I rescued Baby Girl, a Catahoula Mix, some four years ago. We have worked through some agression issues but the big remainder is her aggression to other dogs; doesn't matter the size. We travel full time and are currently in the Glacier Park area. Baby Girl is fine with people as long as they don't get close to me. At the sight of a dog, whatever size, she bows up and many times goes ballistic. At times, she even turns on me when I attempt to restrain her. Comments, thoughts and suggestions are most appreciated.

Sorry to sound so blunt, but you need the professional help of a behaviorist (not just a dog trainer) ASAP. This is a very serious problem, especially since he's turning on you when you try to restrain him. In the meantime, turn and walk the other way at first sight of another dog. Carry VERY high value treats (tiny pieces of hotdog, cheese, etc.) to try and distract your dog as you exit the scene. Walk at times when other dogs aren't likely to be out (super early a.m. and late p.m.). I'd also muzzle this dog when out in public. A basket type of muzzle still allows panting. You don't want to end up getting arrested for having a dangerous dog, if things go south, or getting hurt yourself.

My daughter had a dog just like you describe. Probably spent over $1,000 trying to change the dogs behavior. No luck. The tips in the previous post are the answer. Keep her well away from other dogs. Forever I'm afraid.

Please do not bring the dog to areas where encounters with others is likely. There is a real potential for serious issues. Your dog is a relatively large and powerful animal. It is highly likely that should it latch on to another dog it will do serious damage. The fact it has turned and attacked you during restraint vastly increases the chance it will get loose. What if it bites you and you reflexively drop the lead? The muzzle is a great suggestion, but seriously consider whether this dog should ever be in a public setting.

I am sorry to say this, but as one who has trained retrievers professionally, from the very little bit of information you provided, it sounds like you may have a very dangerous dog. You need to find someone who is credentialed, not just self appointed, in animal behavior to do a thorough evaluation on your dog. Until that evaluation is completed and a strategy is developed, that dog should not be in the presence of or even in sight of other dogs, people, and especially children. Also, that dog should be muzzled at all times until if ever reliability stable in the presence of other dogs, small animals, children, and adults. Unfortunately, that breed does not lend itself to being very sociable so the odds are against you that you will ever have a stable dog.

All the above answers are correct. You have a serious problem for which there may be an answer--or no answer. I have volunteered at a no-kill dog rescue and seen dogs like this do a 100% about face (including my own wonderful rescue) with professional help. No way would I try to explain the techniques used--as it took professional help. But I have seen other dogs with identical problems where the same techniques were to no avail. This will be difficult for a full-timer if you are moving constantly. Hopefully you settle somewhere for several months and can get a good recommendation from shelters, groomers, or humane societies.Meanwhile avoid other dogs. Don't try to socialize her without good, professional help.On edit...I will say that the techniques that worked with my dog involved around 20 weekly sessions in a controlled setting with other dogs where I could provide immediate corrections and rewards with the trainer (who was also working with the other dogs) by my side. No way would it have ever worked on my own, in RV parks, etc.

What to do to correct dog agression to other dogs?

23 Replies

kcmoedoe
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
Please do not bring the dog to areas where encounters with others is likely. There is a real potential for serious issues. Your dog is a relatively large and powerful animal. It is highly likely that should it latch on to another dog it will do serious damage. The fact it has turned and attacked you during restraint vastly increases the chance it will get loose. What if it bites you and you reflexively drop the lead? The muzzle is a great suggestion, but seriously consider whether this dog should ever be in a public setting.
ed6713
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
My daughter had a dog just like you describe. Probably spent over $1,000 trying to change the dogs behavior. No luck.
The tips in the previous post are the answer. Keep her well away from other dogs. Forever I'm afraid.
xteacher
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
Sorry to sound so blunt, but you need the professional help of a behaviorist (not just a dog trainer) ASAP. This is a very serious problem, especially since he's turning on you when you try to restrain him.

In the meantime, turn and walk the other way at first sight of another dog. Carry VERY high value treats (tiny pieces of hotdog, cheese, etc.) to try and distract your dog as you exit the scene. Walk at times when other dogs aren't likely to be out (super early a.m. and late p.m.). I'd also muzzle this dog when out in public. A basket type of muzzle still allows panting. You don't want to end up getting arrested for having a dangerous dog, if things go south, or getting hurt yourself.

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What to do to correct dog agression to other dogs?

23 Replies

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