Readjusting after a fight.

by Gina
(Manassas VA)

My pit was attacked by another pit & now he is more aggressive & on the defense. So I worry when he is around other dogs. How do I get him to be ok again around other dogs?

Gale's Reply:

I would start from square one re-introducing him to dogs. I would start with dogs that are calm, around his size, but that don't look at all like the dog that attacked him.

For your own comfort level, you may want to start by enlisting the help of family and friends with dogs--even if it involves working with dogs that your dog already knows. In some ways that may be even better.

I would handle the introduction AS IF he didn't already know the other dog unless it's clear that he is totally at ease. The idea is to give him as many positive associations with other dogs as you can.

The following articles contain some tips that may help you structure the intros: How to Introduce Your Pit Bull to Another Dog and Socializing a Pit Bull with Other Dogs.

I also recommend the book "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons which can help you re-condition your dog's response to other dogs.



Good luck, Gina. Feel free to post back here if you have more 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.