Aggressive attitude only toward larger dogs

zabby-doo · 01-06-2010, 08:13 PM

Can anyone give me some pointers? I have a 3 year old boxer (not neutered), Zakk is such a sweet heart. In fact we just added to our family with an 8 wk old classic fawn female. What can I say, I am hooked for life. We got Zakk when he was 14 weeks. He was an angel from the start. We always went to dog parks, so he could socialize and play. However when he was about 8 months old he started finding 1 dog at the dog park ( and it was always BIGGER ) and he would start a fight with that dog. Unfortunately we stopped going to the dog park, for fear he would fight. Now he absolutely loves little dogs. No problems what so ever!!! The new puppy can actually eat out of the bowl with him or take a bone out of his mouth. In fact anyone can, He is just having issues with dogs his size or bigger. HELP!!!!!

**HarleysMom** · 01-06-2010, 11:19 PM

I completely know where your coming from with that. Harley has the exact same problem. I have no advice but im sure somebody else will chime in soon!

oceaneyes2 · 01-07-2010, 01:03 AM

If you aren't going to breed him, getting him fixed will most likely take care of the problem. Fixed males live an average of 3 years longer then non-neutered ones. Intact males have to prove that they are the alpha, its a instinct thing. You can try wearing him out really hard and then introducing him to a larger dog and put him into a submissive position. I would muzzle him the first time if he's been aggressive just to be safe. To be honest, if he isn't fixed and dominant you'll probably always have this problem. I'm sorry but this is what my experience has shown me. Maybe someone else will have some other ideas.

Hundin · 01-07-2010, 06:53 AM

Has he ever had a good relationship with a larger dog?

When did you notice this behavior begin??

Now that it occurs you will need to find out at what point, when he sees the other dogs that he gets upset.

It would be from that point that you keep him, as to become comfortable.

Then each couple of days or a week, get him closer.

If he regresses, you must go back to the comfort zone and start over again.

This MUST be done on lead with both dogs.

He may have been attacked or frightened by a dog earlier in his life????

Actually, a small obedience class held outside, or in a very large space would probably help as well.

Make sure it is with people that can attest to knowing what they are doing...

Good luck

zabby-doo · 01-07-2010, 07:24 AM

Thanks Marylou,

Zakk has completed a puppy class, although that was some time ago. He is set to start his next level of obedience on Saturday. Now that you mention it, He has only had a positive relationship with one other large dog, she was a 7 year old spayed Goldendoodle. Ever since we stopped going to the dog park, I have been very guarded with him and larger dogs. For not wanting to deal with an aggression problem. He just loves the little one's all day long. Hopefully this next class will give him the refined behavior when it comes to other dogs.

Thanks again,
Angella

msdiamonddawg · 01-07-2010, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oceaneyes2

If you aren't going to breed him, getting him fixed will most likely take care of the problem. Fixed males live an average of 3 years longer then non-neutered ones. Intact males have to prove that they are the alpha, its a instinct thing. You can try wearing him out really hard and then introducing him to a larger dog and put him into a submissive position. I would muzzle him the first time if he's been aggressive just to be safe. To be honest, if he isn't fixed and dominant you'll probably always have this problem. I'm sorry but this is what my experience has shown me. Maybe someone else will have some other ideas.

The neutering thing is not necessarily true. I have the exact same problem and Tango has been fixed for a long time now. Tango is a very dominant dog (especially since hitting adolecence) when there are large dogs in the pack and he fights quite often now. I know of 3 dogs now in the park that he doesn't like and I get nervous when "new" dogs come into the pack - wrong energy to portray! I would suggest what was suggested to me ... quit the dog park and find a couple of dogs that he really likes to have play dates with. I never understood why people hated dogs parks so much, but I truly understand now. It was a great socialization tool when he was young and stupid, but not no more! Tango plays with his golden retriever friend Vinnie every morning at the school yard and his girlfriend Cuda - a neighbour dog - comes over all the time. He is happy, content, and I have to tell myself to stop feeling bad and the park is not needed. If all dogs were submissive, Tango would be fine, but they aren't and I have come to realize that I don't need anything to happen to my dog, and I don't need a vet bill and the feelings of guilt if he hurt another dog. Some dogs are just not meant to be let off leash.

zabby-doo · 01-10-2010, 09:08 AM

Sounds like Tango and Zakk are very similar. I love Tango's life motto. I was feeling so guilty about not being able to take him to the dog park anymore, for fear we was missing the interaction with other dogs. However, the stress of the impending fight was way too much. Not to mention bringing him there, which he loved, and then having to take him out, which he hated, was not really fair to him. As far as exercise, we go to the ball field and he runs like the dickens a few times a week. As far as having a playmate. We added a little 9 week classic fawn female to our family last week. He is in LOVE!!!! He is a true gentlemen, She can take the bone when they are playing and he lets her eat with him. As always he can play with any little dog boy or girl till the end of time and loves it. If it works for him, it works for me. I just want him to be happy

.

Thanks again for your post!!!!!
Angella

Specs · 03-12-2010, 03:04 PM

Brix is the same way. It feels like I'm the only one with this issue but I realize now, it's more common than I thought. Brix has been great off leash at dog parks before but this past week he got into a squabble. I'm not sure if he started it but I noticed he and this airendale didn't get along. They circled each other for a bit, both snarled. A couple seconds later they were at it and growling and Brix did not back down. I think the airendale backed off 'cause he was on his back but Brix continued.

I almost think the airendale was pissing off some smaller dogs and that's when Brix came and in full protect mode. Not sure. Anyway, bottom line, no harm was done but I am scared to let him off leash. I can't catch him fast enough to stop a fight.

I think I will use the dog park as a training tool to work on his greetings.

Brooklyn · 03-12-2010, 03:16 PM

Please don't use the dog park to work on your dog's aggression. It's not fair to the other dogs.

Specs · 03-12-2010, 04:23 PM

Oh, I meant I'd work off to the side of the park 'cause yes, it wouldn't be fair for the others.

01-06-2010, 08:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
zabby-doo New User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Viera, Florida Posts: 6	Aggressive attitude only toward larger dogs Can anyone give me some pointers? I have a 3 year old boxer (not neutered), Zakk is such a sweet heart. In fact we just added to our family with an 8 wk old classic fawn female. What can I say, I am hooked for life. We got Zakk when he was 14 weeks. He was an angel from the start. We always went to dog parks, so he could socialize and play. However when he was about 8 months old he started finding 1 dog at the dog park ( and it was always BIGGER ) and he would start a fight with that dog. Unfortunately we stopped going to the dog park, for fear he would fight. Now he absolutely loves little dogs. No problems what so ever!!! The new puppy can actually eat out of the bowl with him or take a bone out of his mouth. In fact anyone can, He is just having issues with dogs his size or bigger. HELP!!!!!

01-06-2010, 11:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
HarleysMom Power User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nashville Tn Posts: 366	I completely know where your coming from with that. Harley has the exact same problem. I have no advice but im sure somebody else will chime in soon! __________________

01-07-2010, 01:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
oceaneyes2 Experienced User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Havre de Grace, Maryland Posts: 100	If you aren't going to breed him, getting him fixed will most likely take care of the problem. Fixed males live an average of 3 years longer then non-neutered ones. Intact males have to prove that they are the alpha, its a instinct thing. You can try wearing him out really hard and then introducing him to a larger dog and put him into a submissive position. I would muzzle him the first time if he's been aggressive just to be safe. To be honest, if he isn't fixed and dominant you'll probably always have this problem. I'm sorry but this is what my experience has shown me. Maybe someone else will have some other ideas. __________________ "He will make you laugh; he will make you cry; he will try your patience; he will outwit you when he can. And he will love you with an intensity that will surprise and amaze you. He will be your canine soul mate." www.GBFBoxer.com Follow Me: Twitter.com/GBFBoxer Follow Jax: Twitter.com/jaxtheboxer

01-07-2010, 06:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
Hundin New User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin Posts: 24	Has he ever had a good relationship with a larger dog? When did you notice this behavior begin?? Now that it occurs you will need to find out at what point, when he sees the other dogs that he gets upset. It would be from that point that you keep him, as to become comfortable. Then each couple of days or a week, get him closer. If he regresses, you must go back to the comfort zone and start over again. This MUST be done on lead with both dogs. He may have been attacked or frightened by a dog earlier in his life???? Actually, a small obedience class held outside, or in a very large space would probably help as well. Make sure it is with people that can attest to knowing what they are doing... Good luck __________________ Marylou Mäder und die Schauplatz gruppe

01-10-2010, 09:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
zabby-doo New User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Viera, Florida Posts: 6	Sounds like Tango and Zakk are very similar. I love Tango's life motto. I was feeling so guilty about not being able to take him to the dog park anymore, for fear we was missing the interaction with other dogs. However, the stress of the impending fight was way too much. Not to mention bringing him there, which he loved, and then having to take him out, which he hated, was not really fair to him. As far as exercise, we go to the ball field and he runs like the dickens a few times a week. As far as having a playmate. We added a little 9 week classic fawn female to our family last week. He is in LOVE!!!! He is a true gentlemen, She can take the bone when they are playing and he lets her eat with him. As always he can play with any little dog boy or girl till the end of time and loves it. If it works for him, it works for me. I just want him to be happy. Thanks again for your post!!!!! Angella

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01-07-2010, 07:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
zabby-doo New User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Viera, Florida Posts: 6	Thanks Marylou, Zakk has completed a puppy class, although that was some time ago. He is set to start his next level of obedience on Saturday. Now that you mention it, He has only had a positive relationship with one other large dog, she was a 7 year old spayed Goldendoodle. Ever since we stopped going to the dog park, I have been very guarded with him and larger dogs. For not wanting to deal with an aggression problem. He just loves the little one's all day long. Hopefully this next class will give him the refined behavior when it comes to other dogs. Thanks again, Angella

03-12-2010, 03:04 PM	#8 (permalink)
Specs Experienced User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 198	Brix is the same way. It feels like I'm the only one with this issue but I realize now, it's more common than I thought. Brix has been great off leash at dog parks before but this past week he got into a squabble. I'm not sure if he started it but I noticed he and this airendale didn't get along. They circled each other for a bit, both snarled. A couple seconds later they were at it and growling and Brix did not back down. I think the airendale backed off 'cause he was on his back but Brix continued. I almost think the airendale was pissing off some smaller dogs and that's when Brix came and in full protect mode. Not sure. Anyway, bottom line, no harm was done but I am scared to let him off leash. I can't catch him fast enough to stop a fight. I think I will use the dog park as a training tool to work on his greetings. __________________ Specs The Boxer Dog Stories http://specsdogs.blogspot.com

03-12-2010, 03:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
Brooklyn Power User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 456	Please don't use the dog park to work on your dog's aggression. It's not fair to the other dogs. __________________ STOP BREEDING YOUR DAMN DOGS FOR MONEY!

03-12-2010, 04:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
Specs Experienced User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 198	Oh, I meant I'd work off to the side of the park 'cause yes, it wouldn't be fair for the others. __________________ Specs The Boxer Dog Stories http://specsdogs.blogspot.com