gollygear May 19th, 2008
Hello –
My Frenchie, Simon, is 3 years old and he is a loving and sweet boy. He was neutered at 6 months and showed signs of aggression towards his older brother, Tank (Boston Terrier – dominant dog of our family) when he first arrived, but we thought it was puppy play. This stopped within a month. We have one other pup, Monty. He’s a 1 ½ year old bulldog. They have all tousled from time to time, but nothing serious until Simon bit Monty’s ear, causing it to bleed.
Here’s my issue: Simon has always been aggressive towards dogs he doesn’t know (ie. Dogs he didn’t know as a puppy or has grown up with). Both Tank and Monty are males and more dominant than Simon. He and Monty tend to “play fight” but they have had a few “fights” that were serious.
All instigated by Simon – Monty growled once.
Simon has “attacked” our neighbor’s puppy twice by getting away. He is usually on leash. But when on leash (as he has been since he was a puppy) he pulls and whines, growls and strains when he sees other dogs or strange people. He wouldn’t attack a person, but he goes for the dogs.
To those he knows, he is the sweetest and most loving creature – towards strange dogs- he is aggressive and would most certainly attack – without provocation.
My brother owns a female boxer, very meek dog. Apparently while my husband and I were away and my brother was caring for them, he went after her legs and this resulted in a visit to the vet for antibiotics. I have taken Simon to obedience class (he barked the whole time) and he couldn’t be let off leash. While he learned plenty of tricks and signals, he forgets it all when he sees a strange dog. No amount of sit, stays will work. I am so upset about this because I have been thinking it was in the way I trained him, but Monty is a sweet and laidback bulldog – no aggression issues. He met my brother’s dog and fell in love with her. Simon would rather attack her (he actually launches at her).
I’d rather not “get rid” of him or have to put him down because he attacks someone else’s dog.
Any suggestions?
Hope writes -
As you have discovered, different dogs require different methods of training. You can never have too many tools in your toolbox.
It sounds like you’re a bit too worried about who’s “dominant.” The head of the household is you. And any other human being who’s there. That’s it. You set the rules in your house and everybody has to obey them.
Some dogs require that you reinforce the rules on a constant basis. They require stricter schedules and firm consistency. I consider them to be like human toddlers - always asking “why?” as soon as they learn to speak. Some dogs are more easy-going and adaptable. They’ll “go with the flow” and not be upset.
Simon isn’t necessarily an easy dog. His willingness to learn new behaviors in class makes me think that he is trainable, with firmness, patience, and consistency.
Be prepared when you take him out. Fill a pocket with treats and his favorite tug toy. When one of his “trigger” situations occurs, give him something to do, other than just sit or down. Keep his attention on you. Tell him to spin, or dance, or tug on a toy. Distract him from the perceived “threat” and get his attention on you. Tugging is a great reliever of tension for dogs. If you’re tensing up when you see another dog, your nerves are transmitted down that leash and Simon may think that if you’re nervous, it’s his job to protect you.
If he’s acting up at home with the other dogs, put him in his crate for a “time out.” Some dogs just need an occasional break.
Simon will take his cues from you. Pay close attention to his surroundings and act to distract him and have him occupied before a “situation” arises. Work on attention exercises with him. My first training instructor, many years ago, had a great line that I still take to heart - “Never let a dog make a decision. He’ll always make the wrong one.”
That may not always be true, but it does apply with Simon. Make his decisions for him and you’ll both be happier. If seeing the other dogs wrestling is a trigger for Simon - take him into another room and play tug with him. Or hold him in a sit at your side and reward him for being still and quiet. Reward him when he’s being good to teach him the behavior you want.
Too many times dog owners are quick to say “no” and “correct” bad behavior without teaching the dog the proper way to act. Reward him when he’s good, even if it’s just sitting calmly when other dogs are around. For Simon, that’s a big accomplishment and deserves praise.
Simon is Simon. He’s not Tank and he’s not Monty. What works for your other boys may not for him. He can be the best possible Simon, with your help.
-Hope
Tags: agressive behavior, dog agression, French Bulldog, French Bulldog Training, Frenchie, neutering
