qa 22 ticket #19902

I am the adoptive owner of a dog who has been with me 2 years and is estimated to be around 6 or 7. He has been showing severe signs of dog aggression - based on you videos I have seen so far regarding the different types of aggression it seems to be prey aggression (I'm sure there are other types also involved to my untrained eye).
Are dogs with aggression issues always also considered a dominant dog?
I have never had any problem putting him in a crate, always very responsive without needing to be rewarded and he is quick to lay down and flip on his back whenever I lean down to pet him or if he feels he has upset me. He is capable of being around 2 other family members' dogs where he acts more submissive, but possibly I am misreading his behavior. I know I am doing things wrong and want so badly to help my rescue and be the proper and safe owner for him but I am having trouble figuring out his temperament. I want to start fresh but don't know if that is possible or where to start.

When we are on walks anytime he sees another dog he seems to go into an immediate panic mode lunging, bucking and twisting himself trying to get to them, regardless if the other dog is reacting in anyway or not. He will sometimes have a milder version of this reaction with squirrels, birds, motorcycles, bikes, children who are running and certain males (just a quick lunge that I can more easily refocus him).

In our home he typically is fine with guests once he investigates them sitting at their feet or rolling over to let them rub his belly - or if he is slightly uncomfortable he will stay close to me or sit by me. He has however with certain larger human males become scared and given what Michael Ellis described as a warning bark (I think part one or two of the videos you have posted regarding the different types of dog aggression). He has also given this same warning bark if someone he is unfamiliar with lingers outside of his crate or tries to talk to him while he is in his crate.

This week my worst fear transpired where a small dog who is frequently let out of its owners home unleashed and without supervision (I often see it roaming around the street or in the alleyway next to my row of homes) made its way into my backyard while my boyfriend had Charlie out back to relieve himself. When the little dog ran from the back of my yard towards Charlie and the gate to get out front charlie went into his full panic and got out of his prong collar, chased the smaller dog and severely attacked it.

Unfortunately I did not even know the combination leash with prong and back up collar was an option before coming to your website and I feel guilty for not doing enough research realizing the prong collar can release in rare situations. I also realize there are many other things I am doing wrong (correcting in a nagging way instead of one higher level correction, among other things).

Cindy, thank you so much for giving me guidance on where to start. I will study the material you are recommending and start the process of finding a professional who can work with me personally and in my home. I know your video regarding dominant and aggressive behavior addresses what to look for in a behaviorist/professional but if you have any other recommendations I would be very grateful.

Thank you again for your time and guidance!