Breed specific aggression

**Taz_Zoee** · 12-31-2006, 02:18 PM

This is what I am trying with Zoee at the park...she goes crazy when she see's any dog (although, not aggressively)...I ask the owner if their dog is okay with other dogs and ask if they can meet. Once Zoee meets them she is fine and happy.
I'm not sure if you'd be able to do this with your dog, if he is showing aggressiveness toward them. Sorry, that's all I could think of.

**Giselle** · 01-01-2007, 04:17 AM

Desensitization is usually the way to go with these types of fear aggression. Find a friendly Airedale and a cooperative owner and gradually desensitize your dog. I highly recommend The Cautious Canine by Patricia McConnell because it gives you clear step-by-step instructions with full detail and explanations. It also gives you some troubleshooting tips, but I'll try to sum it up. Basically, the whole jist of it is that you want your dog to associate Airedales with positive things, a.k.a. positive reinforcement.

Stand about 15 feet away or as close as you can be without getting a reaction from your dog. Then give her a command like "Sit" and treat her, praise her, etc. If she's responding well, walk closer to the Airedale moving at about 1-2 ft increments. Always check out her comfort level. If she starts to show the least bit of aggression or anxiety (quick panting, drooling, hair raising, anxious jerks on the lead, not responding, etc.), move back. The worst thing you can do now is to rush her. You may never get to a 5 ft distance from the Airedale until weeks from now, but that's okay. Then, again, you might make it in one session. Move at her pace. I know this sounds incredibly time consuming, but it's completely worth it. In aggression cases, it's *always* better to be safe than sorry. Good luck

**borzoimom** · 01-01-2007, 08:03 AM

I agree with several points made already especially about decentralization. None of my 4 care for Boxers- no clue why, but it was suggested at one incident at the vets office with sweet Galina barking at one, that it could just be the change in the muzzle in what my dogs are use to seeing most of the time. ( long muzzle verses short). I also saw a show about a racing greyhound that was worried about all over dogs, but obviously fine- even more outgoing when returned to the track for a visit with her new owner. It was obvious the dog only recognized another dog if the one looked similar to themselves. The racing greyhound had an excuse- it had lived its whole life with only greyhounds and people. With other dogs, this can be socialization issues.
Due to the fact two of mine are show dogs, I didnt want any problems. The vet talked to a few boxer owners, and we set times to meet "casually " at the vets office. At first we sat on opposite sides of this huge office, correcting growls, calm praise at total ignorance- looking away and laying down. Session two- 30 minutes again we were closer- one correction but good because different dogs. Last visit not one growl. ...

**ton70out** · 01-03-2007, 01:39 PM

Thanks for the input. I will keep my eyes out for a cooperative Airdale owner, and get him to sit in their presence for a while before I try to get him any closer...

Andy.

**borzoimom** · 01-03-2007, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by ton70out

Thanks for the input. I will keep my eyes out for a cooperative Airdale owner, and get him to sit in their presence for a while before I try to get him any closer...

Andy.

Call your vet- mine was willing to help us out. ..

**Nobas Mom** · 01-08-2007, 04:54 AM

On this same topic, quick question. My basset hound has recently (okay, about 7 months now) began to get more aggressive with other dogs. It seems to have started when he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and his 4x a week trips to the dog park were forced to turn into 2x a month. He goes absolutely crazy when he encounters another male dog. He recently tried to "eat" and 8 week old boxer puppy. He's getting fixed next month, do you think that will help? He was never like this and now when he goes tot he park, we have to leave almost immediately cause he will find the one dog that urkes him and try to kill it...

**borzoimom** · 01-08-2007, 09:36 AM

It might work, but you might need a private trainer or behaviorist. No harm in trying, just maintain control.
Remember if your dog doesnt feel well most of the time- he is really trying to keep other dogs away as he knows he is jeopardized in his hips.. hmm..
As far as his hips- he is at a good age to heal well from the hip surgery. Young dogs heal quicker than older dogs. It does take serious daily watchfullness in the healing time after the surgerey- but you want to discuss that with your vet..