Dog Agression

Dog Agression

by Debbie
(Rockland County, NY)

My sweet, lovely Pit Bull is almost 4. She has suddenly begun acting aggressively and strange with other dogs. She has always loved dogs and people. Now just people. What is up?

Gale's Reply:

Hi Debbie:

It's not unusual for a pit bull's tolerance for other dogs to change over the course of their life. Assuming that your girl is healthy and not in pain and there haven't been any significant changes in her social sphere, this is mostly likely what it occurring.

Dog aggression is a tendency all pit bull owners need to be prepared for. And, quite a few people have written in asking about a dog that suddenly seems to have changed her mind about liking other dogs.

Here are some articles that may help you understand what's going on and how you need to respond to it:

http://www.the-proper-pitbull.com/five-year-old-female-pit-bull-suddenly-being-aggressive.html
http://www.the-proper-pitbull.com/my-pit-hates-other-dogsplease-help-me.html
http://www.the-proper-pitbull.com/pitbull-getting-dog-aggressive.html
http://www.the-proper-pitbull.com/pit-bull-hates-cats-and-other-dogs.html

Feel free to post back here if you have additional questions.

For more information on obedience training, visit our Pit Bull Training page.

For help with behavioral problems, check out our Dog Behavior Training page.

Comments for
Dog Agression

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Nov 04, 2010

Sudden dog agression
by: Debbie

Thank you, Gale, for your comments. I haven't investigated all the links yet, but I was wondering if there is any way that this sudden dislike of other dogs could be helped by a dog trainer? I'd like to feel there is a cure. She is healthy, and happy otherwise. We even have 2 cats that she still likes. Thanks again.

Nov 05, 2010

Yes! Training is definitely part of the solution!
by: Gale

While you can't make a dog like another dog, the right training can go a long way in helping to modify the way your dog reacts when she sees another dog. Your biggest challenge will be finding the right kind of trainer. Preferably, you want someone who is experienced with the breed and committed to positive, non-coercive methods.

I believe the links to the articles in my reply contain some suggestions for reading materials that can help you understand the principles involved in helping a dog that has become dog aggressive. I double check that to be sure. But, if you have more questions in the meantime, ask away.

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