Ask the Frenchie Trainer - Bully Boy French Bulldog
gollygear July 17th, 2008
I have a 10 month old neutered male Frenchie who is aggressive with other
dogs. He lives with a 7 year old spayed English bulldog, a 3 year old
neutered male Boston terrier and his spayed sister. The only dog he attacks
is Hannah the English bulldog.He also attended daycare one day a week for
3 weeks and attacked a different dog each week until I removed him from the
class. The dogs don’t even have to be looking at him but you know when he
is going to do this unacceptable behaviour. He stands still, stares never
taking his eyes off of the other dog and then lunges at them growling and
biting. Even if you try to divert his attention to something else or pull
him back he is determined to get them regardless.With humans he is very sweet and affectionate but I am not sure what to do with him. His siblings don’t have this aggressive trait. I don’t want to give up on him but he
certainly stresses the household with his behaviour.Do you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hope writes -
Dog aggression is one of the issues that’s difficult, but crucial, to cure.
Because your boy seems to target a specific dog, you can closely monitor interactions between the two. You say that you are able to discern when he’s about to fire up. When you see that “look in his eyes,” intervene immediately to distract him. I understand that you have tried, but it seems a more interruptive distraction is necessary. When you see him go into the stare, try dropping a heavy book, a pot, or other loud, non-breakable item on the floor. When he turns to look, praise him for a “good watch” and get him to walk away from the other dog.
When he’s calm, teach him the “leave it” command. Without any distractions (including the other dogs around) sit in a chair with a pile of treats close at hand. Give them to him, one at a time, saying “Take it” with each one. After a few “take its” hide a treat in the same hand, saying “leave it.” He may try to get it by sniffing, pawing, nibbling or licking. As soon as he looks away from the hand with the treat, say “good leave it!” and hand him a different treat. It may take a while, but a secure “leave it” will apply to anything - icky stuff on the ground, bunnies, other dogs, etc.
If you are unable to control the aggression, do seek professional help from a trainer in your area. It doesn’t sound like your boy is incorrigible, just in need of discipline and control. For recommendations in your area, do ask your veterinarian, local groomers, or go to http://www.apdt.com for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers for a referral in your area. Please do interview trainers carefully, and ask if it’s possible to get references and see them in action.
Best of luck.
Hope
- French Bulldog Training , dog aggression
- Comments(0)
