Interdog Aggression

[animalcrackers]

As I stated in another thread, my dog has a fear aggression problem when it comes to other dogs. At least, I think so. I have not consulted a behaviorist or trainer for this problem because (believe it or not) there are no certified behaviorists where I live, and no trainers I can trust enough to handle this. I adopted her from a rescue, and her foster described her as being a "loner" and "bullied" (other dogs would take food from her bowl). I think she was not socialized as a puppy; she can get very nervous around new people, other animals or in new situations -- but, fortunately, she is more confident about being around strangers when at home. With other dogs, it is a different story. If she is far from another dog (I still have to gauge the actual distance before she is "set off"), she will whine loudly and become panicky. She will act like she wants to confront the other dog but also to run away from it. When in closer proximity, she will lunge, bark, howl, growl and try to get to the other dog. When face-to-face or very near the other dog, she will prick her ears, stare at them and have very stiff body language. Sometimes she will growl. I think she is trying to assert herself as top dog, though I'm not sure why. She is always on a leash when on walks, and I do not try to have her socialize with other dogs for fear that she might hurt them. This is the funny thing though: after about five or more meetings, she will be fine around another dog and will even play with them. Because she has become used to the presence of several other dogs who take their walks the same time she does (though not with her), she is okay with those dogs and ignores them.

Doberluv recommended "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons. What about "Help for Your Shy Dog" by Deborah Wood or "Scaredy Dog!" by Ali Brown? I'm a little worried about the desensitization because I don't have access to any other dog to help set up a scenario. So far I have worked on making her focus on me during walks. Mostly I work on avoidance (steer her away before she notices another dog ) and luring her away when she encounters another dog. I do this with treats like cheese; she is very food-driven and will sometimes leave the other dog (not without hesitation of course), but when she is in that frenzied state of mind, it is hard to re-focus her attention.

 

[Nakoliss]

Bonjour,

I'm just wondering why you say you do not know any Dog Trainers you can trust? Have you had bad experience before? I do not know if it is like this everywhere but in my area I can simply pick up the phone and call one to get some free advice. Sometimes they can ask for you to come in but this is usually free of charge.

In Montreal (near where I live) there is one Dog Trainer that I always call when I need advice. He is very nice. I also took training course from him with my first dog Kenobi. Anyway, I'm just saying you could try contacting one too and see if you like him/her or not.

Merci,

 

[animalcrackers]

I know this sounds silly, but I'm not comfortable with them. I have yet to find one that is knowledgeable about dog behavior, interdog fear aggression and desensitization using more positive methods. I'm really intimidated by the ones I've found because they all use more "traditional" methods and choke chains -- no treats involved. My dog is very sensitive and will melt into a puddle if she is punished in any way, which is why I don't really trust them.

 

[tinksmama]

I have used the click to calm book extensively with Tink for the last year- and I still don't trust her around new dogs-a big problem is most people don't want to sacrifice their dogs to testing and training with her....I haven't yet trained her to a muzzle,so I couldn't guarantee her not biting-though I keep her on leash at alltimes- in the park recently a stranger just "had to let her doggie meet the cute lil' pup..." Even though I warned her,she let her dog sniff Tinks nose,Tink tolerated it for about 15 seconds,then snapped, thatmade the lady go away fast...
But,I've made huge strides with Tink and strange people, I'm incredibly proud of her(most days) due to the advice from that book-

 

[Christin Luvs Dogs]

I agree that it is important to trust a trainer. Don't work with one you don't have that trust in. Also, it sounds like fear aggression, but without seeing your dog's reactions and behaviors it is not possible to be positive. I also suggest "Click to Calm" as an excellent resource and retraining guide. I would also add that even if you are not able to practice desensitizing your dog, it is sometimes not THE most important thing. Start with building her self esteem and confidence up. It is amazing how many fear aggressive dogs will improve just from a focus on confidence. Then, later, add exposure to other dogs etc.

I cannot stress how important it is not to over stress your dog in the retraining process. The more times she is allowed to have the same bad reaction, the more ingrained it becomes. Build her up, become an even better working team than you are already and then you will be able to judge the next step.

I do hope you sometime find a trainer you trust. Assistance can be very helpful.

 

[Brandyb]

It's very difficult to help over the internet, as one can not see the true reaction of the dog, however, I can tell you the process that I used on my parents extremely aggresive wesite that can not hurt in your situation.
This is a simple procedure that worked wonders for this highly aggressive dog.
Make sure to always have you dogs favorite treats with you on a walk and when ever you are out (if she's not highly food motivated substitue for a toy). As soon as you see another dog approaching, have your dog sit, then down, ask for couple exercises if you want, and reward profusely for her obeying while the other dog passes. The goal is to, #1 focus her attention back onto you with the obedience exercises, and, #2, have her associate dogs passing by with yummy treats (or a really fun toy). You need to make sure that you remain calm during this procedure, as the more nervous you get, the more your dog will get. It may take a week or two, it may take a month or more, but this method has worked very well for me, and there is no harm done in trying it.
The westie has gone from bites for no reason and drawing blood, to allowing a dog to come up and sniff him - he has been conditioned to think that everytime he sees a dog, and he behaves, he'll get a treat. This process was only done for walks, and I would still not allow this dog off leash with any other dogs.
Hope this helps a bit, and hopefully you'll be able to find a trainer that you are comfortable with in your area.