My pit hates other dogs--please help me

by tanara
(tulsa)

My pit hates other dogs why is that?

Gale's Reply:

There are a handful of factors that can influence how aggressive a dog is towards others dogs. The primary ones that come to mind are:

1. Genetics: Most pit bulls fall somewhere on a continuum of aggression vs. tolerance when it comes to other dogs. A tendency towards dog aggression is not uncommon in pit bulls.

2. Socialization: The extent to which a dog has been exposed to other dogs in a positive way. Dogs that are not properly introduced to other dogs or that have a negative encounter at an early age are more likely to become dog aggressive.

3. Illness: A dog that doesn't feel well may become aggressive as a means of self-protection.

There are other factors that can influence a dog's attitude towards other dogs. A dog's personality often changes as they mature from puppyhood to adulthood and again as the dog begins to reach old age.

If you have more specific questions, please feel free to post back here with additional comments.

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

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