I've been debating if I was going to ask for your help. So, as I write this post, you now know that I am asking. Cody is a lab/shepherd/pit mix. He is 5 and 1/2 years old. Recently I have been more concerned with him because he has had this tendency to jump up at strangers.

On Sunday, we were talking with our neighbor and Cody was fine. Then all of a sudden, Cody jumped up at his face. Our neighbor was not hurt, but stated that Cody's teeth touched his teeth. Three years ago, Cody did the same thing but this person wasn't as lucky. He ended up having to have stitches in his lip. There was no growl or teeth shown to show any signs of aggression. He growls on his way up as he tries to "bite". I don't even know if he truly is trying to bite, but it scares me... And now (because of Sunday) it scares my husband.

Cody is fine 99.9% of the time when he meets someone new, but since this is the second time (that I am aware of) I am worried. He just seems to be doing this on our property or what he views as "our" property (we have a community back yard). When we're in public (in the car, for a walk), he's fine.

It's weird too because right after he jumped up and did that, he laid down on the ground knowing he did wrong. I then scolded him and put him in the laundry room (where is crate is). How do I make sure he doesn't do this again? Why is he doing this? I don't know what is causing him to do this. Any suggestions could help?

Thanks
Mary

1. Keep him on a leash or line at all times.

2. Never scold him and then put him in his crate. Crates are GOOD places to go - not places of punishment.

3. Read the articles here and buy the Leerburg DVDs on aggressive and dominant dogs.

4. If he isn't kept under control, you could have some very serious problems ahead.

5. You will get many more, very detailed (and appropriate) suggestions here.

Sounds to me like your dog viewed something these people did as threatening...be it prolonged eye contact, leaning over the dog, getting to close to him or you..whatever.

However, WHY he did it isn't nearly as important as what you're going to do about it--because you aren't going to be able to truly know what your dog is thinking, and even if you did, you can't control what other people subconciously say to your dog.

You have a ticking time bomb, especially if you have a community back yard that he views as his territory.

I would suggest this to you: since your dog has already shown that he will bite--get a qualified dog behaviorist to evaluate and work with you and your dog. No one on a webboard can help you change this behavior appropriately because they can't see your dog, and only have a few paragraphs to go on.

In the meantime, I would suggest a muzzle and leash for your dog anytime he is outside (even on walks...just because he hasn't exhibited this behavior there yet doesn't mean he won't).

No law enforcement or future victim is going to be sympathetic to your situation if your dog bites again, after you knew he was capable of it: You could end up with a seriously injured and disfigured person, a lawsuit, and a dead dog.

JMO.

UPDATE:
We had a behavior specialist come to see us this past Monday. We talked to him about our issues with Cody and he assured us that this is an easy problem to fix.

The trainer stated that it is a dominant thing that he is trying and he's also protecting me. He feels my uneasiness. The trainer also said that we should not give him treats anymore for doing positive acts. He said we should just be vocally praising him along with a couple of pats on the head.

We are now using a chain lead and a 6 foot leather leash now and we have been taught on how to correct him when he’s not acting “well mannered”. He is responding very well – so far.

We are meeting with the trainer in 2 weeks again so he can evaluate our progress and give us any other suggestions.

If you can think of anything I should be asking him or something else I should be doing with Cody, please let me know.

Thanks
Mary

 Quote: mary kot

UPDATE:


The trainer stated that it is a dominant thing that he is trying and he's also protecting me. He feels my uneasiness.

What are you uneasy about? That he will jump at people? If so, you need to assert yourself in a calm and positive manner and tense up at all. I agree if that is what you are doing then your dog will act accordingly.

 Quote: mary kot

The trainer also said that we should not give him treats anymore for doing positive acts. He said we should just be vocally praising him along with a couple of pats on the head.

Whaaaattt??? First of all, pats on top of the head to a "dominant" dog are going to be taken as a threat. I would not let anyone pet him right now and I would put him in a down stay on next to you if you stop to talk to people.
Also, food is a GREAT motivator and I would keep using it as a positive reward/reinforcement.

 Quote: mary kot

We are now using a chain lead and a 6 foot leather leash now and we have been taught on how to correct him when he’s not acting “well mannered”. He is responding very well – so far.

Are you using a choke chain? Were you shown how to use it correctly? Did they explain the changes in body language that you can watch for that tell you when he is getting ready to do something so that you can correct before he exhibits a launching behavior?
IMHO I would use a prong or a dominant dog collar that Ed sells on this dog. Not a choke.

 Quote: mary kot

We are meeting with the trainer in 2 weeks again so he can evaluate our progress and give us any other suggestions.

I wouldn't use that trainer or behaviorist again.

I am not trying to harsh in any way, shape or form. However, I do not agree with what they have told you to do.
I have a dog that is great around people when we are training or out walking, however he is prone to the EXACT same thing. Out of the blue he will just get this look on his face and launch at whoever is close. He ONLY does this after he works a long or difficult trail.
Since I know he does this and that he does this at a specific time, I walk away from whoever is walking back from the training and I tell them to not come within leash length of the dog.
He wears a prong collar and I switch from my trailing lead that is 15' to a 3' lead.

Not sure why he does it and he has had three previous owners, therefore, he gets CORRECTED for that behavior but it is something in the dog that I have to stay on top of as a handler.

No one is allowed to pet him or give him food unless I let them. We do play a game where everyone stands in a circle with a baggie and a piece of gauze in it, which is what I use for scent articles and everyone has food.

With him on lead, each person calls him and gives him a treat. He LOVES that game and has never been an ass when he is getting food from people.
I would not recommend that for your dog, but using food is a great training tool.

In my first response I meant to say NOT tense up at all.....sorry about that.