My dog is agressive towards other dogs, and i dont know why?

Question

it just doesn't make sense! i have a sweet loving cocker spaniel named woody. we go to a 4-H dog club every monday, and he is fine with those dogs. but when i go for walks with him and he sees another dog, he just totally freaks out! i don't beat him, fight him or abuse him in any way, he is actually pretty spoiled. i know the person who bred him and she wouldn't hit her dogs even if it was for her life. so that's the story and if you have any suggestions, tell me

Answer 1

This might actually be something to do with if your dog has been fixed or not.

My dog is not fixed, and other dogs get very aggressive towards him because of it, they do not like it that he isn't fixed.

It might be that your dog, is sensing dogs that are not fixed and are feeling aggressive towards them.

Hope this helps !

Answer 2

This has to do with dominance. Your Woody is trying to exert his dominance over the dogs that you greet while on a walk. Also, in my experience as a rescuer, when you have two dogs on a lead meeting each other, there tends to be more aggression in general, as opposed to off lead. It probably has nothing to do with beatings.

Better yet, you should know how to correct the behavior. While on your walks every time you see aother dog approaching, have the dog sit and stay, while the dog walks by. At first reward good behavior with a quick piece of cheese or some kind treat. If you know someone with another dog that your dog dislikes, have that person help you with training, by walking by with your dog in a sit, stay position. Eventually, you will not need treats. You may want to bring this up with a trainer and they will help you with a plan on helping to resolve the behavior.

Answer 3

He could be afraid of the strange dogs.  I have a dog that is a rescue dog and his foster mother told me that a pet psychic that she knows told her that he is afraid of strange dogs.

Answer 4

thats becasue small dogs are like cats or rats.

are you sure he just doesnt want to play?

my boyfriends dog is like that. He barks and goes nuts if he sees another dog but when I bring my puppy over he plays.

Answer 5

Could be fear. Could be him protecting you from these "new dogs." Could be him being territorial (this would make more sense if he doesn't react this way around the dogs in your class.)

IF he's getting out of hand or if he ever actually hurts another dog (preferably before then), i would bring his behavior up with an instructor. IF there isn't one that can help in your club, i would hire one to help with his training.

Answer 6

The dog is likely reacting to you.  Its possible you are anticipating a problem and tighten the leash when in public.  This gives the dog the signal that there is a problem.  You obviously don'tt do that at 4 H because you are comfortable.  Practice having a loose leash and remaining calm when you encounter other dogs in public. Don'tt get excited when he displays this behavior.  Stay calm and in control.  Get your 4 H leader to help you.  

Answer 7

Sometimes dogs can be totally fine with other dogs when they are off-leash but then go a bit crazy when they are on the leash. It tends to be a territory thing, which can pop up quite a bit especially if they are spoiled :)

The best thing to do is teach him a command like "watch" or "focus" if you think you are going through an area where his aggression might be a problem. Take your dog aside off the path, tell them to watch you and then wait for the other dog to pass. Focusing is pretty handy if you are also passing things that you know your dogs is unsure of/afraid of, such as people in big hats or long coats, etc (sounds strange but I know dogs with these phobias!). When you're comfortable that your dog will listen to you, you can start him on focusing on you while you walk. It is a pretty common command so there should tips on how to achieve this in any dog book.

What I can also suggest is a little spontaneity when it comes to the dogs he meets - the 4-hour dog club sounds great but it can also help if he starts meeting random dogs in off-leash dog parks (or wherever) so he keeps on top of his socialising skills.

Hope this helps!