Dog Community

Potentially Agressive?

Posted : 8/18/2006 5:26:33 AM

I'm really lost as to what I should do with Simba. He's the sweetest, most gentle bear when he's with us. Aside from snapping at my cousin for trying to grab his food bowl while he's eating, Simba hasn't demonstrated any aggressive behavior towards us. But when he's outside, it's a different story.

He gets really tense when he's surrounded. A dog walker let her dogs loose at a park, and when we arrived, Simba was quickly surrounded by dogs. He got really close to me and I just got this feeling that something wasn't right. The fur on his back stood up and he was pushing the side of his body on my legs, while being awfully stiff. The lady commended Simba for not being agressive since he was leashed and most dogs feel threatened when they're not "free?" The same thing happened when he was surrounded by a bunch of kids. He growled, and the kids backed off.

There is this other incident when my brother brought him out. A man approached them and he offered Simba his hand to sniff. Simba was fine with being petted on his head, but once the man started to go behind Simba as if to "ride" him, he gave the man the death stare and snapped.

And the only other time he seemed to have demonstrated aggressive behavior was when this small dog was barking at him and he growled back. He didn't snarl, give the death stare, or anything like that.

The reason why I'm concerned is because he is a rottie... People are afraid of rotties because they're large dogs with a bad reputation. And I hate doubting him, but I don't want to be one of those guardians who isn't willing to recognize a problem with their pet because they love them. Am I paranoid? Part of me feels that Simba is right for not taking crap from people, but I don't want him to get into any trouble. My dad says that we should walk him with a muzzle from now on, but I hate the thought of him not being able to protect himself if something were to happen. I've been having to walk him at really odd hours just to avoid people and their dogs. Is his behavior normal or something I should worry about?

Please help!

Firestorm

Posted : 8/18/2006 6:43:42 AM

How old is Simba? It sounds like you should get this dog into some obedience classes and some socialization classes. He needs to get exposed to people and other dogs gradually in controlled circumstances.

spiritdogs

Posted : 8/18/2006 6:44:11 AM

People should be afraid of your dog, and here's why. He's a food guarder. This is something you must train him not to do - it only escalates if you don't. There's a book called "Mine! A Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs" by Jean Donaldson. Get it and follow the protocol.
Also, it sounds as if he is fearful. Just because he is a Rott doesn't mean he's confident or well socialized (it sounds as if he isn't). And, if he's over 12 weeks old, you have missed the optimum socialization period, so now you are in to remediation. "The Cautious Canine" by Patricia McConnell will give you great ideas on socializing the older dog, as will "Help for Your Shy Dog". Just reading your post doesn't completely confirm that he is shy - it could also be that he sees you as a resource and is guarding it (notice I didn't say "protecting"). But, either way, don't overface him with stimuli he can't handle - or he may resort to the bite, instead of the air snap.

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Posted : 8/18/2006 1:20:32 PM

In agreement with the otehr posts your boy needs some guidelined and leadership. With strong breeds such as yours they need extra handling, obediance, and socialization to help them over come their instinct to protect and be on guard.
As you have mentioned, he is fine when at home and comfertable with his family and the reason for that is becuase he is in a secure place and dosnt need his guard up. Obediance classes would be your best start becuase he would get supervises visits with other dogs in the prescence of a training proffessional, it is a great bonding experience for the two of you and he will learn to trust your commands. I say bring a bag of treats with you on your walks and ask strangers to give them to him upon greeting, obviously not children but start with adults who seem dog savvy.
I'm gald you realize the potential of your dog regarding his protective instincts while understanding that they can be overcome with some work. Just a side note.......it is IMPERATIVE that you nip this in the bud now, it will only be harder to break him of this anxiety and fear aggression as he gets older and with their reputation every action he takes reflects upon all other rottie owners. I have a pit bull so I know your situation well but my aunt bred rotties for 15 years and they were the best family dogs ever!

Carol

Posted : 8/18/2006 3:17:45 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Simba is already 6, and we've been trying to socialize him since he was a pup. He enjoys one-on-one encounters, and likes to walk up to strangers for attention, so I don't think he's shy... He just doesn't like being surrounded, yanno? It's weird because he likes to stick his head inbetween our legs, and get bigs hugs and stuff. But when it's other people, he freaks. He gets really stiff and only wants to be petted or chased.

I'm definately looking for classes to put him into. What would be the most appropriate? I checked out [linkhttp://www.doganswers.com/aggression_body.html]this site[/link], but it seems sooo extreme. They are against classes and recommended in-home training. Simba was nipped once on his lip by a little boston bull, but I don't think he's scarred for life... What worked for you? Should I opt for in-home training, or would group training be okay? Also, are there any good trainers or programs you can recommend around the Bay Area (in California)?

pumaward

Posted : 8/18/2006 3:54:42 PM

Wow.

I, personally, wouldn't walk away from that place, I'D RUN as fast as my legs could carry me.

Sorry, I can't give any more information on what you should do... but that place made me shudder.

Carol

Posted : 8/18/2006 4:30:42 PM

that place freaked me out too! [&:]

spiritdogs

Posted : 8/18/2006 6:02:13 PM

Yup, I agree - run!!!
Try going to San Francisco SPCA for classes. [

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Xerxes

Posted : 8/18/2006 6:17:23 PM

What kind of a training facility is that? I'd run away from that too.