I first replied on another "agressive dog" message but then decided to post my request separately, as I am just so desperate for an advice!
My dog is a huge 3year old rottweiler. Despite the repuation, he is really soft...but only with people! I got him when he was only a couple of months old and was determined to train him into a good dog, which he really is, he is really well behaved, comes when called, does not beg, does not even bark when people visit our house, but is only happy to greet anyone from a chinese delivery man to our friends! But he turns completely "homicidal" with practically every dog he sees around. It gradually got worse I think, because what happened is I got married and moved to the UK from one of the ex-soviet countries, where dogs are often encouraged to be agressive. he had been attacked many times. I also had to leave him behind for just over a year but he got much worse during that time, being walked by someone else. He is a lovely gorgeous animal and it makes me really sad to have stressful walks with him, as he is determined to attack every dog we meet. Maybe his problem got worse after 6 months quarantine in the UK, as he tried to attack a bitch yesterday, which is really not anyhow normal, he would never do any damage to a bitch as far as I know! I desperately need help and am hoping someone could advise me as well....Is there still a hope to calm him down? he is not fiex yet, and we are planning to have him fixed soon, but some people say it might not help as he is 3,5 years old already...
We live in Middlesex, and if anyone knows a good "behaviour consultant" in the area, I would really appreciate contacts.

Also, back in my country if your dog bites someone else's dog you might end up paying vet bills but never ever would anyone force you to put your dog down. I am very worried that if he bites some other dog he would be put down, is that true? Or is it only if he bites a person?

I have read quite a few similar problem messages here but I still am hoping I would get replies...
Thanks in advance,
Nailya

Welcome to the forum :-) I am sure that someone will help you when they see your post.

Leigh

It sounds as if you really do need some help - i remember reading a few years ago about a dog from similar circumstances, called a "Moscow Red Star" or "Red Star"? Only this was trained to be highly aggressive to both dogs and people and only one person could ever get near him!

I would suggest you have a couple of choices; first of all, to get control, introduce him to a headcollar (if you haven't already) as this will enable you to control his head and break eye contact. Use also a double lead, attached to both the headcollar and the normal collar. If you can't find this equipment, take a look at kumfi.com - you can ring George who may be able to advise what is best in these circumstances.

There is one trainer who holds "growl" classes in Middlesex, but I'm not sure if your dog would be suitable, but you could try. If you take a look at apdt.co.uk and take a look at the county list, it's Chris under Middlesex.

I don't know this trainer personally so I'm not sure if they can help, but if not they may know "someone who can" :).

Another option is to maybe take your big fella to the vet and ask for referral to a reputable behaviourist who deals specifically with aggression. Make sure the b. is a member of the UKRCB or APBC and ask for refereences if at all posible, as this person really must know what they are doing or they will make matters worse!!

It may even be a case of help with just managing your Rottie, as he has ben encouraged to attack and has been attacked, many times, and you have to keep other dogs' safety in mind too :)

Hope this helps a bit anyway. Do let us know how you get on.

lindsay