Dog Community

Aggression linked to being territorial

Posted : 10/24/2006 9:02:41 PM

I don't have a clue as to how to attack this problem with Winnie. She is super-territorial, but in a strange way.

For example, if we're out in the backyard and our landlord or the tenants behind us come through, she become very aggressive: hackles go up, barking, snarling, even snapping at people she's known since she was a puppy. But, if they're out there when we take then out - no problem. She's sweet as pie.

Same thing at the vet. Whatever dogs or cats are in the waiting room when we arrive are cool, no problems with those, but any dog or cat or person who comes through that door is a threat to her territory and I get the same aggressive behavior.

Now, when she becomes aggressive, Will or I ends up having to hold her - on the ground, we don't lift her up to foster a position of power, trying to put her in a submission posture - until the person leaves. And it's a struggle. Often, we end up just taking her inside.

Any suggestions on how to combat this? We've had some close calls where she's nearly bit people, and I don't want that happening.

faramir denethor

Posted : 10/24/2006 9:19:43 PM

i never had to deal with this type of problem, so my story won't be so much for you, but for others who have mildly territorial dogs, and want to improve it more.

the houses on my block are semi-attached with small properties, lots of little kids...so we're right on each other.

about once a week, during a busy time outside, i sit outside reading with sparky next to me...besides the kids getting used to him and petting him, i want him to view the people on the block as part of his extended pack...that they belong there.

espencer

Posted : 10/25/2006 11:08:20 AM

Aggression is a serious issue, you should contact a professional to help you, dont do it by yourself since you could also get bitten

Trying to put her in a submission posture is not working because your dog senses you are in another state of mind different from the one of being dominant, maybe at the moment you are doing it you are nervous of what can happen if she gets up, preocupied of being in a public place, etc. the dog senses that and those feelings means weakness, since you are weak for her then she wont listen a weak leader

There is too many factors for a dog to be aggressive, fear, dominance, etc.

Like i said, dont try to submit the dog anymore, is clear that she does not see you as leader and you could get hurt, find a behaviorist that can help you to find whats the cause of her aggression and tell you how to become a real pack leader

spiritdogs

Posted : 10/25/2006 3:36:01 PM

I agree that you need professional help. [

]

snownose

Posted : 10/25/2006 4:18:20 PM

I hate to say it, but your dog just doesn't see your home as her's, you are her's too.
That is the reason for her aggression when at the vets or anywhere else.
You lost your leadership position, and she has taken it.
As the above posters mentioned: Get help as soon as you can before something bad happens.

a_ryan

Posted : 10/25/2006 11:36:04 PM

We've been through 3 sessions of obedience school, 2 trainers and a behaviorist from the local university who is well-skilled in dealing with "problem" animals. We've slowly worked out all of Winnie's other problems; this is one of the few remaining and, of course, one of the most frightening. The behaviorist, who had the most effective methods, is on sabbatical and out of the country for the semester, unfortunately.

I am not concerned about being bit (I wouldn't also raise snakes if I was; I've taken some serious bites). I'm not afraid while I'm dealing with her, nor is Will. The behaviorist has said that we've both got the proper dominant attitude, but it's not working. The trainers were the ones who referred us to the behaviorist when their techniques stopped working, and I think the behaviorist has become frustrated as well.

We don't have problems with her on walks anymore. We don't have problems with her at my parents or at Will's parents - she doesn't become aggressive as people come and go there, or as they enter "her" territory at either location. She's fine at the dog park. It's only our backyard and the vet's office. There must be some way to condition her to realize that the people who walk through are the people who are always there.

espencer

Posted : 10/26/2006 10:09:39 AM

ORIGINAL: a_ryan

The behaviorist has said that we've both got the proper dominant attitude, but it's not working.

Sometimes the people think they are doing it in the right way when actually they arent, maybe when the behaviorist is there with you he can see that you are doing it right but once he leaves you could be doing a couple mistakes that he cant see you are doing because he is not there

Check your body lenguage, you can have the right attitude but wrong body lenguage, maybe you are too concentrated in doing it right, just do it, dont think about it, those are examples of mistakes people do while thinking they are doing it right

This link can help you

[linkhttp://www9.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/]http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/[/link]

ORIGINAL: a_ryan

The trainers were the ones who referred us to the behaviorist when their techniques stopped working

I like how that sounds [

]

sillysally

Posted : 10/26/2006 10:15:53 AM

I would have the behaviorist come to you home and see the situation first hand.

spiritdogs

Posted : 10/26/2006 4:19:52 PM

One of the easiest things you can do with a territorial aggressive dog is get her on a low protein diet. I'm talking 18%, no higher. That may not help, but studies have shown that it has made a difference with some dogs.
I would suggest you take a look at this site:
www.k9aggression.com

willowchow

Posted : 10/26/2006 6:14:28 PM

I just wanted to say that I do stick to a lower protein diet for Willow due to her aggression issues. I've found the senior diets work well for her. The more meats and proteins the more keyed up she is.