Territorial/dog-dog aggression

[Mandylee]

A little history:
My dog Bucky is a rescue pup, he's a border collie/black lab mix. We got him at 7weeks and he was a great pup, but very hard to potty train and also had separation anxiety. Every time we would leave the house for more than an hour, he would tear something up into pieces. (This was after he was a few months old) Also he wasn't even fully potty trained until about 9mo. He's always been a very active dog requiring a lot of exercise. I took him to the park every day to play ball and run around. He turned out to be the smartest dog I've ever had. He loves agility stuff. We can point to any type of obstacle and he will maneuver it. He loves sliding down slides and jumping through things. All we have to do is point and he'll do it. He listens very well and also heels off the leash upon command. He is now almost 2 and I take him running with me which he loves. I usually let him run off the leash, but he is really good about coming to me whenever I call and has never run off. He follows commands, my boyfriend and I make sure that he earns all his treats and that we are out the door first, we really try to stick to the NILIF guidelines to be the Leader of the pack. He really is a great, smart dog MOST of the time.

THE PROBLEM:
He has always been somewhat aggressive. When we first got him we had a roommate with a dog that was kind of cranky. She always growled at people, but was timid so she never bit or even came near you really until she knew you. She was also this way with new dogs. Bucky was raised with her until he was about 1, then we moved and now he's an only pup. The problem that we are having is that he has become increasingly protective of our yard and vehicles. He's also aggressive towards new dogs and in particular MALES. The thing is, he's been socialized, we have multiple friends with dogs and he loves them. He plays all the time with them. It's just the initial meet and great of new dogs that he often times will not be so friendly and has gotten into fights. We can't take him to the dog park because we are afraid he might be mean to another dog and that's a liability for us. Our neighbors have 2 male boxers that Bucky jumps the fence and plays with them all the time. It's like his second family. Why does he get a long with them, but not other dogs?? Our other neighbors just got the sweetest lil male pup, but BUCKY is not impressed. He growls and nips at him through the fence. Any tips on the dog aggression would be appreciated.

The protective issue deals with the back of our truck. We let him ride around in the back and he won't jump out. If I run to the store I let him load up and off we go. I just park and go into where ever it is that i'm going and Bucky does not leave the back of the truck. He used to be friendly, but lately he has started getting really aggressive towards people that walk by. It's not always, but it's a little odd. I've had someone come up and bucky sniffed her and didn't seem to mind, then 2 seconds later after we started walking away he lashed out and started growling and barking. (NEVER BITING or making phys contact). This is a major concern for me because any other time he doesn't care about new people. He is fine unless he's in the back of that truck or our yard occasionally. Anyway, I know I wrote a novel I just don't know what to do and wanted to provide as much info as possible.

[cathy1]

Hi. I actually came to this site to look for help myself.
I read your problem, and can offer a tiny bit of advice though.

1) Your dog is becoming an adult and that is where you see more aggression. They become more protective of house, yard, your car, and family.

2) Yard - I would try not to keep your dog in the yard that much.
I would walk the dog as much as possible instead.

3) For the meet and greet with other dogs, keep him on the leash in case he acts aggressive, that way you can pull him back.

4) The neighbor dogs that he likes are part of his family, he has known them for some time.

5) MOST VALUABLE ADVICE - ASK YOUR NEIGHBOR TO GO FOR A WALK WITH YOU AND THEIR DOG (sweetest lil male pup).
SO, YOU ARE WALKING YOUR DOG AND YOUR NEIGHBOR IS WALKING THEIR SWEET MALE PUP, AND YOU GUYS ARE WALKING TOGETHER, AND TALKING TOGETHER, AND SOCIALIZING TOGETHER, AND THE DOGS WILL CATCH ON.
DO THIS FOR A WEEKS (HOPE YOUR NEIGHBOR IS AGREEABLE).
THEN, SEE IF THE DOGS CAN PLAY TOGETHER ON A PEICE OF PROPERTY THAT IS NEITHER DOGS (MAYBE A SCHOOL YARD). IF THAT WORKS, THEN MOVE TO YOUR NEIGHBOR'S BACKYARD AND SEE IF THE DOGS CAN PLAY THERE.

6)Truck - is a problem.
Your dog is getting more aggressive.
He has not bitten anyone yet, but please be careful.
I would suggest taking him into the store if you can.
If not, put him in the driver's seat.
He might bark at people, but he will be INSIDE the truck, and can not get out.

Ok, now for anyone listening...
I have an eight year old female german shepherd.
My problem is when people come over (friends/kid's friends), she barks and follows them around and is nippy.
I always have to keep her in a down stay (for two -three hours) and watch her 100% of the time.
Any thoughts on how to get her to behave?

[mriver]

I also came to the list for help with my dogs aggression. I'll put my two cents worth on your GSD's problem. Since they are 'herding' dogs by nature, could he be herding them, keeping them under control? Does he do this when he is out in public or on a walk etc.? Has he actually bitten someone or is it just ankle nipping? Hopefully someone can give you advice on how to curtail this, but you'd need to give more detail about instances other than just when someone comes into your home. My daughter has a dump dog that's an 'cow dog'. He always nips at our two grandson's ankles and follows them around as if he is going to keep them within his choice of space. Good luck

[diane4]

A friend of mine had the same sort of problem with her dog and when her dog started to nip she bought some bitter apple spray and sprayed it on her ankle (not a lot, just a short burst). This soon stopped him from trying to "herd" her. Now her dog only has to see the spray in my friends hand and turns her attention to a toy she loves. Toys are always a good idea as well. Lots of praise when playing with the toy works wonders.

[bdogs]

I understand your problem. The best way to deal with aggression is to provide your dog with good training. The the most effective way to train your dog is at your home. I know of one such trainer. Better Dogs provides palm beach dog training and many such similar services right at your home! You can visit their website for more information. Kudos!