What would cause a normally social dog, a beagle, to become fearful toward other dogs?

Question

I have been wondering this for a while. When we adopted Judge they told us he was very aggressive toward dogs; we soon found out this was true. It seems to stem from fear since if a dog is too pushy when it sniffs his tail goes in between his legs. He seems to like other beagles though.

I read everywhere that beagles are extremely friendly with other dogs, so what in my dog's life could have caused this?

Answer 1

I'm sure he's had a full health check up - right?

Health issues can sometimes cause a problem - my male dog will tolerate quite a bit from other dogs - but if the other dog touches his hind end - he warns them off (he's getting older and has a sensitive hip joints.)

If no health concerns, several things can cause aggression.

Previous bad experience, where your dog was attacked.

He may have a tendency to over protectiveness (of you/owner)

Either of these mean you do need to train your dog to modify this behaviour if you want to take your dog out in presence of other dogs.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Judge - it may have been an experience with another dog, or just genetics.  Unfortunately, you will never know.  But you do need to learn how to control his fear, and thus his aggressiveness.  If it was learned, you may be able to "un-learn" him; if it's genetic, the best you can do is condition him to accept other dogs, and always control the environment he is placed in.  Good luck!  

Answer 3

I really wish I could help, but I would need to see how he reacts face to face, some dogs cant be trained....but other s can

Good Luck with Judge!

Answer 4

He is probably this way because he had a bad experience with another dog. He was probably bitten or attacked etc. It is your job to teach him that there is no reason to be fearful of other dogs that YOU KNOW are friendly. If you let your dog be harmed again by another dog the damage may be irreversible.

Answer 5

Rude dogs.

This site explained so much to me, it will help you most likely:

http://www.flyingdogpress.com/sayhi.html

Answer 6

He will never lose his aggression unless you socialize the dog and obedience train it.  Obedience training will help with the socialization and give the dog confidence.  It will also teach you about dog behavior and give you the tools to correct bad behavior.