My 6 month old is starting to show aggression, how do I stop it?

brookesinclair · Dec 27, 2016

Hello! I have started noticing my 6 month old Frenchie is starting to show aggression towards my 2 year old Boston Terrier (we also have another 4 year old Boston Terrier). Both Bostons are female and our Frenchie is male. I have never had an aggressive dog before so this is all new to me.

I mostly notice it around food, we have 3 bowls near each other but try to spread them out so they all have food. He doesn't mind when our older Boston comes around, but when the younger one goes around the "main" food bowl area, he growls, barks, and chases her away. I have fed them in different rooms today, but am hoping I can correct him so I don't have to do so.

The other sign of aggression I have noticed is whenever I'm (usually only me too) laying on the couch or in bed with our Frenchie and the younger Boston comes onto the bed/couch, he growls and barks at her. Almost like he is jealous she is around me?

Other than that, these two get along just fine and play well together. He has no issue with the older Boston at all. If anyone has any tips or suggestions for me to try, it would be much appreciated!

Jakeyjake · Dec 27, 2016

He is trying to find his place in the pack. He may view the older Boston as pack leader since he doesn't bother with her. You can try feeding him in his crate if he is crate trained or in an xpen. Regarding the couch or bed, he is trying to claim it and tell the younger Boston it is his. Have you done any basic obedience training with him? May help him view you as the leader. Make sure and give him a firm no when he growls or barks.

Alice Kable · Dec 27, 2016

I agree with [MENTION=600]Jakeyjake[/MENTION], training will help. It is important to get on it right away and consistently let him know that behavior is not acceptable. Also, neutering may help, but he is young for that; I'd try training first.

brookesinclair · Dec 28, 2016

That's what I was thinking with him viewing the older Boston as the leader. We've done some obedience training, however, he broke his leg last month so we've been a little bit more easy on him.
Also just followed on Instagram

2bullymama · Dec 28, 2016

Here is a very easy and great tool to get him in line.... consistency is key make sure all humans in the house use the same rules.

http://frenchbulldognews.com/training-and-behavioral/1191-life-free-training-technique.html

Jakeyjake · Dec 28, 2016

brookesinclair said:
That's what I was thinking with him viewing the older Boston as the leader. We've done some obedience training, however, he broke his leg last month so we've been a little bit more easy on him.
Also just followed on Instagram

Sorry to hear about his leg. Poor guy. Following your beautiful Finnigan on IG too

davidh · Dec 28, 2016

I agree, he is trying to find his place in the pack. You need to show him you are pack leader, through training. Any time he shows aggression toward the younger Boston, tell him NO, and if you need to put him in time out somewhere. The training should help, plus you might read up on "Nothing in life is free."