my dog doesn't get along with other dogs anymore

[jridgeway1]

Hi,
I adopted Bella 8 months ago from the local animal shelter. She is a boxer/bulldog mix, a really great dog. She loves people, sometimes a little too much, however, she does not get along with other dogs anymore. I used to take her to the dog park and she did just fine, she never had a problem with the other dogs but she did play agressively. The last time i took her to the park, it ended bad. The dog was threatened by the way Bella played and they got in a fight but, the dog wasn't hurt. The next time something happened, my friend brought her teacup poodle to my apartment. Bella was stiffing the other dog and her tail was wagging, out of nowhere she bit the other dog. After that incident, i tried to avoid interaction as much as possible. Except the last encounter, i was talking to a neighbor outside with Bella off of her leash because she's good about staying with me. The next door neighbor let her pitbull out without a leash as well, and they quickly began to fight. It was really rough on Bella, both of the dogs got bit a couple of times. Ever since, Bella has been really weird about other dogs. She will whine and pull and her hair raises on her back. I often wonder if seh will ever get along with other dogs again. I tthink about times when i was able to take her on playdates, and i would love to be able to do that again. When we go on walks, i always go to the other side of the sidewalk if i see another dog. I try to avoid interaction as much as possible. I know it isn't the right thing to do, i'm sure exposure plays a big part in getting her back to normal. I'm moving out in a month and one of my prospective roommates has a dog. I was wondering if you could give me tips on how i should introduce the two dogs or anything else i could do to help Bella like dogs again.

[lizbud]

You didn't say anything about training classes for your dog, so should
we assume she's not had any formal training? If not, I suggest that you
try it. Whatever you try to correct this problem,it will probably take longer
than a month. There is no quick fix.

[Freedom]

Joining a class will help the 2 of you bond, and will help her learn to trust you.

Have the 2 dogs meet now, before they have to live together. Have them meet on neutal ground, not your yard, not the other's yard. Keep both leashed.

When you call about classes, asking for info, mention about this move too and see if they can give you some ideas also!

Sandra

[IrishSetterGurl]

Maybe you should keep the dogs on the lesh and and let them sniff eachother than if you see any weird behavior that might a fight move the dogs away from eachother until they get to know one aother!

[applesmom]

How old is she? Were all the dogs she fought with females?

[jridgeway1]

They were actually both girls. She is 3 years old. I've heard obendience class will help make her more comfortable with dogs in a non-stressful environment, but she's actually a very obedient dog. She loves our two cats, so maybe she will get alon gwith a family dog better than a strange dog. It's just so stressful for me to even think about having her encounter another dog because i fear what will happen.

[agilityk9trainer]

You don't always go to obedeince classes to train obedience. You also go to socalize your dog.

Your dog has now had three bad experiences with other dogs, and she was the instigator of some of them. She has learned that all dogs are not good dogs. She is going to attack first and ask questions later.

Can something be done? Yes. But you won't find the answer here. You need to find an animal behaviorist or a trainer experienced in aggressions. I cannot tell which type of aggression we are dealing with, and as I have stated in other posts, the way you treat one form of aggression will fee the other form. You need to get with someone one-on-one.

Also, as someone already posted, there is no quick fix. This will take time, and probably some Classical Conditioning (depending on the type of aggression). A good trainer can tell the different types and know how to help you.

In the meantime, you ARE doing the right thing by keeping your dog away from other dogs. Until you know which type of aggression you are dealing with, and until you get help from a professional, you need to be staying away from other dogs. Remember, one attack from your dog can not only injure or kill another dog, but it can cause emotional scars that never heal. It is your responsiblity to keep other dogs safe from your dog, and you are doing that. Good job.

So, to sum it up, go get professional help ASAP. There IS help and hope. You can make inroad on this problem. But, your dog will probably never be safe to trust around strange dogs again.

[lizbud]

It's just so stressful for me to even think about having her encounter another dog because i fear what will happen.

I believe your fear/stress is passed along to your dog & that doesn't help
anybody. Really hope you can contact someone to help your dog overcome
her obstacles. I believe there's help for her & also hope for her. Good luck.

[jewelz2390]

I had the same problem with my dog for a little while. She also was fine right away, but I didn't socialize her enough right away. When I took her to an obedience class, they told me that she was acting that way because she felt it was her job to handle the situation and protect her owner. Here is what I did.

They told me that it was all in how I handled the situation on how she would react. By being worried or expecting something every time you see another dog, the dog can sense that and feels they need to take control. So, when you see another dog. Act casually, and don't tighten the leash (atleast to the point where they feel the pull. If you feel it is best to keep the dog closer, then do so without them noticing if possible.)

This can be really hard to do though, especially if the other dog is agressive too. So, what I eventually practiced was having the dog sit randomly when I was on a walk, regardless of whether or not there was a dog there. It helps to have treats with too. And when a dog comes up, stop, and ask them to sit. I made both my dogs sit as the dog passed by.

If the dog isn't used to sitting or walking nicely, start training by making them aware of what you are doing on walks, not only of what they are doing. The first step is to stop randomly on walks, and make them loosen the leash to come back to you (say their name or "come" if they know it) and be sure to praise them a lot when they do well. Once they are used to this, work in a sit with it. (To teach a sit, put a treat in your hand and with your hand, put it over there head and move towards their tail to lure them into it. Once they do it, treat them immediately and praise.) Once you've got the sit down, all you need is practice.

Some dogs may catch on right a way, and others take a while. It is definately reversible though.
Hope this helps!!


Another Quick tip: I know some places (like PetsMart) offer Puppy Play Groups if you want to socialize her more.