Re: My JRT attacking another dog

In Reply to: My JRT attacking another dog
Category:   Aggression
Posted by:  Sharon
Posted on:  July 30, 2002 at 14:31:52

: I need some help dealing with my 5 year old male JRT "Mac" who has a SERIOUS issue with aggressive behavior towards strange dogs. I adopted Mac a year ago through a small dog rescue organization. He was neutered just a few days before I adopted him. Last Sunday we stopped at a park on our way home from a short vacation. While at this park Mac violently pulled the leash out of my husbands hand to streak across a park to literally attack a Weiner dog. Mac latched onto this poor dogs throat and would not let go. It took me and my husband to get Mac's jaw pried open and off this poor dog. The owner of the other dog was obviously upset and threatened to cut my dogs throat and tried to punch my husband during this altercation. Ugly scene to say the least. We are expecting a vet bill in the mail and will consider ourselves fortunate if that is all we get. I wish I could say this was an isolated incident but it is the second time he has done this in a year. Mac is very loving with my husband and I. I love this dog dearly and want to be responsible and do everything I can for his sake. Any suggestions regarding training or how to deal with a situation like this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Sharon

Response:

Hi Sharon,

I can appreciate your dilemma. This level of seriousness in dog-to-dog aggression is probably best dealt with by a trained behaviorist.

Many dogs can be on the aggressive side, but in some cases it's a lot of posturing. My Brody had issues with other dogs, but rest assured if another dog came back and hauled on him he was quite willing to back off.

Knowing that, in his case, it was easier to deal with so I signed him up for a group obedience class. More socialization in a controlled setting was what he needed to overcome his aggression.

I am not sure that this strategy would work in your case and quite frankly it could be dangerous to everyone else. Unless you can find a trainer that is willing to or has classes specifically for this problem, your best bet is a behaviorist.

Chances are they may tell you to get the dog fitted with a Gentle Leader and also give you some set-ups and other exercises to do with Mac. His level of aggression may also call for some temporary drug therapy. Only a vet combined with a behaviorist can tell you if this can work.

Talk with your vet and see if they can recommend a behaviorist. If they don't know of anyone, you might want to contact the nearest JRTCA rescue rep or the state rep in your area. They may know of people that can give you some help.

JRTCA Russell Rescue, JRTCA State Representatives

Don't give up hope just yet, most cases of aggression can be dealt with although you will have to make a commitment to see it through and also have patience.