Dog aggressive when excited

• 01-27-2008 7:26 PM

  Smokeynbandit Joined on 01-20-2008 Posts 16 Points 20

  Dog aggressive when excited Reply Contact My adopted pit mix Bandit has recently started acting Aggresive towards other dogs.   He used to be be good with most dogs but only dogs bigger than him, he does not know his strength.  I do not know when he was seperated from his mother because I adopted him from a shelter when he was probably around three months I think this could be part of the problem.  He used to play well now he acts like a maniac when I bring him around other dogs.  The problem seems to have started after we added another dog to the family they get along fine but other dogs hate bandit.  Bandit growls,snarls,raises hackles, and bares teeth when he sees other dogs and he is still on the leash.  If let off the leash he calms down and sniffs but then he jumps all over their backs.  a tolerant dog will take it but most dogs give him warnings he seems to ignore.  I always clear the dog park with bandit and I hate it I want him to be happy and social.  PLEASE WHAT CAN I DO?

  Filed under: agressive behaviour Post Points: 0

• 01-27-2008 8:08 PM

  In reply to Smokeynbandit

  Krissim Klaw Joined on 08-26-2007 Posts 290 Points 100

  Re: Dog aggressive when excited Reply Contact Sounds like he didn't get proper socialization when he was younger and lacks some of the skills when meeting and playing with strange dogs.  You say this is a new behavior though, so has anything recent changed?  How old is he?  Part of it could be him reaching maturity, especially if he isn't already neutered.  I'm no expert at dealing with dog aggression, so I'll let some of the more experienced members chime in with helpful links and advice.  One thing I would suggest however is to immediately stop bringing your dog to the dog park.  With his tendencies he is a danger to not only himself but others.  Clearing out a dog park is a sign that he shouldn't be there.  Also, if he is clearly ignoring other dogs warnings, and in essence being a rude dog, it is your job to be able to call him back from the situation.  It's like you wouldn't let little kid your watching, pounce and jump on another little kid who is clearly uncomfortable with the situation.  It's only asking for trouble.

  Post Points: 0

• 01-28-2008 7:28 AM

  In reply to Krissim Klaw

  mrv Joined on 09-10-2007 west central OH Posts 2,683 Points 745

  Re: Dog aggressive when excited Reply Contact Find a dog obedience class that will be willing to work with a dog who is leash reactive.  This may require working on calm and quiet before even entering the class, that may be at a cost as well.  The dog needs lots and lots and lots and lots of obedience drill so that it can follow commands under distracting situations.  You might want to search the behavior problems topic on leash reactive.  There are lots of different approaches described. The class is really important because it gives you a more controlled environment to start addressing this.

  Post Points: 0

• 01-28-2008 7:38 AM

  In reply to mrv

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 10,137 Points 735

  Re: Dog aggressive when excited Reply Contact  Ditto to what krissimklaw and mrv said.  If you can't find a "Growlies" or "Feisty Fido" class, try reading "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons.  You can get it from dogwise.com.  It's a step by step guide for training the aggressive dog.  Also, you don't have to wait till the book comes.  Go to www.clickerlessons.com and start at the beginning and with the "Attention" lesson.    Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 19 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

  Post Points: 0