Hi,
I'm seeking advice on how to deal with aggressive behaviour shown by our 8-9 yr old cross-bred collie bitch (Hannah) to other dogs. We adopted her thru local RSPCA in March this year. She settled in well and is fine with people even strangers. But she is not good with other dogs, and this has got steadily worse. we live in a built-up area where there are lots of people walking their dogs, sometimes off lead. Hannah will growl with hackles and ears raised when she sees another dog. If the dog comes close she tries to snap and bite. We have now got a "Halti" which is easing the problem but we're at our wits' end taking her out for walks now because not confident we can control her. She is ** always ** kept on lead. But what to do on seeing other dogs (esp. if off lead)?

I dont think we had all the history when we adopted. I think she has been attacked previously and has since been nervous with other dogs. This comes out as being on the offensive. She clearly does not have dog socialisation skills.

Desperate to find a solution that works for her and us.

Would be grateful for any help/advice.

Thanks

HI Timmy,
Just to be clear.... I take it when you say
But what to do on seeing other dogs (esp. if off lead)?

You mean that the 'other dogs' are off lead and running loose, not Hannah, right? She's on her lead and with you?

My sympathies, there are many of us who have been dealing with other people's dogs being off leash and out of their owners' control :(
regards,
toodles

Hi,

yes - Hannah's always on the lead whilst others aren't .............................

Did the RSPCA not alert you to this problem when you got Hannah ? Even if they didn't have all her history they must have been aware of her difficulties with other dogs.
That said, I know how hard a time you're having, 'cos I've been there, too. The feeling of dread every time you see another dog approaching is awful and walks become a nightmare to be endured. I discovered many previously uncharted side roads in my attempts to avoid a confrontation !

I'm sure someone here will be able to offer some practical help. I just wanted to say that, although this is a common enough problem, when it's your problem, you think you're on your own. Not so !!

Joyce

Hi Joyce, and thank you for your encouraging reply.

The RSPCA did say that she wasn't very good with other dogs, but couldnt then explain why she was sharing a kennel with another dog whilst waiting to be rehomed. It wasn't too bad to begin with, and certainly didnt stop us taking her out for walks 3 times a day. However these 2 recent incidents have really dented my confidence. I'm sure this is not helping, as I'm probably unconsciously pulling on the lead when I see another dog (usually before she does), and that could well be making her feel even more protective.

Anyway, thank you again for your encouragement, and I'll let you know hhow we get on.

Tim

Hi there, I know exactly how you feel, we have a rescued rotty who had a problem with other dogs.I had lots of really helpful advice from people on this board, including making her sit when other dogs approach and telling her to leave and praising with treats when she does, distracting her with a toy when another dog is near , and of course finding a good training group so that you can start to socialise her, that last one proved to be impossible with Lucy as no one wanted to deal with a rotty who has a problem with other dogs! We've been working on her problem for 6 months now and although she isn't perfect she is so much better, there are now certain dogs that we meet that we know she is ok with which means she gets to play and doesn't have to spend all her time on a lead, we still don't trust her with strange dogs but that I consider a normal thing any way.
oh yes and Lucy is about 8 as well so don't be thinking that yours is too old to help! :D
Good luck, it is hard but when you start getting a positive response it's so rewarding:)

Hi Timmy

Is it possible that she is only scared when on the lead? Are you holding the lead tight when other dogs approach and thus inadvertantly reinforcing the fact that there is apparently something to be scared of?

Could you ask the RSPCA to visit you and help with your problem - maybe by bringing a very calm, steady dog who won't react and muzzling yours and letting them run free together. This way you would at least find out if it is only a problem on the lead?

I think your best bet is to go back to the rehomers for help - they will be able to see exactly what is happening and should be able to give you advice.

Christine

Hey Julie.

Have a word with Sue. I am sure if you can find the time to come to the last class 9:30 when it is mostly experienced friends of Sue's and people who are thinking of or competing with their dogs, that she would be happy for you to bring your girl to learn to cope with other well controlled dogs.

There is one lass with an unpredictable (but well controlled) epileptic shepherd, who will never be trustworthy with other dogs, but has learnt to behave in their presence!

It is definitely possible that the dog is only aggressive on lead, and I would certainly give Christine's suggestions a go. It will give you more info at the least :).

What you possibly need, is someone with trained stooge dogs who will know how to react with your rescue dog, and also who will be able to give you advice pertaining to your particular situation.

What may be happening is that she has learnt she can drive other dogs away through her aggression, and one way of dealing with this is to show her that the other dogs simply do not ever go away when she does this (and she will gets slightly worse or even manic if you do this - it will be an extinction burst) and then to reward her for acceptable behaviour and introduce her to suitable dogs.

I have known aggro dogs who have learnt to happily play off lead with others....not all are able to reach this stage but most can be made manageable after lots of work :)

Personally I would get in touch with a reputable behaviourist who is experienced with this sort of aggression. If you want to mail me privately I will try to find one for you in or near your area... you can click on my name.

Best wishes
Lindsay