April 26, 2011
We have a dominant bitch who has recently started attacking other dogs while on our daily walks. Can this be corrected?
Full Question:
My husband and I acquired a Gordon setter from a breeder who told us that Indy was a dominant bitch and couldn't get along with other bitches. We have another older dog, which is a big friendly kind of guy.We had some problems with Indy immediately, but we did get her to get along with our older dog. Four months ago, Indy began snapping at other dogs while out on walks. In one instance, my husband was bitten as he tried to pull her off another dog. These incidents are escalating quickly. Indy recently grabbed the neighbor's dog, a small thing, and tried to shake it to death. We literally had to pry her jaws off the other dog. She also goes after big dogs.
After the most recent attack (while on leash in our front yard and against a meek Dalmatian whom we know), Indy acted weird for several days, sort of slinking around the house.
We have not yet contacted a behaviorist, but my husband wants to consider putting her down. I'm heartbroken. She is very sweet toward the two of us. Is this behavior correctable?
Mary
Ed's Answer:
Dog aggression is a real pain. It can be difficult to eliminate, but it can be controlled. I would begin by assuming that this dog is 100% obedience trained. She obviously has distraction problems with other dogs.
I would work her on a prong collar on all walks. If needed I would sharpen them. I call prong collars "power steering on dogs."
Some people do not have the personality to properly correct a dog when it needs a stiff hard correction. Only you can answer this.
I would also recommend getting one of the cheap Jafco Muzzles.
I would also have an electric collar on the dog on walks. It needs to get a strong stimulation for even looking at another dog. You can not shock a dog once the fight is on, it thinks the other dog is causing the pain. The shock must come when you say "NO" and turn to move away. If the dog does not immediately respond and go with you it gets shocked.
This dog should not be walked where there are other dogs without a muzzle on. It's not fair to the other dogs.
Unless you are prepared to make the changes to correct this problem, you should follow your husband's advice and put the dog down.
I would work her on a prong collar on all walks. If needed I would sharpen them. I call prong collars "power steering on dogs."
Some people do not have the personality to properly correct a dog when it needs a stiff hard correction. Only you can answer this.
I would also recommend getting one of the cheap Jafco Muzzles.
I would also have an electric collar on the dog on walks. It needs to get a strong stimulation for even looking at another dog. You can not shock a dog once the fight is on, it thinks the other dog is causing the pain. The shock must come when you say "NO" and turn to move away. If the dog does not immediately respond and go with you it gets shocked.
This dog should not be walked where there are other dogs without a muzzle on. It's not fair to the other dogs.
Unless you are prepared to make the changes to correct this problem, you should follow your husband's advice and put the dog down.
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