March 28, 2012
I got my dog as a guard dog and he has unpredictable episodes of aggression to other dogs. How do I keep him from killing other dogs.
Full Question:
I have a 3 year old castrated Anatolian Shepherd, weighs 160 pounds; I weigh 110. I live part time (8 months) in Costa Rica, and I got him as a guard dog. He is great as a perimeter defense dog, because his size and bark are terrifying. Nobody breaks into my house. However, he has unpredictable episodes of aggression to other dogs. Worst with males, but has attacked females. He is trained in formal obedience, and has no trouble on airplanes, crowds, etc. He is great with people, cats, chickens, bunnys, children. When he explodes, he drags me into the dirt, and attacks random dogs. I live in a high crime, dangerous area and he does protect me and my home. I want advice on how to keep him from killing other dogs. (I am a psychiatrist, husband professor of animal behavior at University of Wa.) A prong collar helps, electric collar just makes him mad. Clearly, I can't just let loose, ever. What do you think about Prozac or drugs? I think I need a muzzle! Thanks. 
Cindy's Answer:
I am not a fan of using drugs to treat something that training can resolve. Drugs are overused for treating “normal” dog behavior. Uncontrolled aggression is typically a product of the dog not respecting your leadership in all situations. With that said, personally, I am not sure I would be able to physically handle a 160 lb dog!
The recommendations I would have would be to get a properly sized muzzle and accustom him to wearing it. We have directions on how to measure the dog for a muzzle on this page.
I would also recommend a dominant dog collar and would start him with our groundwork program.
I’d recommend Pack Structure for the Family Pet and Dealing with Dominant & Aggressive Dogs.
When dogs behave like yours, it’s important to put yourself in the leadership role in all instances. This can only be done by starting over with pack structure training and firm handling. I’m fairly certain that this dog is showing other signs of disrespect that you may not recognize.
We also have a number of eBooks, which include topics that may help you.
The fact that you mention the ecollar makes him “MAD” leads me to believe it was used incorrectly. Too many people wait until the dog is already stimulated or upset and then push the button which stimulates the aggression. Ecollars should be introduced and conditioned away from any exciting or stimulating events, if you wish to learn more about how we introduce it I’d recommend Electric Collar Training for the Pet Owner.
If you wait until the dog is already interested in another dog or is already fixated on a distraction, it’s too late. You need to interrupt behavior before it even starts regardless of the type of training tools you are using.
Cindy Rhodes
The recommendations I would have would be to get a properly sized muzzle and accustom him to wearing it. We have directions on how to measure the dog for a muzzle on this page.
I would also recommend a dominant dog collar and would start him with our groundwork program.
I’d recommend Pack Structure for the Family Pet and Dealing with Dominant & Aggressive Dogs.
When dogs behave like yours, it’s important to put yourself in the leadership role in all instances. This can only be done by starting over with pack structure training and firm handling. I’m fairly certain that this dog is showing other signs of disrespect that you may not recognize.
We also have a number of eBooks, which include topics that may help you.
The fact that you mention the ecollar makes him “MAD” leads me to believe it was used incorrectly. Too many people wait until the dog is already stimulated or upset and then push the button which stimulates the aggression. Ecollars should be introduced and conditioned away from any exciting or stimulating events, if you wish to learn more about how we introduce it I’d recommend Electric Collar Training for the Pet Owner.
If you wait until the dog is already interested in another dog or is already fixated on a distraction, it’s too late. You need to interrupt behavior before it even starts regardless of the type of training tools you are using.
Cindy Rhodes
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