I'd like to hear some theories/advice regarding how to help prevent dog/dog aggression. I am expecting a puppy within the next couple of months and I currently own two dog/dog aggressive dogs. I am not concerned about the puppy's safety (my two are fine with dogs they know and puppies) - I am looking for information on how to make sure the new dog does not end up dog/dog aggressive.
I know some of the mistakes I make with the first two, but the more information the better.

thanks

what breed is it? what are the temperaments of the parents, aunts, and uncles?

socialize the puppy, protect the puppy from other dogs, do not allow other dogs the opportunity to attack your puppy, make sure the breeder socializes the litter, and beyond that, manage the pup's environment so that it only has positive, happy experiences around other dogs.

some breeds/temperaments have more of a likelihood to be dog aggressive. solid and very consistent obedience training, practicing good pack leadership, and nipping any aggressive tendencies in the bud with a strong correction should be the foundation for preventing dog/dog aggression in such dogs.

Thank you

All dogs are GSD - older two are Am. Line - new puppy will be German Working Lines.

How do you feel about off leash play in a puppy class? Most books I'm reading really push it (unfortuantely they also push dog parks!) - I am an obedience instructor and we've even discontinued off leash puppy playtime...

Tighe,
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Thanks!
Will Rambeau
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I'd suggest not allowing the older dogs to dominate your pup forcefully, or even at all. Some dogs bully pups and dogs younger/weaker than them and then the tables turn. There was a post about this in the General Conversation section with this very issue; the new dog ended up getting put down because she finally fought back, rightfully so, against the aggressor. Classic case of the owner not being a good, fair leader and allowing bullying behavior.

What are the genders of all the dogs and which are/will be spayed/neutered? That will have a factor. Finally, if your existing dogs go off on other dogs while on walks you may not want the puppy walking with them, giving it an opportunity to learn aggressive behaviors by example. Separation would truly be the best in this case. You will also have to watch out with this pup matures. It could very well prove stronger than your two American lines and if they're left together there could be a severe fight down the line. Ed Frawley recommends no domination by existing dogs and complete separation to allow the pup to bond to you rather than your current dogs.

Sorry about the signature

Yes, I've thought out the relationship with the other two dogs. I will not allow the pup unsupervised time with them, he will not see their reaction to other dogs (I will not take them all out somewhere together). He will be crated, they are not (they are 6 & 7 and both altered).

I'd like more advice regarding socialization in regards to dog/dog aggression. My first two were socialized with many dogs (too many?). Obedience classes, dog parks etc... Can you socialize too much? My plan is to limit contact of the new pup with ONLY other puppies - no meeting adult dogs unless I know them and they are 'safe'. After he is over 4 months I don't plan to let him meet ANY other dogs except those in his own pack.

Lee Hanrahan

Tighe,
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