We have a 4 year old neutered male border collie x chow.
He's affectionate, great with kids, non destructive, pretty obedient - basically the perfect dog, other than the fact that he's getting increasingly aggressive with other dogs. He's a problem to take out for walks (although obviously we still do) because he confuses other dogs by looking all friendly at first. So if they're off-leash, they approach him (he's giving off no aggressive body language) but then when they get too close it's as though something switches inside him and he'll suddenly snarl/growl at them.
Sorry this has got so long. What I'm asking is whether any of you have experienced this, and if so, whether you think us getting another dog would help make him more dog-friendly or whether this would be likely to (a) make him more friendly with that particular dog, but still act the same with strange dogs - maybe even worse if he feels he needs to "protect" the newcomer, and (b) whether it's most likely that he would pass his neurosis onto a puppy and we'd end up with 2 unsociable dogs instead of one!
We live in a remote rural area (3 hours drive from the nearest city!) so we have no dog training classes or anything like that available to us. He seems to have picked out which of our friends' dogs he'll tolerate and which ones he can't stand the sight of, with no obvious differences in the dogs' behaviour towards him...
He's also *just* started barking constantly when left in the local boarding kennels if we go away for a few days, which he never used to do until this last time we left him (last weekend). His behaviour in that respect is deteriorating along with his increasing grouchiness towards other dogs.
He's in good health and has no medical issues that could be causing pain - and has not become any less people-friendly in that same time period.
So, any views on the new puppy idea? And do you think he'll quieten down in the kennels with company, or just train the second dog to bark too? I know there's no definitive answer - just interested in your opinions.
Thanks in advance!
How To Use Dog Training Collars
Recommended Answer:He seems to be pretty scared so have you tried using his favourite treats to change the defensive behaviour?
As another dog approaches him, and he is near to you, when he is still in his calm state give him a treat and tell him what a good boy he is. Then move him away from the approaching dog hopefully with his attention still on you. Try not to let him become aggressive by moving him before this happens!
Over time allow the approaching dogs to get closer and closer still giving him the treat when he is calm and praising him until the day when the new dog is next to him when he gets the treat.
He should start to link the new dog with the nice treat and stop seeing them as a threat.
Well that's the theory anyway. Good luck
Dog Training Basics
- I'm not sure. Sorry...
- do NOT get a new PUPPY. get a dog about his age,probably female. slowly introduce him to other animals like cats and dog. mabey hes protective of you?
- I know its tough when you live in a rural area, but I believe your dog's this way because of lack of socializing and corrections when he misbehaves. He sounds like he's insecure, perhaps a little afraid of other dogs, and that's bringing out his aggression.
I think bringing in another puppy is a huge mistake. Yes, he'll teach a new puppy to bark. But he's also going to teach him how to behave towards other dogs. Dogs learn from each other amazingly well. A puppy would copy him and you'd have twice the trouble. He might not accept the puppy either, then what would you do?
I think you need to find a way to correct his problems first. There's a great training book with accompanying DVD by Brenda Aloff called "Get Connected With Your Dog". Following a lot of the exercises in that book should help bring your dog around.
- Although it may be difficult or time consuming at first, I really believe that you need to consult a professional dog behaviorist before this problem gets any worse (it will). Call a vet (or several) and ask for referrals to dog behaviorists. Often, the behaviorist will come to your home. Do not get a puppy until this issue has been completely resolved.
- My dog does this too probably for a different reason though because a lab came up to him one day off leash their owner in their house saying that their dog was friendly and it came being nice and then it started attacking my dog he is a very small mutt and the lab was very big and it took 5 minutes before the owners came out and got their dog...ever since then my dog has been very aggresive at dogs in dog park and on walks...i dont recommend getting another dog because that could turn out to be bad if your dog doens't get along with them, im just going to take my dog to a trainer who specializes in dog aggression
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