just Wants to Say "HI!" Article on rude dogs & dealing with aggression by Suzanne Clothier

Why was going nuts barking not his fault? What was the dog with the teens doing?

**rusty** · 04-06-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobesanddragons

Why was going nuts barking not his fault? What was the dog with the teens doing?

Well, it was his second day and he did so well. Then a couple punks had this dog that was going insane barking at our dogs and they were both falling down and could barely contain him.

**ReDobie4xtina2** · 04-07-2008, 07:44 PM

Glad you had a good day. Just some helpful advice here::

At this stage in your boy's life he is experiencing sexual maturity while advancing through different stages of development. One day they act fine, the next may be a totally different story. Welcome to the Doberteens.

Diligence and consistency are critical during this age and if he is overstepping his boundaries without correction or training, it may will lead to problems down the road.

Only with proper training and ongoing socialization will you get a mentally balanced dog.

Again, I'm glad that your most recent socializing went well and let's hope it only gets better!

GunnersMum · 04-07-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobesanddragons

More socialization is a must. Start taking him everywhere you can. Kids games, errands, training classes, the park, Petsmart, to get your oil changed, just everywhere, at your side. And go armed with treats. I would correct the barking right now. He needs to learn to be around on leash other dogs and it be no big deal to him. But also don’t let him meet and greet every dog he sees on leash either. For instance, when at my training club or Petsmart, on walks, stuff like that, mine don’t go up to other random dogs, on leash or not. It just isn’t a good practice. You might find this article helpful:
He Just Wants to Say "HI!" Article on rude dogs & dealing with aggression by Suzanne Clothier

Why was going nuts barking not his fault? What was the dog with the teens doing?

That was an awesome article. Thanks for sharing the link.

Lexxsmom · 04-08-2008, 10:28 AM

Its great that he's doing better everyday. I expect ZERO barking from lexx and he has RARELY let me down. He's had barking growling dogs right in his face and he still won't bark. The only time i ever hear a growl is if something rushes ME and even then He will only give one warning bark and stiffen a bit, no crazy barking. He was in puppy school at 10 weeks and is around other dogs a lot.

The suggestion of taking him everywhere with you is a great one, lexx comes to Rona all the time ( my bf has a decking company, we're there a lot), we go to petsmart, the flower shop, walk in busy areas, and DEFINITELY doggy school!

He'll get it, but he depends on you to be his pack leader and teach him right from wrong. Not to make excuses for his behaviour.