Fights

I own a pit bull mix I adopted from a pound over a year ago. A few months after his adoption, he went after a small dog after that dog scratched his nose; he latched onto the sm. dog's neck and didn't let go. Eventually myself and a few others got him off. Ever since then, I have been very wary to bring him around other dogs. My family that I occasionally visit owns a pug and he has been fine around that pug. But any other dogs I am afraid to bring him around. I keep him on a leash at all times, but I have problems with other dogs not on leashes that will sometimes come up to him and I fear that he will bite them. As long as a dog doesn't come up to him he is fine, but if a dog shows any interest in him or turns his way, he leans in and I've had to hold him back.
Recently I told him to sit as we were passing another dog (a boxer) on a leash. My dog was sitting and I was holding him tight but the boxer inched toward him and so my dog stood up and grabbed his ear and held on. Luckily we were able to get his grip off in a matter of seconds.
I am worried about what I should do. I am constanly worried that when I go out with my dog I will encounter another dog and something will happen. I am also worried that because I keep him away from dogs that he will become unsocialized and this problem will escalate. I have read about breaking sticks and other devices that shock the dog to break a fight. Does anyone recommend either one of these things? I have never used either. I am not sure what do to about my dog's behavior so that I can calm my constant worry. He is a great dog otherwise and has never been aggressive toward any human. I know it is natural for pits to not get along with other dogs, but do all pit owners have this problem? I feel that I am very responsible with my dog, he is never off a leash and listens very well to commands, I also tell anyone who lives around me my situation and to please keep their dogs on leashes so to control them in case I am around with my dog.
What shoud I do? Is this normal?
I love my dog to death, but this behavior worries me, even though it is only with other dogs and not human beings, I still don't want other dogs getting hurt and I feel terrible and embarrassed a lot of the time.
Please help with any advice or recommendations!
Thanks so much,
Claudia

 

APBTs don't generally tolerate other dogs challenging them. Some of them, like mine, will play fine with a non-challenging dog, but the minute there's a hint of tension, its on like Donkey Kong. This is very normal for the breed. Some are so hot they will grab anything with 4 legs. I would exercise caution letting him interact with any dogs. Buy (or make) yourself a breaking stick, learn how to use it, and keep it on you if you're going somewhere with other dogs. At least until you learn how to read the situation and respond appropriately before a fight breaks out. (I've heard mixed reviews on shockers. Some love them, some say they just don't work.)

You can work with getting him to ignore other dogs -- teaching "leave it" and "watch me," things like that -- but you can't train out dog aggression. You can control it to an extent. Keeping him on-lead is good, and only letting him meet dogs under supervision. And I'm sure it goes without saying, never leave him unattended with another dog.

 

I am not a fan of E-collars at all,,I think everything can be taught with the right training,,u probably will never get him to like every dog,,and thats just how it is,,I would be leary of him when he is around dogs,,as u know things happen in a split second,,,this does not mean he is human aggressive or will become human aggressive,,if your not knowledgeable on training him yourself,,seek a trainer that can come to u or will have a class just for u,,or will put u in a class with other ppl and dogs that r comfortable with a dog aggressive dog.

 

Just don't put your dog in situations where he can get in trouble. I for example do NOT do any nose to nose introductions with strange dogs. A lot of Pitbulls (mine for example) don't like other dogs. I just don't let my dog interact a great deal with other dogs and since he dosen't like other dogs anyway its no great loss to him.

 

Claudia,

Although your dog may be a mix of our breed, it still has many of the traits acceptable in our breed's standard. I do not suggest, it is a requirement that all owners of APBT and their mixes own, carry, and learn to use a breaking stick (AKA parting stick). Proper usage of a breaking stick will allow you to remove your dog from another within 5-10 seconds without the need for kicking, pulling, punching, etc. If breaking sticks are not available in your area, here is a site that sells them at a very reasonable price and uses those monies for the welfare of our dogs in shelters.

http://www.pbrc.net/shop/shop.html

Moreover, it is safer to bet your dog cannot be trained out of his aggression towards animals. Thus, it is necessary for you to continue leashing your dog. About the other dog, if they have not had issues, allow them to continue playing under supervision (and breaking stick available). In regards to other dog owners not leashing their dogs, do not allow their neglect to bother you. Advise those owners (as I do often) to leash their dogs because it is the law and b/c their dog may get hurt. If that was to happen, you are not going to be held responsible. A dog will defend its owner regardless of the size of the threat. Remember that and use it in case there is an incident.

 

Of course there is the infamous walk your dog with a muzzle!
What are you walking him with now?
I also suggest keeping him out of these situations, there is no need to socialize him with other dogs, this doesn't seem to be a good idea and since he is great in all other aspects, he probably doesn't care to have any dog friends.
A great peice of training that you can use to keep dogs from chasing cars or, hopefully getting it on with strange dogs is to keep some VERY yummy treats on you. Hotdogs and cheese are great, something really good. Hopefully your dog is very food motivated. Every single time a dog is in view you get his attention with the treat, if the dog gets closer wait a few seconds, give treat. Make sure you praise too. What you want is for the dog to eventually associate another dog with the treats, eventually when he sees a dog he will imediatly look at you "hey, where's my treat" give lots of praise, you want him to focus his attention on you when there are dogs in view or approaching. This should help, but it won't control the other dog. I would just jog out of view if a dog is being a pain, all you can do is your best. Good luck with that!

 

i have the same problem with my pit .u just have to be careful.

 

NO.....YOU JUST HAVE TO TRAIN IT! Crossing your fingers does not work. Socialization and training is what is needed.

EDIT: THIS POST WAS ERRONEOUSLY POSTED IN THIS THREAD. DOG AGGRESSION CANNOT BE TRAINED OUT FROM A GAME-BRED APBT. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.

 

You canNOT train dog aggression out of a dog! The dog in question does need some strict obedience but does not ever need to be loose around other dogs or even on a leash in the vicinity of other loose dogs.

This breed isn't for everyone.

 

In regards to other dog owners not leashing their dogs, do not allow their neglect to bother you. Advise those owners (as I do often) to leash their dogs because it is the law and b/c their dog may get hurt. If that was to happen, you are not going to be held responsible. A dog will defend its owner regardless of the size of the threat. Remember that and use it in case there is an incident.[/QUOTE]


very well said RH...couldn't have said it better. Claudia good luck!

 

Depending on the dog and the dedication of the owner towards some major training, SOME dogs can be taught to ignore other dogs in a controled (ie like on leash) setting. It takes alot of work and patience and alot of repetitiveness over a course of time. You have to start out without distractions, once they get that down then you ad some (say people /other dogs at a far off distance) then you start to retrain. Once they get that down, you can train where people / dogs are closer.

It doesnt work for every dog and it DOESNT curb dog aggression or high prey drive. But If your dog is naturally inclined to be obedient, you may be successful. NOTE The dog may never be able to be trusted off leash, but it will help you maintain control in close situations,

 

Bull breeds only need human-interaction. You are their pack,you are their best friend, you are their world. There is no need to bring a dog that has turned on around other dogs. They are happier with you, and there is too much risk playing with other dogs. It can literally happen in a split second. No-I do not suggest a high powered tazer(thats really all they are) as a breaking stick. Get yourself a poly breaking stick and do it the old fashioned way-it causes the least ammount of injury to the dogs doing it this way. As for what to do with strays on walks....well,that is an issue of debate. We have discussed it many times, and a search will show you everyones feelings on the issue. Personally, I pick my dog up and walk away...if the other dog still insists on getting to my dogs, I drop them. I do all I can to get my dog out of the situation without a confrontation, but if push comes to shove-theres really only one thing I can do-drop my dog. I've been nipped before picking my dog up, that is an injury I'm willing to take to ensure everytime theres a potential fight all onlookers see that I am the responsible one, and did everything I could to avoid it until it was pressed too far.

 

I've got a CGC/TDI dog and have trained him, on leash to mostly ignore other dogs on leash. But I use treats and the "leave it" command to keep him from starting the ol' stare down.

I have NOT trained dog aggression out of him by a long shot. I just don't allow him to indulge it. But I'm lucky, my dog is a softy and really wants to please. But if I were to let him interact freely there would be trouble for sure.


And in dog on dog altercartions the Pitbull will always be blamed.

 

My Dixie has the same problem. However, she has never actually grabbed a dog, other then a min pin jumping in her mouth(she spit it out!!!) I too was told to train itout of her. $$$$$$ later, she still had it. I could control it a bit better, but it didnt change her mind. She lives w/ 3 other dogs and is fine, you can bring your dog in my home, but dont let her catch your dog out front on the sidewalk!! It is part of the breed. You do have to be careful. I beleive I had a post not too long ago called"I thought Kasper was a gonner!'

I walk Dix at dusk hours ,so as the streets are not as busy. I also bring treats to distract her, sometimes it is easier then all the fighting when she is hungry, When I see another dog coming, I walk between her and the other dog, w/ a treat telling her NO! and WATCH (the treat) It works, (till she swallows the treat) then she turns around and raises cain like saying"Yeah, keep walking, thats what I thought!!!"
A muzzle wouldnt hurt if your dog is so fast, you do not react fast enough. A break stick is a must-just in case. It really doesnt get any better, no matter what, we have tried everything, and she hasnt changed. You cannot take the aggression outta the dog, but with alittle luck, you MAY be able to train it and control it some.

 

Thanks for the responses. In response to the person who mentioned "picking up my dog" I really can't do that because he is very big, about 80lbs. I only wish I could pick him up!
---And one other question regarding breaking sticks...the site someone posted is currently out of stock, is there any other place that sells them? Also, I read that you are supposed to put the stick in the back of the molar area where no teeth meet. There isa another area in my dog's mouth where the teeth don't meet...it's further forward and I believe its because he is missing teeth (so the vet said). Does it matter that I postition it in the furthest back gap or can it be any gap where teeth don't meet?
----In response to someone else's question---I currenly walk him on a leash with a neck collar--short lead, about 3 or 4 ft. I do occasionally use a nylon harness, which sometimes controls him better but not always. Would you recommend a the harness all the time?
One other thing I forgot to add is that my dog is male, but neutered. I figured neutering the dog made a difference but I'm not sure. I adoped him when he was 3 years old so I did not get to see how he was before the neutering or how he was brought up in terms of socialization.
And lastly, my dog has gotten attached to me (esp. over time--other pple have noted, incl. my vet), gets anxious when he thinks I am going to leave him for a while, is always looking for physical contact with me, even tries to climb on my lap many times! Is this attachment related to more aggression toward other dogs, in terms of being very protective of the owner, etc?? If so, why feel that other dogs pose a threat and not so much other humans?
Again thanks a bunch for the responses, I am glad to know I'm not the only one out there with this issue....and any other listings where I can buy a breaking stick would be appreciated!
-claudia

 

My trainer told me she was like that due to "protectivness" and she also doesnt think shes a dog.....she thinks human rules apply to her, not pack rules! I dont know for sure, I dont think the aggression issue is 100% protectivness, but maybe partially. So I guess you never know. I have never had to use a break stick, about 12 years ago my oldest apbt got into a fight, and we didnt have a stick, but we had a hose! My hubby had to use the hose in her mouth to make he rlet go! Someone else Im sure knows how to use it.
We also use a prong collar on her when out walking. I know many are against prong collars, but they do work for us.
A harness would give you better conttrol, then a regular collar.
Good luck

 

No, him beginning to trust you more is simply he now realizes you are the leader of his "pack". Bulldogs are extremely affectionate animals, and crave human attention. That is all very normal. As well as dog-aggression.

Edit-a house may work well on some dogs of this breed, and other breeds of dogs, but do not expect it to work with all bulldogs.

 

Oops, I posted my post in the wrong thread. I usually am reading two thread but I guess my response was made in the wrong thread. It was meant to be posted in the thread where the guy's pup growls whenever someone comes close to their bone. That can be trained out.

CLARIFICATION/CORRECTION: IN OUR BREED, DOG AGRESSION CANNOT BE BRED OUT.

Thanks for not letting it slip.

 

You should place the stick between the top and bottom pre-molars. They are the small teeths between the canines and molars.

There are other sites but I suggest you make your order with them. They are a non-profit organization that uses this monies for the welfare of shelted APBT. What better cause to wait than this?

Neutering does little to nothing to reduce animal aggression.

The attachment your dog shows towards you does not in any way relate to how he feels towards other animals. They are separate. Our breed has a babyish attachment that aids us in training and other tasks we ask of them.

by the way, when I told you that a dog will defend its owner..... that was meant as a statement you give a law enforcing officer in case there was an incident where it escalates to police intervention.

 

The only time I use a body harness is for exercise. Basically, when its okay for my dogs to pull like hell. You might want to look into a prong collar to help you control him. I've used one on my dog, and its a great tool when used properly.

Late-life neutering will only benefit your dog health-wise. His temperament is already set at that point, so hormonal influences aren't going to make that big of a difference.

If your dog is very clingy, he may have seperation anxiety related to his time in the shelter. I don't have any experience with that myself. You might want to do a forum search and see if its been discussed before.