I own three dogs my youngest is an eleven month old Blue Amstaff I have taken him to a dog trainer for agression as well for the basic training. He is well adjusted exept around other dogs even my own he acts all uptight and dominant he won't act out unless my other dogs give a growl then he is on attack mode.I keep them separated at all times it is very stressful I would like some advise on what I should do. Last night my other pitbull started up a bit and I could see Bleu was about to freak I got him to down so I could get Cairo out of the room,but if that was Sage he wouldn't have listened and a full out dog fight would of broke out. I have the dominant dog dvd as well as prong collars and the 2300 Dogtra E collar I also have a muzzel, any help on the subject would be appreciated Thanks.

Welcome to the board.



That scenario does not sound like "kept separated at all times."

You first need to determine what type of aggression it is. (Dominant aggression, fear aggression, same sex aggression, interpack aggression.)Once you determine what triggers the aggression you can form a rehabilitation plan. You may never be able to eliminate the aggression, but you may be able to control it. Usually aggression toward other dogs is due to lack of early socialization, having a traumatic experience when young or a reaction to an attack by an aggressor.

I would suggest finding a trainer who can help you with the aggression vs. the OB. It sounds like interpack aggression but one cannot be certain of that without actually seeing the dogs behavior together in your environment.

If it is interpack aggression you need to determine which dog is alpha and treat him as such. High ranking dogs may become jealous if they feel lower ranking members are receiving privleges.This type of aggression usually ocurs when you are in the room. How old are the dogs? As young dogs mature, they will sometimes challenge the existing pack for seniority. Is this a new dog in the family? If so,this may be creating rivalries and pressure on the existing pack.

If a fight does occur, you should in theory, allow them to sort it out if the aggression is low. When we interfere, we unintentionally prevent a pecking order from being established.Another fight is then required to resolve the dispute. If there appears to be no end to the fighting, it usually means the dogs are matched in size, dominance and determination and sending one of them to a new home is the best option.

How many dogs did you say you have? Are they males or females?

I have 3 males all are neutured. Bleu is 11 months 2 day'd ago my sons dog Cairo is 15 months and sage is 3 yrs old. I do try to keep them separated but sometimes my son will not think and let Sage out without my knowledge.
My main concern is Sage he tends to growl on the sight of Bleu an Bleu doesn't understand not to come unglued. I have broken up a couple of fights that didn't get carried away because I got to it in time. Bleu I am afraid would take Sage out even though he is smaller and I don't want Bleu to get the taste of a dog fight.

Is the aggression happening when you or your son are in the room?

 Quote:

If a fight does occur, you should in theory, allow them to sort it out if the aggression is low. When we interfere, we unintentionally prevent a pecking order from being established.Another fight is then required to resolve the dispute. If there appears to be no end to the fighting, it usually means the dogs are matched in size, dominance and determination and sending one of them to a new home is the best option.

I don't know who's theory this is Lisa but to me it sounds like a sure fire way to have the whole situation escalate into a dangerous problem. You may not end up with a dog you are able to re-home.

Lisa,

I disagree with your advise on letting these dogs sort it out if they fight. That is dangerous advice and not correct.

The fact is "NOT FIGHTING" is a pack leader rule. Just like showing any form of dominace tyowards a child is a PACK LEADER RULE that is never allowed.

It matters not if the dog like or dilkike the rule - its a leaders rule and they need to sufer seriuous consequences when they fight.

Pecking order is and can be established in many ways other than fighting. If a dog insists on fighting then it goes into crates and is not allowed out except when the other dogs are locked up.

While there can be instances with young dogs that are starting to feel their oats getting pushy and an adult puts the dog in his place - there is a fine line here between "getting put in your place" and an "all out attack" It's usually a line that noive owners and trainers cannot recognize and don't have the experience to deal with.

The only time that kind of thing is tollerated is if the owner is 110% the pack leader to the ranking dog. There can be no grey area here between the dog and owner. The dog must complelty accepting that point. Too often new dog owners dont have that relationship with theri dogs.

Ed

Ed,

I apologize if my suggestion came across that way. I only suggested that if it were a low level of aggression,like a snarl or lip curl. That is why I did ask her the age of her dogs. I thought that perhaps it was a puppy challenging for pack position, like my dogs do occasionally. Of course I would not recommend a blown out fight that could cause vet bills or injury. And I did say,(theoretically) Dogs do eventually sort it out, for the most part.

IMO,the best option would be to break up a serious fight by squirting water in their faces or making a loud noise to interrupt the fight and allow her to take control of the situation.

IMO, she has a serious situation anyway if she has to constantly seperate those dogs.I did advise her to get professional help from a experienced trainer or behaviorist.

Sorry if I have created a misunderstanding with advise!

I really would like my dogs to get along I realize that may not happen, should my husband put Sage on a leash and me take Bleu on lead and try to have them in the same space and reward them if all goes well. If you have any other suggestions p;ease let me know Thanks again.

Lisa,
Water and loud noise will not work on a full out fight, when children are in a house with 3 male dogs that are NOT getting along , the best advise is to re-home 2 of them . Period. Having dogs that you cannot control is NOT a good place for children to be in! We have had 2 children killed and one injured (bad) in the past 3 months here in las Vegas alone! Why? because people insist on owning dogs they have no business having. Instead of trying to figure out how 3 males should get along , how about owning ONE and learning on how to control one before you invite more???? Sometimes we try fixing problems that really should not exist. Like having too many dogs you cannot control...Lisa I think you mean well, I get that , but you have to look at the big picture and say to yourself, is it the RIGHT picture ? Before you try to fix it.
As for the OP why are you having so many dogs? what is the point if you have no control of thses dogs, your son opens the crate cause he does not understand the importance of keeping some seperated????Are you for real and you insist on keeping these dogs in your home?? I have a problem with that...You need to re-evaluate your home and ask yourself what is the MOST important thing in it!! YOUR FAMILY!