aggression towards dogs outside of home

[dogmama]

Hi,
I am very new to the site. I have been trying to find help in regards to our dog Lacey. She is a 55lbs, 2 1/2 year old spayed mix breed. She is a mix of Pit Bull, Shepherd (German Shepherd?), Akita, and possibly Pointer or Boxer, even though she looks like a Pit/ Red Heeler mix. She has been through basic obedience, and is actually pretty good at it, on lead. I have read through alot of the site, and it has been very helpful to me in identifying, and understanding what she is doing. At home Lacey is part of a pack of 5 female dogs, plus myself, my husband, and my two daughters, ages 11 and 8. Lacey is good with us (she loves people) and all of our dogs. She is even good with our chickens. My problem is that she is extremely aggressive towards other dogs she doesn't know, as well as all the neighboring dogs, and even one she does know, my aunts extremely docile, very easy going older Golden Retriever, that we occasionally babysit. It doesn't matter if the dog she wants to go after even knows she is there, or not, like a dog that might be down the road. Recently we went camping and due to my error, she was off leash in a wooded area. I allowed her to go a little too far and she spotted a HUGE Rottie mix at the next campsite. She immediatley went after him and attacked him. Thankfully he wasn't that aggressive, only defended himself. I was horrified. Neither dog got hurt, but it was scary. She was very vocal during this too. She was also extremely aggressive towards an 8 week old puppy that we recently babysat. I had her on a leash, with a pinch collar, with the pup about 2 feet away. She acted like she wanted to eat him. She responded to the corrections to the collar that I gave her, but not enough. I chose to keep them completely separated during the entire time we had him, for obvious reasons. What is weird is that she really likes my inlaws Pugs when they come to visit, though. I don't feel like I have a close bond to her, but I always attributed that to her being a dog's dog, since we have a pack. She is usually awesome on leash commands, even when we pass other dogs (secured in their yards) on our walks. I tell her to "leave it", when she shows interest in them, sometimes with corrections, and praise her when she does. She is almost uncontrollable if the other dog is loose. I am looking for ways to help improve this problem.We live out in the country, so socializing her in public is a little harder, than if I lived in the city, but I am willing to try almost anything. I apologize for the lengthy thread, but I just want to give as much info as possible.
Thanks for any advice.

[Mike D'Abruzzo]

It definitely sounds fear related if it seems to be toward MOST dogs she doesn't know even puppies with no rhyme or reason to it. Especially if she is great with all the other female dogs she lives with.

For a plan I would first troubleshoot the 5th layer of the Foundation System "pack structure". If you are not relating to her in a passive way that it is your job to do the worrying and protecting you will just be fighting mother nature by trying to correct the behavior.

Then get her used to a muzzle and work toward phase 3 obedience in THIS style. With good communication, warnings, and reward. As well as gentle discipline. (this will not work without the right relationship building).

After, that point it will be a lot easier to revisit problem situations with correct leadership, control, and a muzzle for safety. At that point we can start working on desensitizing (located at the top since it works best with this other stuff in place).

It is not a quick fix, but with patience we can help you work through to your goals. But, you have to trust the "triangle" and no how to use it. It will make it easier to troubleshoot.

Here's a video I posted on youtube that helps with the muzzle. Or go to the blog post here to find out where to get the good ones:http://selfhelpdogtraining.com/wordpress/?p=198


keep in touch with us!

[dogmama]

Thanks so much for the advice! I have spent alot of time reading through your site and the pyramid. It definately makes sense and helps puts things into perspective. I see that my pack structure needs some major work. As of yesterday, no dogs on the couch or bed. This has been harder for my kids and husband, but everyone is trying. I believe it is step one in the right direction. I always thought that I was a good pack leader and that I knew alot about dog behavior. I have had, and still do have, many different types of dogs, have taken at least 7 different dogs (my own personal) through professional obedience courses over the years, and up until about 2 years ago, was a vet tech for 12+ years. I even have two dogs that are certified Canine Good Citizens. I realize now, that what I know of dog behavior is just the tip of the iceburg. I almost feel like a first time dog owner in some ways, even though I have owned dogs for over 25 years! Thank you so much for your informative site! Two of my other dogs have minor issues with other dogs, and I really think changing the way I do things by following the pyramid and (hopefully) transforming my pack, is going to benefit everyone in the family - dogs and people. I will keep you posted on Lacey's progress. Thanks again!