Docile dog becomes randomly aggressive

[Karen]

Well, we take her to the dog park at least four times a week, nearly every day in the summer, and she's usually very good and gentile while playing with other dogs. She never barks at them, and she's good at matching their aggressiveness. I've seen her hold her own against a giant Mastiff and then turn around and start chasing a puppy with extreme sensitivity. That is why it confuses me so much that she would have an aggression problem. There doesn't seem to be any warning signs that I have noticed. She's not protective of me :P. Once there was food involved, but the other three times there wasn't.
She knows sit, down, stay, come and a few tricks like weave and holding treats on her nose. We have been to obedience school as well.

Do you know of any behavior specialists or where to find one? Would her Vet be helpful?

Oh, also, three of the times the dogs were female old black labs. the fourth was just a random little dog who wasn't black at all, but it's curious that the first three were all very similar.

Sure, where are you located? You vet probably would not be very helpful, as they are trained to look for medical, not behavioral issues. Did the incidents happen close together, or are they sporadic? When she gets into it with another dog, can you distract her or call her to you successfully? Sounds like a coincidence 3 were older black Labs, after all - they are the most popular breed in America! Knowing where you are would help us (Pet Talk people) find a good behaviorist for you!

[Nadie]

Sure, where are you located? You vet probably would not be very helpful, as they are trained to look for medical, not behavioral issues. Did the incidents happen close together, or are they sporadic? When she gets into it with another dog, can you distract her or call her to you successfully? Sounds like a coincidence 3 were older black Labs, after all - they are the most popular breed in America! Knowing where you are would help us (Pet Talk people) find a good behaviorist for you!

The outskirts of Portland Oregon. I would be very grateful if you knew of any behaviorists in the area.

The first incident and the second were almost a year apart, then the next one happened about a month later, and the latest one was only about a week and a half after that (it happened yesterday). And she becomes very concentrated on the other dog and doesn't listen. She seems to have sense enough not to bite people though, when they are pulled apart. The first time she wouldn't let go of the other dog's collar so I stuck my hand in her mouth and she immediately let go. (I know sticking your hands into a dogfight isn't very smart, but in the situation I knew it was safe.) As soon as they are pulled apart and she is distracted she goes back to a tail-wagging happy dog almost immediately.

And I was not aware that black labs were so popular! I guess I never noticed, but now that I reflect I do see them everywhere. :P

Thank you very much

[mon]

Could just possibly be that your dog, she is phsycic. She can read their minds and knows when one needs a right royal arse kicking!

[Karen]

You're welcome - let me reach out to our West-Coast Pet Talkers!

[DJFyrewolf36]

I'm somewhat local (in Eugene) and I have heard good things about this place http://www.canineclassroom.com

Edited to add: Here is another place that seems highly recommended. http://animalbehaviorclinic.net

[Nadie]

I'm somewhat local (in Eugene) and I have heard good things about this place http://www.canineclassroom.com

Edited to add: Here is another place that seems highly recommended. http://animalbehaviorclinic.net

Thank you so much!

[Jessika]

Please keep in mind, you do need professional training, but there is a difference between self-proclaimed "behaviorists" and board certified and licensed veterinary behaviorists. I would start out with a professional trainer first (and it will cost a lot of money, but that's the price you'll pay for results) before going to a veterinary behaviorist.