Aggression..Protective or Defensive, and how to resolve it

[Gene]

Hello Everyone,

I recently adopted a 2 year old male (neutered) Border Collie mix named Yoda from a rescue organization. For the most part Yoda appears to be a very sweet, gentle, smart dog. He was in his foster home for about nine months along with two other dogs, one large one small, and a toddler. His foster parents assured me that in the time they had him he never showed any sign of aggression towards their other pets, their child, they themselves, or anyone else for that matter, only a loving energetic demeanor. Being a rescue dog, they of course have no clue as to his treatment prior to the organization obtaining him from the shelter.

As an FYI, until we have earned each others trust Yoda has and will remain on a leash when outdoors so all of the following has taken place on a leash.

The first few days with Yoda he showed no signs of aggression, no barks, growls, fear, nothing. Then around the fourth day while we were out back Yoda saw a neighbor and instantly went into a defensive/aggressive mode, barking growling and pulling on his leash, towards the neighbor. In response I pulled hm back, tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention and firmly said "NO". After repeating this a few time Yoda backed off and we went about our play time. The next day the same thing happened with another family member of the same household next door.

In the next few days to follow this behavior became more frequent and was not limited to just humans, but to other dogs too. Then a couple of days ago he actually lunged at someone walking by and bite them while we were setting amongst a group of friends.

I decided right then that we'll have to remain distant from other individuals/distractions until we have a much better understanding of one another, have figured out what is causing this behavior and have taken steps to resolve it.

When Yoda and I are alone together you couldn't ask for a sweeter, more affectionate dog. I am practicing to be the dominant one, meaning I do not let him rule the home, but he does have free reign of two rooms in the home, both within my eyes view. He is a quick learner, is house broken, walks very well on a leash, is crate trained and goes into it willingly and spends his night within it. He plays well, shows no sign of possessive aggression with food, toys, bones, etc. All in all he is a very good dog, with exception to this side of him which has cropped up.

I have contacted his foster parents and the adoption organization in regards to this behavior and they are completely surprised by this. They are willing to take him back but if this were to take place I fear his fate is not good. Therefore I wish to exhaust all efforts available to me to curb this behavior and the organization is willing to help in any way they can. Beyond their help I have searched for additional opinions on the internet which is what brings me here.

Just to clarify, I have not raised a hand to Yoda, nor will I. What I seek is a determination of what type of aggression Yoda is expressing and a resolution to it. I am the one who needs to be properly trained on how to deal with it..I know this and am open to any and all ideas on how to archive this.

Thanks, Gene

[Camsy]

Wow, I admire your determination in trying to deal with your dog's aggression problems and I think you're taking all the right steps in dealing with it. Just a question, does he live somewhere where a sidewalk is directly visible?

[Lyka_01]

Sometimes aggression develop when people bully your dog...I notice it with one of our dog...he is not aggressive before in fact he is a very silent and happy dog...Eventually I notice that he know how bark angry now, like "grrrr" something like that...I observe why it happened then I find out the kids in our neighbor used to bully him when we are not around our...

[Camsy]

That's harsh. What did you do to curb the behavior?

[brody]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this. The reason I was given this site was because our dog is suddenly starting to be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. He is a 3 year old male german shephard. We have had no aggression problems in the past I am very nervous about this behavior. I am the female adult in the family. Two weeks ago my daughter brought her 11 week old huskie puppy over Brody went crazy when I attempted to calm him he snapped at me. My husband yelled at him but there was no calling him off. Brody has been with us since he was 8 weeks old. We are aware that we have "humanized" Brody I feel as though I have lost my control over him. My husband does not want to admit there is a problem. I love Brody very much but right now I am not trusting him with strangers or strange dogs. HELP

[Lyka_01]

Originally Posted by Camsy

That's harsh. What did you do to curb the behavior?

When he do that strange behavior I try to talk to him like saying baby that's bad...and try to pet him all the time to make him feel that we love him so much...sometimes I think he is an EMO dog...lol...I also told to the kids in my neighborhood not to bully him...