I've been training a Belgian Malinois to be a service dog. He's recently shown dog agression. Let me know if there is anything we can do to help him.

Question

Hello,

    I have been training an adolescent rescued Belgian Malinois, with four other people, to be a service dog. He (Cade) has, however, recently shown extreme dog aggression that has created a road block for Cade and threatened his future as a pet. So, he has sent three large dogs to the vet with punctures or open wounds. He's attacked over toys (twice on-leash and twice off), and once trying to "protect" someone from another dog, a nonthreatening dog. We've consulted a behavorist, he's great when he's working, he just can't play. We have tried to set him up with a muzzle and ecollar, but he checks out when he jumps the other dogs. His eyes dart to the side and he launches, but he gives no warnings (hair up, teeth, growling, etc.). I really would like your input because of how much promise this Cade shows as a working dog, although he will never be what we wanted as a service dog since he's too challenging for that situation. He needs to be broken of this behaivor before we can rehome him, we will do anything. He won't attack a dog once he's been ecollared for bullying so I hope he can get past this. Please let me know if you think of anything we can try.

    M M

Accepted Answer

So I'll ask this question--why do you think Cade needs to play with other dogs? Dogs don't need to play with other dogs, especially dogs from outside their family pack. It really isn't a normal behavior for many dogs. For dogs that show me loud and clear that they aren't interested in being friend with other dogs, my goal is for them to be neutral. I don't want them to be friendly with other dogs nor do I want them to be aggressive, merely neutral.

Although you aren't taking him to dog parks, I suggest you read this article on dog parks.

From your description, he sounds worried about the dogs so by putting him repeatedly in situations where he feels he has no choice, he becomes aggressive. Many dogs do the opposite and shut down. This is where the handler needs to be very observant and learn to read their dog. I don't allow ANY dogs from outside my family approach my dogs, ever. Even if it's a dog I know is friendly and even if I know my dog would probably enjoy meeting him, I protect my "pack of two." It's good leadership and goes a long way to making my dog more relaxed and confident, he knows I'm not going to allow any situations that may make him feel the need to be aggressive.

By using the muzzle and ecollar for this, you've actually made the problem worse. He's now dealing with the use his mouth taken away and he's being corrected. For what? For being worried about other dogs. Guess what this does? Makes him MORE worried and now he doesn't give all the warning signals, because he's learned it doesn't matter. It's a learned helplessness of sorts.

You don't mention how old this dog is, but I'd start with our Groundwork program and the video that picks up where the article leaves off - Pack Structure for the Family Pet.

I'd start completely over with him, and teach him that he will be protected. I would not put him in any situations that make him feel the need to show aggression. If you do need to correct him, I would follow the guidelines in this DVD, and not use the ecollar for this right now - Dealing with Dominant & Aggressive Dogs.

I would direct you to the search function in the upper left corner of the website for any additional questions you may have. If you type in your key words it will guide you to articles, Q & A's and posts on our forum.

I hope this helps.

Cindy