How to stop dog's aggression towards other dogs?

Question

I own a female German Shepherd, around 9 months old. I also own a small female dog, who is quite old, around 10 years.

If the smaller dog ever becomes angry at the Shepherd and growls, sometimes when the Shepherd tries to play aggressively, or tries to steal her bone or her food, then the Shepherd starts to become very aggressive.

We've had to break up a couple fights already. When the fight has begun, its not that the Shepherd is defending herself, since the other dog is squealing and helpless. But instead she just lunges at the smaller dog and won't let go even when someone is trying to pull her away. It takes a lot of effort to get her to stop. The smaller dog has come out with minor injuries a few times.

The Shepherd is never aggressive towards humans, only dogs that challenge her.

I'm very worried for my smaller dog, and for other dogs the Shepherd comes across. I'm tired of the fear I go through every time, worrying if I'll be able to separate them before the Shepherd seriously injures her. I know that if there ever were a time with no one around to separate them, the Shepherd would rip her to pieces.

I really don't want to get rid of either of them, I love them both very much. Please, does anyone have any suggestions on how to correct this? Thank you very much.

Answer 1

Take her to the vet and tell them your problem, they can recomend special pills that help aggression and make them more relaxed when they get an urge to be aggressive.

Answer 2

its a dominance thing when dogs aren't fixed they tend to have those problems my friends dog does the same exact thing so if you want it to stop then get it fixed unless you want to breed it first haha  

Answer 3

hi,

Dog-dog aggression is a very serious matter. Until your dog's successfully treated, keep him a safe distance from all other dogs ("safe distance" meaning the minimum amount of space he needs to remain calm and unstressed).

here's a treatment:

http://dogtime.com/aggression-toward-dog...

hope this helps.

Answer 4

The good thing is that your Shep. is still young - great time to start working with her to overcome aggression.  Talk to your vet, see if they can recommend local behavior and/or training specialists - they'll be able to identify the exact nature of your dog's aggression and design a series of steps for you to work effectively with her.  Good luck!