Help!!

3 Weeks ago my mum adopted a lovely 4 year old Dandie Dinmont x yorkie dog. His only problem is hes dog aggressive. Everytime hes taken for a walk he tries to attack other dogs. Mum doesnt let him off his lead but he still seems to attract other dogs who are off lead and whose owners claim are ok with other dogs. As soon as the other dog approaches a fight ensues with my mum trying to drag Ben away. I suggested a muzzle but that didnt work because he growls and other dogs take him on and hes then at a disadvantage because not only is he on lead but now also muzzled.

When she got him he was intact but now she has had him neutered.

Shes tried walking him late at night and early morning but because of where she lives, near a canal, they still encounter other dogs along the way.

Shes now at a loss as to what to do for him, any suggestions?

Roxy,

He needs to get used to other dogs without him felling threatened. Do you know a nice quiet dog that doesn't take much interest in other dogs? Then you can stand near enough to quiet dog for your mum's to get used to it but far enough away that he can't bite. The more calm dogs he meets, he might just start to question what he's doing. Don't shout when he has a go as he'll think you're angry too. Ignore the behaviour, take him home and ignore him.

good luck

Thanx Joe, I never thought of that. My Max is totally bomb proof, he just ignores dogs that are not friendly. Iv just rung my mum and told her to bring her dog down and we will take them both out on their leads and as you say just let her dog do his growling and fighting talk and Max will just ignore him.

Part of Stars training is to go overboard on praising if she does something good and ignore the bad. It is working

When Star was 8/9 months we had the same problems, she was pushy, the dog would snap or try to put her in her place so Star would fight back. It took months of praising good behaviour and ignoring bad behaviour. Now about 95% of the time she is fine, infact when dogs snap she mostly ignores them and walks away.

In the meantime... I'd probably shout over to the other dog owner to put their dog on a leash.

I think this is what I'm going to do with Rocky, not because he has shown any agressive behaviour but because he will be so big I'd rather not take any chances. Presa are quite confident dogs so don't generally start a fight but like 'most' dogs if challanged will hold their ground.

Sounds like Star doesnt usually start a fight but will finish it, given half the chance

Carole

yes that's exactly how I've heard some poeple describe the Presas!

We are luck that we have some lovely mountains close by so I'll be able to take him for walks without worrying about him bumping into another dog!

Will Rocky be able to mix with other dogs? Same breed and others.

Star does not get on with other boxers that well.

I'm socialising him as much as poss and he's not shown any aggression towards any other dogs, even if they run up to him yapping! but I guess u never kno what he'll be like other side of puberty.
Also the chances of bumping into another Presa would be small cos there's not many of them here yet.

u might find Star grows out of it? has your breeder given u any ideas?

We have worked really hard with Star and she is almost there. A few dogs she does not get on with but the majority she plays with now. Its taken months of hard work but its worth it.