Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

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RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

It's sad to say, but getting him put to sleep seems to be the best option unless you have thousands of dollars to spend on training.

I had a Pointer mix for 5 years that turned on my family & my other dogs as well. This was a dog that used to sleep next to me in bed every night. We tried every type of training there was & had to resort to a muzzle 24 hours a day. Finally we decided to put the dog down. It was a hard decision & I think about him (and cry) a lot, but it was the best decision for us all.

Post by jannieb

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Consult an animal behaviourist - aggression problems in dogs are manageable in many cases. It could be there are things you can change about the way you treat your dog that reinforce your position as pack leaders (without being confrontational or physical). In some cases the "love" we think we are showing to the dog gives them the wrong message and makes them feel that they are top dog, for many dogs this is stessfull because of the responsibility. Perhaps after your dog bit the girl it lost its confidence in you as its leader because you didn't stop whatever the girl did that frightened it. Now your dog feels he cannot rely on you and relies on his own, misguided, judgement instead of following your lead. Leaning over a dog to "kiss" is the act of a dominant animal and could easily frighten a worried dog. Dogs live 100% in the present - it doesn't matter that you used to be able to do something and it not bother the dog, right now he doesn't see you as pack leader so right now leaning over him frightens and bothers him. There is ALWAYS a reason for dog agression and if you go to a professional trainer who uses positive non-agressive, non-hands on, methods they can help you understand why your dog is behaving this way. I found reading the Dog Whisperer books by Jan Fennell very helpful with my dogs behaviour problems, it might be a good place to start but I would also definately get some one in whith experience to watch your dog and advise you specifically.

Post By Jay Jay (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Was the dog aggressive before he got a girlfriend? If not, Maybe he's jealous of you and showing it in his new aggressive behavior. He might be angry with his owner for "replacing" him.
I know dogs can be jealous. I've learned that from expreience, and I'm experiencing living with a jealous German Shep now. She's not aggressive and she doesn't bite, but she communicates to other dogs who she doesn't know that she's No. 1. The dogs she lives with pay no attention to her, but other dogs do. I am working on getting her out of it. German Sheps I've had have a tendency to be jealous. I think it's their protective nature.

Sorry this is happening. It's sad to see a dog have behavior problems that cost him such a great price.

Post by Stngray

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

I stopped back in here to see if Heather had found any help, and obviously there are alot of caring people here,that's great to see, but we haven't been able to save Shorty from himself yet. I really wish I had some answers for you because I keep thinking about this and it has to be horrible for all of you. One thing I thought of is that fear will definitely set off a dominant dog, so your boyfriend has to be really aware that he doesn't show any fear around Shorty, you will have to keep a close eye on this with your other dog also because fear triggers attacks. If you can't get a professional to help, which hopefully you can, try looking up dog body language on the net.

The body language will at least show you warning signs and the websites seemed less commercial that just training sites. You can live with a person for five years, have the privilege of being able to verbally explain what you feel and what your needs are, and still not understand each other, love or not, so how can humans and dogs really expect to know each other better than that. He can't just tell you that he has a headache and wants to be left alone and your boyfriend couldn't tell him he was kissing him on the head out of love. If you do have to put him down, do it out of love for everyone involved including

Shorty, he can't be happy fighting all the time. Shorty obviously has been a lucky dog to have five years with people that care about him the way you do. It will not be easy choice, but you have nothing to feel guilty about, you sound like you are great owners. You are in my thoughts and I hope it works out, please let us know. If you ever want to talk to me I'm at charter.net and the name is jsavard

Post By Julie (again) (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

I have adopted a standard size dachshund from a rescue place in Florida. He became the love of my life, and most protective during my battle with breast cancer, always faithful. However, he was very aggressive towards men and even my husband, this is because of the dog feeling insecure and having past issues of perhaps abuse. If you truly love and want this faithful loving babe, it is worth getting him trained and more socialized with others and other dogs, be very firm about not excepting his aggressive behavior and separate from him when he does show bad temperament. Let him know that it will not be tolerated, in a firm but training manner, watch the dog whisperer and check out his website. Follow through like your teaching a child manners, and always be the stronger dog leader, you and the other humans, not too much talking while training him on these behavior matters, actions speak better than words. Good luck!

PS: Always reward him with affection when he does the right thing, not with always food though, try a toy or giving him extra play time, dogs need a lot of exercise, especially muscular ones.

Post By leebee922 (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Someone made a statement that dogs aren't born aggressive, that people make them this way. There is a lot of misunderstanding around this. Yes, people can make dogs act aggressive through abuse, teasing, conditioning, neglect, etc. This is done more easily with some dogs than others because of their genetics.

Some dogs are more submissive and it will take a lot to get them to act in an aggressive manner -- but pushed to their limits, they will react to protect or defend. Some dogs will take very little stimulus to react aggressively. If a dog's parents had aggressive tendencies, then the odds are good that the dog will have inherited these traits. This does not mean that the dog will automatically act in an aggressive manner, it means that the tendency towards that behavior is higher.

To claim genetics is not a factor in aggression is to deny the evidence that dog fighters know and use to breed extremely aggressive dogs. It's sick, but they breed dogs so aggressive that they even attack their mother and litter mates while they are still in the whelping box. Many of these dogs will even attack their owners, if given a chance. These sick people then encourage and "train" aggressive behaviors in these dogs to prepare them for dog fights.

So aggression is partly genetic and partly environment.

Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Thank you to everyone that has given me advice about our pet Shorty. There are a lot of you that keep on mentioning children. I do not have children AND I NEVER have any children around Shorty. To the people that are telling me that it is humans not understanding their pets, we have had him for 5 years.... all of a sudden he turned. We did not do ANYTHING different.

I have always had pit bulls back by saying it is not their breed but it is how they are raised. Sorry people that is not correct. Not just talking about pits. Any pet that has been bred to fight is going to have it somewhere in their genes.

There are so many people that replied to my posting telling me that euthanasia should be the last thing to think about and that he needs training. We were going to start training. Last night I spent 4 hours in the pet ER because Shorty attacked my cocker spaniel, no warning nothing. Just like he did with my boyfriend last week. So you people are telling me that I should just keep letting him bite, causing me to spend MORE time at the human ER and Pet ER,

Over $4000.00 in medical bills with in 3 weeks, watching them in pain as they are being stitched up, making sure they both are keeping their wounds clean and taking their medication? While I should sit here and be patient while he is going through training? We love Shorty so much and this is TEARING us apart beyond belief, but something has got to give!
Heather, A heartbroken pet owner

Post By Heather (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

I, too, feel for you. I am involved with rescue, as well and we have 2 dogs in our family, one a puppymill survivor.
We will take in any dogs of the breed we have decided to rescue no matter their age or their ailments but won't take an agressive dog. We could never adopt out an agressive dog out as it could never be trusted again.
I know pits have very bad press as do some other breeds but there is some truth at the basis of this.
I can feel your anguish but you do have a decision to make. You can never again trust Shorty.

Post by daiquiri

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Okay, I had to post, especially because I am the proud owner of a loyal and wonderful pitbull and they, and many dogs in general, are very misunderstood. First of all, NO dog, even the little ones or family pets, should be "trusted" with children unless the children are trained to act properly around the dog and can be trusted to do so. Their jerky movements, quick actions etc. are confusing and scary to a dog, put yourself inthe dogs place and think about what they are seeing when a kid comes running by. As far as the owner, that is different, but it sounds like for some reason the dog is fighting for dominance with him. If you can watch "Dog Whisperer" where you are he is great at explaining this, but you need to be calm and asserrtive with your dog at all times so he never has to question who is in charge. Face to face is a challenge among dogs also. One other thing and someone said it already, but any time there is a behavior change a vet check is a great idea. My golden gets pretty grumpy when his ears are bothering him. I really hope you can work things out because I hate to see a dog die because him and his people can't understand each other. Best of luck to you!

Post By Julie (& Cledus & Harry) (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

I perhaps should keep out of this since I am not a dog lover(due to having been bitten by a dog in the face).
My sister's family had a beautiful Norwegian elkhound. The dog bit a child badly in the face. Still she did not get rid of Brittney, even though she had 4 kids herself.
About 2 years ago, they moved and had no room for the dog, so my Mom kept her in her garage and back yard. Brittney ran away once. My bro-in-law found her and was putting her in his van when she bit him.
I was always afraid to have my child by her. He said once that the dog bit his ear (I wasn't there so didn't see it).
Anyhow, I think that once a biter, always a biter.
I hate euthanasia, and Brittney did get euthanized recently due to old age problems, but I do agree that you have to put people first over pets. God bless.

Post By Sandee (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

I've read through most of the posts. I am also a dog person. I would never want to think of having to put down one of my dogs. But, one thing I think we have forgotten here, People matter, the way some of these posts sound, the dog is #1, and people at #2. The dog has to learn to live in my world, and in return, I must take care of him, and love him. He has to respect me as a master though, not a "friend". And in return, I care for him, love him, and treat him right. Now, if and when a dog turns bad, and sometimes they will, not just one kind of breed like dobies, or pits, but, any breed.

There possibly will be a time, they turn from their typical daily behavior, and will change into an aggressive pet you won't recognize, and bite, and cause damage, I'm not talking a nip, I mean damage with stitches. People, come on now, I love my dogs, but, if he bites me and causes stitches, and I have not mistreated him with a big stick, where he had to defend himself. I'm not like that. But, hello, this is our world, and animals are our PETS, not our rulers, if he bites and/or becomes aggressive toward us, or children. Something has snapped in him, and he needs to be put down right away, how many times will you let your dog bite people, before you say enough is enough? Would it be your baby, or my baby that gets bit next with a biting dog. I have seen people who keep biting, aggressive animals caged up, afraid to handle them, or allow folks into their home or property. Who is the dominant one here? I love my dogs, but, humans do rate here. Don't wait until the next person or child gets bit.
thank you, ~sign~ An OWNER of 5 Happy dogs!

Post By Glinda (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Hi, I have been involved in pet rescue for years. I have three dogs now, one of whom is half pit (which I didn't know when we adopted him).

The behavioral change this dog now shows makes me think there is something else going on. First, I would take the dog to a vet for a full physical checkup. Then, if you are serious about keeping him, I would consult with an animal behaviorist to find out what you can do, if anything to desensitize him, and what you might be doing differently now that he bit that is causing him to repeat the behavior. Kissing dogs on the nose is perceived as a dominance issue. A lot of times, because dogs are so attuned to physical actions, we communicate things to them without realizing we are doing so. I have learned this the hard way myself.
Good luck, Diane

Post By munchkinmomx3 (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Heather, please do not have him put down! It sounds as though he is reacting to whatever it was that the little girl did. Dogs view any lunging movement towards them as hostile, so this is probably why he bit your boyfriend. He probably did not have time to growl and warn him. I'd tell your boyfriend not to 'lunge' at him, even if it is in affection. It's not the dog's fault. Just treat him with respect and care, and he should come around.

Post By Cathy from Townsville, QLD (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

I grew up with dogs and I understand loving them, but there is no decision to be made here. This is an aggressive dog who is attacking its owners and children. Where is the question here?

Post By Tiffany (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Yes, a hard and sad decision. My daughter had to face that she had a young Doberman, who seemed fine/friendly at first. She was also a day carer for little children (and had preschool children of her own too) One morning she was in the back yard hanging washing on the line and a friends two year old girl was with her. The dog was nowhere near them, he was way on the other side of the yard, but suddenly he bolted across the yard and bit the little girls face. She very sadly decided he had to 'go' that she couldn't risk him attacking children again.

Post By Ellie (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

i love my dog. there would be hell to pay if someoone did something to her. but if she bit soomeone i dont think i could keep her and have my concious in tact. yes once a dog bites i think he has a much greater tendency to bite again. yes i know that girl should not have done that and was probably teasing him. but ......... i would have to put him down.

Post by sandy63

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

It does my heart good to read the responses from people who have a real sense of "dog-ness"! I have a chow-samoyed mix, and, she has never been a child-friendly dog; in fact, she has never been all that friendly with anyone. So, I find her to be a wonderful teacher to children and adults. She is quite beautiful, with loads of champagne colored fur, and people want to pet her. So, I tell them about Sadie, that the best way to meet her is to stand nearby, without speaking to her, or reaching out to her-even to have a hand sniffed. No, the best approach is to simply stand nearby. IF/when she is ready to be touched, she rubs her hip against the person, and, that means "you have permission to scratch my behind". I let them know that Sadie does not like anyone touching her face or head; she tolerates it from me, though, those parts are "off limits" to others. I also keep her away from toddlers, since she doesn't relate well to children. And, even though I have had her most of her 13 ears, I am still cautious about how I approach her, always giving some advance notice. This may seem like a lot of work, though we have had many many opportunities to help educate people about "dog etiquette", and, she has been a wonderful companion to me...all of this to say that, if you decide to keep your dog, you might have to invest some time in getting to know his personal quirks and working within his own limitations, being very mindful that others may need some prompt and serious "education" when in his presence.

Post By Vicki (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

My heart is breaking for you! I don't agree, tho, that every dog that bites should be put down. My sister has a male Shi Tzu who bit me in the face because I was hugging him too tightly at a time in which I was extremely upset. He growled and warned me, but I didn't pay any attention to him, so he did the only thing he knew how to do to get me to stop squeezing him too tightly! I did not then, and don't now, blame the dog - I blame myself. Also, my other sister had to give away a dachshund who disliked children because some boys had picked on him time after time. He turned out to be a very sweet pet for a childless family.
I hope you can find a solution other than having to put him down. That's such a hard thing to have to do - I've had to do it twice - I know! God bless you.

Post by tedsmom

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

I didn't read word for word everything & there is some good advice & some bad. First of all I'm not aware of any puppy who is born aggressive. People make them that way. Either on purpose, or because of ignorance. Death is forever & I would hope you would do everything humanly possible to solve the problem. There are trainers who specialize in aggressive behavior. That's what I would do. All this alpha stuff is just people following the so-called experts like sheep. I have rescued & had dogs from bad situations all my life. They know I'm boss but I'm a boss who loves them dearly & wants the best for them. I would do anything to give them the best life possible. I've broken up dog arguments, when necessary, when I've brought a new dog into the pack & they always end up best buddies. I haven't run into a problem I couldn't handle but if I had I would seek additional help. Euthanisation would be a LAST resort. It's not THEIR fault humans have failed them.

Post By Me (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Sorry but that dog should have been put down with the first incident of biting someone. Any veterinarian will tell you that if a dog bites a person, then should be euthanized.

Post By Becky (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Heather, my heart goes out to you. Neutering and intensive work with a behaviourist may help you manage Shorty's behaviour, but he'll never be able to be trusted with children again, and possibly with adults.

I expect that when Shorty started growling at your boyfriend he was scolded. Shorty was giving warning signals but was reprimanded for it, and so learned to bite without warning. This happens a lot. I'm a dog trainer and have run into this problem a lot. Certainly growling should not have been allowed, but you have to be careful that you are correcting the cause of the behaviour and not scolding the dog for giving warning signals. Shorty should have been reminded of his appropriate place in the pack order (through various non-punishment based ways.) I expect if you think back there were other low level warning signals that Shorty was giving that were being ignored (i.e. tail position, stance, eye contact, etc.). Shorty was probably a bit confused about his place in the pack by being given privileges that were for higher pack members. If he thought that he was higher in the pack than the boyfriend, then Shorty probably felt he was within his rights to bite your boyfriend for what Shorty interpreted as your boyfriend being "out of line". Humans need to understand that dogs see the world differently and show affection differently. Humans love to hug. Dogs dislike the hug (although some have learned to tolerate it). A hug to a dog is a sign of aggression or establishing dominance. When one dog puts his forelegs on top of another dog, it is a sign of dominance. If you watch a dog receiving a hug, you'll see that his ears turn out and down a bit as a sign of dislike. (Some dogs will try to wiggle out of it and some will growl and bite, but most dogs will start with low level signals.) Humans like to soothe a dog that is agitated, thinking that will calm him. However, the dog sees this as a reward for his behaviour and will repeat it and it will intensify.

There may have been other things that confused Shorty as to his proper place in the pack. But another problem that might be a factor is genetics.

Especially with breeds that have been ruined by people who are not knowledgeable: backyard breeders and puppy mill operators that supply pet stores, and by people who are intentionally breeding for poor temperaments: dog fight ring breeders and drug dealers. Pit bulls are getting a rotten reputation, and unfortunately, these genetic lines are difficult to get rid of and take many many generations to breed them out again. German Shepherds, Rottweillers, and Dobermans have all gone through this. I can imagine another breed will take the Pit Bulls' place in a few years.

Again, I feel for your situation. You have a tough thing to do. I wish you the best.

Post By Oberhund (Guest Post)

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Dear Heather,
What a sad post that was!
I am a confirmed dog lover, and have three of my own, so please believe me when I say that euthanasia would be something I would have to think very, very carefully about, because it is so final.
However . . . . . .
Your boyfriend has a dog that was bred to be aggressive, and it's no fault of his that the dog is now showing signs of aggression. Children should be kept away from ALL dogs unless they have adult supervision - this is kids up to about 12 years old.
Unfortunately, your choices are very limited. There's either a muzzle 24/7 (horrible for the dog), or being put down. I feel that in this case the latter would be the best option. The dog won't know what's happening, and vets are gentle and kind, and it's a quick and merciful end. Your boyfriend will have to choose whether he wants to risk his dog REALLY hurting someone (killing a child?) and then being destroyed whether he wants it to be or not.
I'm sure the dog has had a happy life up till now, let that be enough for you. Some dogs have awful lives for years and years. If he loves his dog, euthanasia would be the kindest and most loving thing. Truly.
With very best wishes to you.
Leah from Australia.

Post by Honto

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Hi heather, Im Holly. I have owned pitbulls for about 10 years now. I have one pitbull now and his name is cheech. He is a wonderfull pet. All pitbulls have a huge heart, its good to spoil your pets but not all the time. Does your dog bark or growl or even bite people that come to the door? If so, when or if your dog does that....bring him about 20 feet away from the door when the doorbell rings or someone knocks on the door, tell him to "SIT" in a stricked voice but not to harsh, tell him to "STAY" putting a flat hand to his face, fingers pointed down. If he follows and dose not obey, do the same thing again, but remember, don't get frustrated with your dog if he dosn't obey right away, it will take some time to practice that good behavior you ask of him. If your dog dose bark. Don't let that person touch him, you don't touch him either when he barks at you or your boyfriend or any visitors to your house, turn your back away from him...totally ignore him, when he calms down, then you may pet him. Sometimes a pitbulls will protect there prized posession, like a toy, you or even your boyfriend, and show agression to people when that "prized posession" Is in the house or room, When "shorty" is barking have that person leave the house (go out in the yard for a few minutes) then come back in, if he starts to bark again, leave outside for a few minutes...repeat this excercise untill he understands. When he obeys "Reward" him with a pet. But if he barks before you try this excercise, don't pet him to comfort him. He thinks that when you pet him your telling him "Good Dog" , ignore him when he barks or shows aggression! I hope that helped you a little, I have a few more tips.....Go to my page and message me. I can help some more. GOOD LUCK! with you and shorty!

Post by heart4horses

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

I've been involved in rescue for almost 20 years. If the dog was dog-aggressive, it could be worked out. A human-aggressive dog, however, is a time bomb especially if it's random aggression.

If this is sudden behavior, get the dog to the vet for a full check up (bloodwork, etc) to see if anything medical could be causing the aggression.

An aggressive dog just can not be a happy dog. Think of highly aggressive humans and the pain they must be enduring.

There are thousands of wonderful, non-aggressive dogs that are dying daily in shelters across the country. If it was my dog, I know I would euthanize my beloved companion humanely just as you have written, in a vet's office.

It's a difficult decision. But it's a dilemma that needs to be resolved quickly before any serious damage is done -- and pit bulls can do serious damage.

Hugs to you, your boyfriend, and Shorty.

Post by luvmygingerkids

RE: Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner

Heather, I have had a similar experience with a family dog. My heart goes out to you, as I know how painful this experience can be.

Keep Shorty away from children. Don't even consider allowing him to be anywhere near kids. Buy some baby gates and separate him as you need to.

Do not ever "get in his face." Aggressive dogs, especially, consider this an aggressive move, and they can react before you have a chance to think. I know a man who literally had his nose bit off by his own dog, when he tried to kiss the dog goodnight.

Some problems can be caused by genetics, and some can be caused by experiences, training or the lack of training, etc. Either way, you are in a tough position right now.

I have a couple of suggestions for where you can go for help.

First, there is an online group that might be helpful to you. It's a Yahoo group:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/agbeh

The abbreviation "agbeh" stands for aggressive behavior. You'll have to join Yahoo and sign up for the group, but it's free. Read, read, read, and ask for advice.

Second, you really should call your vet and ask for a recommendation to a local certified trainer or behavior expert. You will have to pay for their services. OR, you can call a university and ask if they offer any free or low-cost services from an animal behaviorist.

I'm sure you already know the danger. Be very, very careful, and do NOT take chances, no matter what people tell you. Other people do not understand your dog. They might innocently bend down to pet him and get too close to his face, and suddenly get bitten.

If Shorty is not already neutered, you need to have that done. It MIGHT help with the aggression, but in any case, you do not want these genes to be passed on.

We eventually had to make the decision to have our dog put down. We had him for seven years, and the aggression was always present, but it became worse and worse. It was the hardest decision of my life, but I am glad I made it. Only you know what you should do in your case.

Prayers.

Patty

Post by zballoongirl

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