Out-of-control anxiety towards other dogs

[GirlandFrenchie]

I got Mason around 11 months -- he was friendly, playful with other dogs, and never aggressive. Over the next few months/year he's started to show more aggression and we're not sure why it's happening. We've been trying to socialize him and even got him a 1-on-1 trainer, but it seems to be getting worse.

When he sees other dogs, he stiffens up for 3 seconds and then charges towards them while "screaming" and barking. He literally sounds like an infant screaming. His eyes get red and mouth sometimes gets foamy, especially when he's real worked up. It's like he's fixated on the dog and almost nothing can break his attention (high quality treats, commands, even me pulling him away).

When he's alone, he's the most friendly dog. He loves playing and is calm... doesn't show any signs of neurotic behavior.

At this point, I'm scared of even walking past other dog owners with their dogs. I usually cross the street when I see other dogs in site.

Has anyone else dealt with this aggression issue? All advice and similar stories appreciated!

 

[Cbrugs]

My first question would be is he neutered?

 

[GirlandFrenchie]

My first question would be is he neutered?

He was neutered when he turned 1. The crazy thing is that he started showing aggressive behavior after he was neutered onder:

 

[Honeys Owners]

If his hormones are off that can cause aggression- take him to the vet to get his hormones checked.

 

[Cbrugs]

I would do a vet visit then and make sure there is nothing wrong. Has he had any injuries of any sort? If a dog is in any kind of pain, that can cause them to act out as well.

 

[GirlandFrenchie]

I would do a vet visit then and make sure there is nothing wrong. Has he had any injuries of any sort? If a dog is in any kind of pain, that can cause them to act out as well.

He had a checkup about 2 months ago and nothing was wrong. He's healthy, fed the right diet, and given the right amount of exercise... just overly neurotic around other dogs.

 

[2bullymama]

At this point, I'm scared of even walking past other dog owners with their dogs. I usually cross the street when I see other dogs !

This statement you made leads me to ask... he is like this only when you walk him and are you always scared, nervous or apprehensive of his behavior? He is feeding off you energy and thinks he must protect you which you see as his aggression.

When at home does he have run of house or do you prove to him you are alpha?
What I mean by this is... does he sit for treats or wait to be called to his dish to rat... is he only on furniture when you invite him? Doing these small things and you showing you are his leader will get him to listen when on walks and YOU have to settle your nerves so he knows he hasn't a need to protect.

Has your trainer mentioned or instructed you on any of this... it is referred to as 'nothing in life is free'



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[GirlandFrenchie]

This statement you made leads me to ask... he is like this only when you walk him and are you always scared, nervous or apprehensive of his behavior? He is feeding off you energy and thinks he must protect you which you see as his aggression.

When at home does he have run of house or do you prove to him you are alpha?
What I mean by this is... does he sit for treats or wait to be called to his dish to rat... is he only on furniture when you invite him? Doing these small things and you showing you are his leader will get him to listen when on walks and YOU have to settle your nerves so he knows he hasn't a need to protect.

Has your trainer mentioned or instructed you on any of this... it is referred to as 'nothing in life is free'



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Hi Christine!

Yes, I use the Nothing in Life is Free rule and I'm always asserting dominance. If I ask him to do something, he usually does it... if not, I won't stop asking until he obeys.

I walk him in a calm, cheery manner too and don't use loud yelling commands.

 

[edwin814]

Does he bark or show aggression when he's off leash with other dogs?

My Frenchie eventually became leash reactive and started barking at dogs when we're on walks. But she's totally fine when she's off leash with other dogs. I've worked with several trainers and the current one seems to be working well. We started by working on her impulse control: doesn't go after food bowl or eat treats off the floor unless I give her the ok, wait by the door when I open it and doesn't walk out until I tell her too, and of course stop leash pulling during walks. Then we started working with dogs present. As soon as a dog a present even before Maddy is aware of the other dog, I'd give her lot of high value treats that she never gets otherwise (like hot dog and string cheese). Then eventually let her see the dog then give her the treat. Then let her see the dog and wait for her to check back at me then give her the treat. The key is to know at what distance your dog is comfortable with when another dog is present. Maddy seems to be improving with this training method, but takes time and it's still work in progress.

Not saying this is the same issue you have with your Frenchie, or this training method would work for you too. Curious what your trainer said? What was his/her assessment of your Frenchie?

 

[GirlandFrenchie]

Does he bark or show aggression when he's off leash with other dogs?

My Frenchie eventually became leash reactive and started barking at dogs when we're on walks. But she's totally fine when she's off leash with other dogs. I've worked with several trainers and the current one seems to be working well. We started by working on her impulse control: doesn't go after food bowl or eat treats off the floor unless I give her the ok, wait by the door when I open it and doesn't walk out until I tell her too, and of course stop leash pulling during walks. Then we started working with dogs present. As soon as a dog a present even before Maddy is aware of the other dog, I'd give her lot of high value treats that she never gets otherwise (like hot dog and string cheese). Then eventually let her see the dog then give her the treat. Then let her see the dog and wait for her to check back at me then give her the treat. The key is to know at what distance your dog is comfortable with when another dog is present. Maddy seems to be improving with this training method, but takes time and it's still work in progress.

Not saying this is the same issue you have with your Frenchie, or this training method would work for you too. Curious what your trainer said? What was his/her assessment of your Frenchie?

Mason does show aggression when he's with other dogs. He'll freeze for 5 seconds and then go nuts before I pull him away before anything happens. He's okay with puppies, but plays rough with them and marks his spot a million times to show dominance around them.

I'm tried the high value treats, but once he sees the other dog(s), he doesn't care about the treats at all.

The very expensive trainer recommended e-collar and choker chain to teach him avoidance. She basically said that he's a neurotic dog (and that all dogs are neurotic) and the best way is to assert dominance via the collar when he doesn't obey, and to snap him out of his fixation when other dogs are around. I'm just wondering if there's another way to go about this with out the collar?

 

[Cbrugs]

Mason does show aggression when he's with other dogs. He'll freeze for 5 seconds and then go nuts before I pull him away before anything happens. He's okay with puppies, but plays rough with them and marks his spot a million times to show dominance around them.

I'm tried the high value treats, but once he sees the other dog(s), he doesn't care about the treats at all.

The very expensive trainer recommended e-collar and choker chain to teach him avoidance. She basically said that he's a neurotic dog (and that all dogs are neurotic) and the best way is to assert dominance via the collar when he doesn't obey, and to snap him out of his fixation when other dogs are around. I'm just wondering if there's another way to go about this with out the collar?

Try a new trainer?

 

[2bullymama]

Hi Christine!

Yes, I use the Nothing in Life is Free rule and I'm always asserting dominance. If I ask him to do something, he usually does it... if not, I won't stop asking until he obeys.

I walk him in a calm, cheery manner too and don't use loud yelling commands.

Great! Try only giving commands once.. if he obeys treat him if not then no treat. He is smart and is contemplating your request.

Not trying to be difficult, but although you are cheery... are you still 'thinking or anticipating ' his unwanted behavior?

E-collar... not as bad as they sound-- I have 9 yrs experience with them.

Also, if you know he is going to react by his body language (freezing) -- command him to leave it as soon as you see it-- make sense?


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[Honeys Owners]

Martingale collars are supposed to be good too.

 

[Cbrugs]

Martingale collars are supposed to be good too.

I'm using a Martingale on my English Bulldog puppy which was at the suggestion of the trainer in puppy class.


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[GirlandFrenchie]

I'm using a Martingale on my English Bulldog puppy which was at the suggestion of the trainer in puppy class.


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If he seems to be desensitized to regular choker collars, will the Martingale collar work?

 

[Cbrugs]

If he seems to be desensitized to regular choker collars, will the Martingale collar work?

It's hard to say if a regular choke collar doesn't seem to work. I've been liking it. It's really inexpensive so might be worth a shot. I think you can get them on Chewy. You want the one that has the snap buckle.


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