Puppy aggression

[Cherylynn]

Does anyone else have experience with their puppy being (unpredictably) aggressive with other dogs and some people while on walks? It seems to be getting worse and I'm not sure how to handle it. Thanks!

[Dr Karen Hoving]

Hi Cherylann

How old is your puppy?

Mine is now 10 months and it's getting better. I think in Bella's case she was terrified of all of this new stuff. No dog aggression (except one time, a known mean dog went after her-we got her away but she might have finished that fight. She was NOT the aggressor (was running past the  dog to get to a puppy friend and the dog lunged (I thought assuming Bella was coming after him) but apparently neighborhood says he and his owner are both aggressive.

We had probs early on with things she'd never seen before- children (terrified), bicycles (JUMPING), etc. So we do a desensitization thing and that works.

I have written in about worrying about her growling sometimes if she is focused on something and I pet her- seems like a startle response. She has NEVER bitten someone. Wonder if for me this is more sheepdog behavior (I've had numerous standard poodles- never a problem). Spoke with a number of behavioral pet ppl with very very expensive training programs. I have a silly theory. Sometimes dogs on leads feel that they may be being controlled (duh they are) and when other people are buzzing past off lead that may make them worry/nervous? I 'm too shrinky-sorry. But that did pass. Again if your pup is young, just keep taking her out. Lots of treats when you see someone coming- have her SIT. TREAT. And tell her not to be afraid. Again, pos reinforcement always better than punishment. So try to catch her BEFORE behavior- but TBh there are ppl on here smarter than I am...I may have screwed up my dog for life LOL

Karen and Bella-

[Cherylynn]

Thanks for your reply! She is 15 months.  I think it is related to being on the leash and maybe of feeling restrained and perhaps vulnerable that she cannot adequately defend herself (or me?). She is very good at the dog park. I think the positive reinforcement is a good idea. I have tried correcting her: "No!" but it has not changed anything. It does not happen to everyone or every dog that passes us while walking - just randomly. Also, she reacts to loud vehicles passing us by. When she hears it coming, she stops and stares and then barks and tries to lunge at it (motorcycles, loud cars, trucks, even people on bikes). It's frustrating and dangerous.

[Dolly Dykhouse]

Hi Cherylynn,

I just started reading a book that was highly recommended to me by Henry's groomer; How to behave so your dog behaves by Dr Sophia Yin. I just started it last night but there is some very good information in the very beginning about dog behavior, postures that explain what they are thinking/behaving the way they are. Some things surprised me, for example; Henry barks at our 9 yr old puggle Jo in an effort to get his attention to play, sometimes Jo engages but most often not. Jo sits there with an open mouth grin with his tongue hanging out which is said to be a sign of conflict/anxiety. Easiest explanation is Jo is conflicted, wants to play but Henry's all out nipping and barking at him makes him anxious hence his hesitancy. 

Henry isn't aggressive towards other dogs (other than trying to get Jo to play and doesn't know in his 17 week old puppy brain to back off) however, he is a bit fearful of cars. When we go for walks if he sees a car coming towards us he will sit down and not move until it is gone. We will have to work on desensitizing that issue for him.

Amazon lets you read a sample if you have a Kindle, might be worth a look for you. I know that I am enjoying it so far and it has gotten great feedback and reviews. Good luck!

[Cherylynn]

Thank you for the suggestion - I'm going to look the book up. Molly does that too sometimes (barking at another dog because she wants them to play). I put Molly in her crate when she gets that way and is not listening to my commands to stop. She also barks at the vacuum. I have been working on desenstizing her to that too, but it's a process. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is called leash reactivity.  There are  several techniques/methods you use to train the dog not to be reactive when on-leash.  It is not necessarily an easy or short term correction, however the younger the dog the easier it is to correct.

[Cherylynn]

Yes I agree, it seems related to being on leash. I'm going to look into that specifically. thanks