Why is my dog really good with people but hates other dogs?

Question

My dog is really sweet and loving towards all humans, but really seems to hate other dogs. She always try to attack them on walks and I am not sure what is causing this. She is only a Jack Russel, and she is a female so we are worried that she might get injured one day by another dog. She has never even tried to bite any humans. We got her from the pound, and she is about 2 years old. I am thinking about taking her to a training school, to socialize with other dogs. Do you think I should?

Answer 1

You may have a reactive dog and it is probably caused by fear. You can teach her to be calm around other dogs but she may never be comfortable playing with them or interacting with them. For now, try to keep her as far away from other dogs as you can to decrease her opportunities to practice her reactive behavior (and give her a chance to stop experiencing stress over it).

Obedience classes might help with general obedience, but only if she can remain calm enough to actually benefit. If she is too stressed in class, she can't learn anything and you will be spending your time working on her reactivity rather than learning what you need to know to work with her.

Training schools or classes for adult dogs generally do not provide for interaction between dogs (with good reason).

Learning about and how to use calming signals can also benefit your dog and your relationship with her - she will trust in you more if you can demonstrate that you understand her.

Answer 2

Make sure you take her to classes if you can.

Jack Russells are bred to have a certain amount of aggression. So dog aggression is not uncommon in such a little dog. They were breed to run out foxes from their homes.

She could be attacking the other dogs out of fear. Alot of little dogs will "attack" first. Sort of like "I'll get you before you get me".

Achoke collar is really a good tool to have when you have a dog aggressive dog. It allows you to have more control over the dog. If used properly will not hurt your dog.

Everytime she sees another dog and tries to go after it pop the leash to get her attention back on you. If you have to stop and make her sit with her back towards the other dog till they pass.

Do not let her turn around or even look at the other dog. If she gets unruly, then you need to take her and put her on her side and hold her there till she settles down using the command "settle". Do not allow her to get up till she is calm. She will fight but will eventually become calm and submissive. Then get up and finish the walk.

Answer 3

Yes you should but it is only a territorial thing. shes just trying to protect you.

Answer 4

Your Jack see's other dog's (big or small) as a threat, there entering her territory and invading her spaces.

Also humans give treats and cuddles dogs don't.

Try taking her to training classes, this way she will get use to being around other dog's

Teach her to sit then when out on a walk let other dog's walk past if she barks or snaps say no and walk in the opposite direction. If she doesn't reward her with a t*t bit. She might cotton on that when she doesn't bark and behaves she is rewarded.

She is still a young dog so persevere and give her time. Being a pound dog she might have had a bad experience with dog's in the past.

You could also ask your vet to check her over and do a test to see if she has behavioral probs and what might be causing them.

Hope i helped and good luck    

Answer 5

    Dogs in an obed class are not allowed to socialize but being trained to obey you around other dogs will help. Many female dogs are dog aggressive as are dogs taken from their littermates b4 8 weeks old. You can also try a desensitization program. I hope your dog is kept leashed or she will be hurt..

Answer 6

My dog is the same way and I was told by his foster mother who I got him from that a pet psychic told her it was because he was afraid of the other dogs.

Answer 7

ok my dog is a multipoo (meltese/poodle) and she HATES all animals she goes crazy when she sees any animal not just a dog, can u believe she broke her leash and ran onto a pitt bull (used in fights) and the pit bull just stood there looking at her like "wtf wrong with u ill kill u in one move..shooo" anyway i took her to the sshelter to make her try to socialise with other animals (We have her since she was a 2mnth pup) and she started barking at the dogs but in 10mins she was fine (she is amazing with people, loves everyone).

I think they do it because they are either scared or excited and they just dont know what to expect from other dogs, 3 days back i rescued a dog n adopted him...shes still not that comfy round him  (she wont fight with him) but she wont let him touch any of her things, she wouuld kill him if he did. just take her to  place with dogs n she will get used to them, take her like twice a week

Answer 8

wow I wish i can swap some of your concern with mine. Mine is the opposite. Schnauzer. I think it is in their genes. Not 100% though. I am yet to meet a Jack Russel who gets along very well with other dogs. Having said that they seem to be calmer with other dogs if they are left alone without their owners. I reckon more socialising with other dogs-dogs like labs and schnauzer as they are more reserved and agility course-burn some energy.