How do I tame my aggressive dog?

I have a Belgian Shepard X dog, and he is about 1 1/2 years old. He has always been very afraid and skiddish about people and some other dogs. Now that he is older, he has become to the point where i would say he is aggressive towards people. when people walk by he runs to them and circles them and lunges at them, all with the hair up on his back. What can i do to fix this before he bites someone, because i think that may be his next move. He is normally a very mellow dog with all of us, just a little hyper. We have had him since he was 8 weeks old.

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

It's common for fearful dogs to become fear-aggressive, aggression motivated by fear, as they age (especially by the time they are 3 years old or so), so now is the time to act. It sounds like this is what is happening here - a dog with outright aggression wouldn't hesitate with circling and would be likely to just lunge. Is he leashed or otherwise contained while this is happening? While a dog with any aggressive tendencies does need to be under the physical control of a leash or fence, that can also make the dog feel trapped. Dogs experience fight vs. flight and if he feels trapped in a situation and cannot flight he is more likely to try and fight. He may also feel 'trapped' if he is on his territory and that's the reason he doesn't want to run away.

I've experienced similar problems with my 5 year old mastiff, Bowser. He was not properly socialized as a puppy and he didn't come into my care until he was about 2 years old. Initially he was very fearful of people but as he got closer to 3 it turned into fear-aggression. Although he is not 'cured' by any means, through personal and professional training and a lot of patience his behavior has improved and I have much more control over him than I did 3 years ago.

It's tricky training any dog with aggression problems but it can be especially tricky when the dog's aggression is based on fear. Do not use punishment with these dogs! Your Belgian shepherd already thinks that strangers are scary, mean, and are to be feared and if you yell at him, hit him, use a choke chain or shock collar on him, or use any other negative training methods with him in the proximity of strangers that will only reinforce his strangers-are-mean mentality. Obviously he can decipher that it is you giving him the punishment and not the stranger, however, in his mind he's thinking that when there's a stranger around there's punishment, and that's not an association you want a fearful dog (or any dog) to make.

Do you have any experience with clicker training? Clicker training works using positive reinforcement. The clicker is a small sound device that makes a clicking sound. The sound of the clicker is used to mark the specific behavior that the dog was doing at the moment you clicked so the dog knows exactly what they're getting rewarded for doing even if it takes you five seconds to pop the treat into his mouth. I've used clicker training with my mastiff and it's helped immensely. Whenever we go on walks I have my clicker in one hand, his leash in the other, and treats in my purse. When we see someone else outside (doing yardwork, walking down the sidewalk, etc.) and Bowser does not respond aggressively, he gets a click and a treat. He gets more clicks and treats as we get closer to the person and he remains aggressive. I also have him perform simple obedience tasks like sitting or looking at me - that way, if he ever starts to become aggressive he'll be much more likely to listen to me when I give him a command which can remedy the situation (a sitting dog can't lunge at someone so having strong basic obedience skills is very important). Ideally you want the dog to fall back on a non-aggressive behavior when he would otherwise become aggressive. I saw Bowser perform a wonderful example of this the other day on our walk - we saw someone gardening who was wearing a big, floppy hat and walking toward us which made Bowser anxious. But instead of lunging at her like he was ready to do (he was definitely on alert with his hackles raised), he looked back at my hand for a treat, which I gladly gave him.

When using this type of positive reinforcement with fearful dogs, you always want to start clicking and treating before the dog resorts to bad behavior in order to properly desensitize him to strangers. If your dog becomes anxious or aggressive when the person is 8 feet away, start clicking and treating him from 10 feet away. Then, very gradually as he becomes comfortable with the stranger at the length of 10 feet away, you can step down to 9, 8, 7, and so on. However, don't rely on the most severe behaviors (i.e. lunging) to tell you when your dog is uncomfortable. Look for subtle changes such as a stiff body, fixed staring eyes, and a closed mouth. As a dog gets ready to bark, growl, or bite, his lips will start to pucker up more, so look for that as well. Always set your dog up for success - if you *think* he'll be okay with a stranger who is 5 feet away but you're not absolutely certain, don't risk it. Reinforce positive interactions and avoid any negative interactions.

While aggression is a serious problem in any breed, Belgian shepherds are powerful dogs. Consult a professional trainer on the matter for an evaluation, assessment, and suggestions. You may want to consider ongoing classes with the trainer as well (either group classes or one-on-one). Work with a trainer who uses positive reinforcement with fearful dogs and doesn't chalk all aggressive behavior up to dominance. You can't collect too much information about training aggressive dogs. Check out message boards, websites, and books on the subject. Although good dog trainers typically charge $50-100/hour for a one-on-one consultation, you can visit websites for free and look for books at your local library (if they do not own the books you may be able to put in a request for purchase).

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

Belgian Shepherds are great dogs but they can be a very dominant breed as well. I would really recommend you speak with a private dog trainer in your area. Because your dog is acting in both fear and aggression, if this is not dealt with you could have a fear biter on your hands pretty soon and that is very bad.

Another option is to get involved in a local obedience club, your dog really needs proper socialization at this point. Getting involved in a local club is a less expensive way to do this and to get hands on help and advice from several experienced people.

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

sounds to me like u are not leader. and he needs more exersize. and walked at a 'heel' not free run on a long leash. he needs to be corrected. make him sit when ppl walk by. seek a trainer.

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

Take him to a professional trainer. If you have had him from the time he was a puppy it sounds like he is predisposed to this behavior and that type of behavior it is best to have a pro involved, especially where agression is concerned.

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

Have you tryied to train him yourself??? if you have and it hasnt worked try to bring him to a perfessional dog trainer some dog trainers are experts when it comes to aggressive dogs you just got to look for one... but good luck

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

our dog showed warning signs of the behavior you describe, and we consulted a behavioral specialist. fear-based aggression is the worst kind, as it leads to biting more often than hormonal- or other-based aggressions. you need to consult a behavioral specialist right away. i urge you to do this, even if it is expensive, because you missed the early warning signs, and therefore might not be able to tackle this problem yourself. good luck!

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

He's protecting you but its not acceptable behavior and yes you're going to end up being sued. Dog training classes where he can mix with other dogs/humans. Use a Haltie rather than a collar with his leash. They're inexpensive and as soon as he goes forward to attack the Haltie is around his muzzle and he can't go anywhere and it won't pull your arm out of the socket anymore. Also consider muzzling if you don't want to use a Haltie. Make him sit when someone approaches. Whenever he pulls on the leash make him sit. Going nowhere fast is going to make him realize that you're in control. Say firmly "leave" when you see someone in the distance and make him sit. Keep him there until they pass and keep saying "leave". Don't be wishy washy. Be strong and he'll realize who is boss. Those squirty lemon type lemon juice containers, rinse out thoroughly and put water in. Squirt him in the face if he lunges. Rolled up newspaper, bonk him on the nose - it doesn't hurt but it echoes thru his snout and gives him a start. That might detract him but it's difficult handling something like this when he's pulling you so try the other methods first.\

Good luck.

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

Sounds like my Border Collie. She is 2 now.

I took her to puppy training at PetsMart and she gets along with people very well, doesn't jump on them and behaves as she should. I got her when she was 5 months. I had her again in training 2 months ago. She has a problem with other dogs, not friendly at all around them. We are still having some trouble in that field but she is coming around slowly.

If I where you I would pay the extra money and get him into some kind of Dog training ASAP....

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

I am a dog trainer.

"Taming" a dog?

Belgian Shepherds are known for their "Bite" meaning they are mostly used in Police and Military work (Beating the GSD 4-1 in Schutzhund work "Populiarty").

They are a territorial (Not dominant - dominance is a behavioral trade, not a breed trade).

Owning such a dog, even a mix of such kind, means

EARLY and PROPER dog training and socialization.

Fear aggressors do NOT protect the owner!

Protection and aggressions are two different things.

Protective dogs do so when told, and stop when told.

Agressive dogs are unpredictable.

May I ask you why you LET your fear aggressive dog AT people? Do you want him to die because a court/judge will order his death for going after people?

Do you want a liability suit costing you thousands because you let your dog hurt someone?

There is no such thing then "Taming" a dog.

You need to hire a trainer to change your dog's behavior, you need to learn how to properly manage and handle your dog.

Fear aggressive injuries are the #1 on the list, the most common bites.

Please tell me he's neutered?

What type of dog training have you and him attented?

What is this dog's social status?

Why is he allowed to be off lead?

Suggestions: Contact a good, experienced trainer in your area ASAP.

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

He is aggressive as a fearful unsocialized dog is.. He is even more dangerous as he is afraid, scared dogs bite very quickly. If he is cornered or fears that someone is going to get him, he will most definitely bite.

He needs more socialization, but first he needs to be seen by a professional trainer.. You should muzzle him if you insist on taking him out.. You are responsible to make sure no one gets hurt.

Fearful dogs are often fine w/ their family.. It's other people and situations that they haven't been properly socialized around that become the problem..

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

I don't mean to sound like I'm picking on you - but yours is a prime example of someone buying a fluffy puppy - not training it or socializing it properly - only to have him grow up to become a great Hairy Monster. It's OK. You meant well and I'm sure you love your dog - and only want what's best for him. Again, I don't mean to sound like I'm picking on you - you just happened to have a good example.

The answer is simple:

Obedience training and socialization.

Bite the bullet and pay the fee for a good class. You'll thank me later.

Belgies are really smart dogs and take to Obedience really well. And it's a fun sport full of nice, dog-loving people who like to see dogs and owners rewarded for their hard work. It's a great way to spend time with - and for - your dog.

Oh yes, and Obedience is the foundation for every other sport - agility, fly ball, search/rescue, herding - all of them begin with Obedience.

All is not lost - but you're right - you need to get on with this soon before he bites someone - then all will be lost.

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

you should probably have some friends come over (one or two) with your dog on a lease and let them talk to him some to get used to people and them. the more people he sees and gets used to the calmer he'll be around them. I have a black lab that does that but he's seen enough people now that he's pretty calm once he sees that we think its okay for them to be here.

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

Good for you for wanting to fix this problem BEFORE he bites someone. There are a couple of great books out there about this subject. I would also recommend enlisting the help of a professional, but I understand that this is expensive. So I would order some books, read up, and if you get stuck or hit a plateu with training, then you can enlist the help of a professional.

Here are two good site to find a reputable trainer:

www.clickertraining.com

www.apdt.com

Fear aggression is the most common type of aggression. I would get him neutered if he is not (that will really help), and switch him to a good food that does not contain corn or corn meal (this grain has been shown to aggrivate certain behavioral problems such as aggression, anxiety and OCD). The best filler is rice. You might also want to buy him an herbal suppliment called "Bach's Rescue Remedy". Put 4 drops on the tongue twice a day. This is a common thing used in the rescue circle (and horse circuit) to calm an animal down. If his aggression is based in fear and anxiety, it will help. Also give him extra doses before very stressful situations. You can buy it at GNC, Vitamin World, and other suppliment stores.

Make sure you only train in positive methods, b/c punishment will make it worse. Order these books from www.dogwise.com They will help more than anything.

"Cautious Canine" by Patrica McConnell (a workbook to fix fear based aggression)

"Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog" by Emma Parsons

"The Other End of the Leash" by Patrica McConnell (a good book about dog behavior)

"On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals" by Turgid Rugaas

How do I tame my aggressive dog?

Ditto the comments from DogNanny 911 and DP.

I've taught obedience for 30+ years.

What you are describing has now progressed to the point where you need PROFESSIONAL help to resolve the situation.

PetSmart won't do it, this is WAY beyond their capabilities. You've gone way past the abilities of most obedience schools at this point. They teach people with normal dogs to get them under control.

Your biggest problem here is finding someone who can help you with the solution and not make the situation worse.

You didn't say where you are located. In most states in the US there is no control over who can claim to be a "professional dog trainer". Anyone can, and they do, put out a sign saying that they are a professional and that they can solve these types of problems.

My biggest concern for your dog is that you get some moron who uses abusive techniques and actually makes your dog worse rather than better.

Some vets MIGHT have this information for you. That's a hit or miss situation. I'd find various obedience clubs and ask them for multiple recommendations. It may take a few for you to get a couple of people. KEEP TRYING.

I cannot emphasize enough the fact that you've got a very dangerous situation on your hands. Until you get this resolved, I would keep this dog out of situations that the dog cannot cope with.