Agressive English Bulldog.

[Karen]

Okay, try having your wife take over the feeding duties for him, and at least one of his daily walks. He needs to understand that she is above him, and good things come from her IF he behaves. Make him sit and wait before she gives him his food, too. Maybe at first you can both walk him together, but he's obviously got the idea that she's intimidate by him, and is taking advantage. And he may be stubborn, but she just has to out-stubborn him. Tell her she has to act calm near him, and be firm with him, even if she is nervous inside, do NOT let it show. Would it be possible for her to take him to a simple obedience class? They are as much about training the person as the dog, and establishing that bond and trust ...

[rep]

Thanks Karen,
We will heed your advice and give it a go...will update in a couple of weeks.

[carrie]

I agree with the advice Karen has given so far. I would also like to know how long you have had the dog, how long is the dog left alone, with your wife or you during the day. Where does the dog sleep? Does it have free access to the outside if you are not there and does it have free access to food? If you have to leave the dogs during the day are they together? When did the behaviour start and when did your other dog start to show signs of anxiety?

[rep]

Carrie,
Sir George Foreman...aka Butch was given to me when he was approximately 9 months old...now 3 yrs. When I say given, this was a unique circumstance as he was owned by a widowed lady who had purchased him from a breeder, and for some reason "could not handle him". Rumor has it that she often hit him. That said, we attributed some of his behavior to his association of her with my wife.
He has a crate but we most often let him sleep on the couches and yes we have a doggy door which allows him free access to the backyard. Bulldogs by trait are not overly active...and Florida is "hot", thus he spends most of his time indoors.
No free access to food. Fed twice a day a.m./p.m. in conjunction with my other dog...again not food possessive. (My wife is now in control of his feeding)
Dogs are left together, alone, when we are not here and they do fine together...Butch's behavior seems to manifest itself in the evening hours when he seems to be tired and/or, as mentioned before, when my wife enters the living room from the back or when she is leaving the house with purse or package in hand.
My other dog show his anxiety when Butch exhibits this "tired" behavior, (He seems to sense it). Interesting is that in the morning or during the day when they are outside they "play/roughhouse"...without problems.
Butch is "my" dog..likes to be near me and we are associating some of this behavior with what might be jealousy.
Hope I have answered your questions and thanks for your interest.