Staffordshire in Spain

[millen]

Hello. This is my first time on here and I am desperately in need of some advice.

I moved to spain nearly two years ago with my 5 year old staffordshire bull terrier bitch. We got her when she was 6 months old and has always been a little bit difficult when it comes to other dogs. She had never been socialized with other dogs which made her reaction when she saw other dogs agressive. So we could never walk her in a town where she was likely to see other dogs and avoidance was the key.

She has never bitten another dog, but if a dog came near her when she was on the lead especially, she would pull and throw herself around and show her teeth until I removed her from the situation. When she was off the lead she was 'ok' with other dogs, but very unsure and didnt play.

When we moved to spain it was very difficult because the Spanish do not walk there dogs on a lead very much and tend to let their dogs wander. This makes it very difficult when you are trying to walk a dog that doesnt like other dogs. (She has been attacked by three dogs at the same time when I was walking her in my village) The Spanish take their dogs with them everywhere, so again I could not take her for a walk anywhere where I though that there may be other dogs around. I know part of the problem is me because I worry what her reaction is going to be and get embarrassed.

Since moving to Spain we have recently moved to the countryside and she has met more and more dogs and was really starting to show that she could play with other dogs. Even when she was on the lead she was getting a little better.

All was looking good until 3 days ago she got attacked by two dogs, again allowed to be off the lead, one of which bit her three times. I wasnt sure how she would react when she saw another dog after the incident. Today she met a dog that she has met twice before and that we have walked with and she immediately started to show her teeth and be aggressive towards her without actually biting her. I had to take her away.

It is very difficult to live here with a dog that is aggressive towards other dogs. I would love to be able to at least walk her past another dog without having world war 3 everytime. I am worried after the incident how she will react, but also how I can try to help her. There are not really any dog trainers where I live so I cant even ask anyone for help. I would love to take my dog out with me more but at the moment it is just not possible. She is a fantastic loving dog and if I could overcome this she would be perfect.

If anyone can offer any kind of advise I would be so grateful.

Thank u

[melody]

I'm not sure why your dog is acting like that but try the tips mentioned on Dog Aggression at the DOA site. I'm sure you'll find something useful there.

Good luck!

[Lyka_01]

Nice site melody...
that's very helpful...