Fear aggression

Some of you may remember that way back in the mists of time I had a fair lot of bother with Ben being Dog aggresive after he was attacked by another dog in the park.

Ben is Staffy x (jack russel/whippet) who is nearly 2. HE just LOVES people, his Kong and his ball! ANd doesnt like Liver or chicken!!

Well, things have been getting much better (but I do muzzle him now when we are out as I am frightened that he might just bite) His hackles are usually raised and he does low growls and snaps. BUT as I say he is a whole lot better, we can now walk towards and past other dogs with just a passing interest but I would like him to play with doggy friends

I know it is a shot in the dark but does anyone live in Tayside (angus, Dundee Perth areas) who would maybe sometime be happy to meet up. In the 1st instance I'd kind of like to meet those with calm very dog friendly dogs and hopefully an owner with a lot more knowledge than me!!!. I also visit my pal in Glasgoow a fair bit so if there is anyone there that could help that would be good. He would be on lead and muzzled. I would just like him to get to a stage where he could be relaxed enough around other dofgs to not be scared and then we could hopefully go to training classes!!(so we can work on recall with distractions!!)

I know its a big ask but thought it was worth a try. He also seems to be better with larger dogs and a "bully" to smaller dogs/puppies. But I thought I could maybe work on the large dogs 1st and then when he is comfortable introduce smaller dogs??

If anyone has any other ideas please feel free to tell me. I am open to any suggestions.

I'd love to help you Benzmum as I know what it is like to have a fear agressive dog & need stoodges!

My sister is starting at Glasgow Uni shortly so I will be visting her there & maybe making a long trip of it & bringing Max occasionally so it wouldn't have been out of the question. Unfortunately he still plays up when other dogs get really close & I think a non-reactive dog would be better for you.

I hope you get some takers. Best of luck with it.

Thanks

Maybe by the time your sis leaves uni Ben will be more well mannered and we could catch up in Glasgow!!

I think he just needs to meet lots of different dogs as The attack gave him a real fright (and the other dog went for his neck and chest and drew blood etc - a bit of a mess really) and he now thinks that being angry is a good form of defense.

I think training classes would be great but am sure most trainers would see him as too much of a distraction/threat. And I am definitely partly to blame as with strange dogs, I don't how they will react, hence my request on dogsey as you lot all know your dogs temprement...

Oh the joys of parenthood!!!!!!!!!

If you are ever in the south side of Glasgow let me know. Finn is good with other dogs although he can be a bit bouncy typical boxer style. Not sure if that would be any good for Ben though

Thanks Carole, I was in Glasgow a couple of weeks ago so prob won't be there again till October. My pal has just bought a house near bishopbriggs but I usually drive through, or more accurately OH drives through. His office is in Hamilton so We kind of are all over Glasgowish area.

Bouncy is ok as long as friendly!! Once Ben is ok and realises no threat he loves to play, but its just the initial stuff and I cant really ask people I don't know in the park...well maybe I could but I'd feel bad especially if it was an owner who didnt really understand.

If it is ok I will PM you the next time I am heading that way and we can see what we think???

Thank you for the reply and offer though. Much appreciated

hope you get something sorted benzmum, i often wish could do the same with bruno as would love to walk him with other people - and appreciate exactly what you are saying with the other owners in the park. If i didnt think that the two of them would clash heads then i woudl offer in a flash but unfortunately i need to stick to bitches for bruno as he just wont tolerate any males

good luck

I wish I could help, I've been in the same situation as yourself but unfortunately being where I am, and Takara having become quite nervous herself, I can't help.

I hope you get something sorted.

Lottie

Just wanted to say good luck, Maddy is fear aggressive aswell and it is very hard getting the socialisation she needs, maybe we should start a club for the lot of us! :smt002