My dog is aggressive toward other dogs?

S

Steph Blosser

New member
We have a 6 year old German shepard mixed with some other unknown breeds, she's small, only about 45 lb, but we got her from the dumb friends league where she was kept with 5 other dogs. After 1 month of adoptingher, she attacked a dog walking by our house. Now after 2 years, we have done our best to train her ourselves. She barks and lunges at some dogs, but will only whine with others. She's perfect good to people and cats, but her aggression towards other dogs is a major issue. I recently introduced her to my boyfriend's 3 month old golden retriever who she is great with. Same with one of our cousin's older lab. Any tips?
Oh, When she attacked this dog she jumped a 8 ft fence with chick wire 2 feet above the top (10 ft total) we had no clue she could jump this high, we now keep her on a leash in the yard, it hasn't, nor will it happen again. We only had her for 1 month when it happened and before that time she hadn't shown any aggression what so ever. She also got cut up fairly bad by climbing the chicken wire.
 
Some dogs are just dog-aggressive and there's nothing that can be done to alter the behavior. Almost every other case however, dogs seem "aggressive" but they're really just nervous and un-confident because they never learned "how to be a dog". Since it seems that you've done all you can, I suggest that you look into getting professional help. There are lots of trainers that are relatively inexpensive, doing a google search should bring some up in your area.

How often is she exercised? A GSD mix should generally get a good jog in for at least an hour every day. How is her basic obedience? Does she have boundaries and limitations in the house? If not, I'd work on those three things first. Making sure her daily behavior is balanced at home, and she is thoroughly exercised is the first necessity, it'll make her calmer and more confident when you work on socializing.

Good luck!
 
Why was she able to attack a dog walking by? This dog, like all dogs, should be confined behind a fence.

This dog is 6 years old and her behaviour and bad temperament are set. She needed help 5 1/2 years ago. You can get a qualified behaviourist to come and evaluate her and tell you what you need to do to help her. At this age, any positive improvement's going to be very limited.

Get professional help and keep her away from other dogs.
 
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