Aggressive dog: please help!
By sonnet
@sonnet (164)
South Korea
February 16, 2007 4:28am CST
I have a gorgeous little Korean mixed breed dog called Brie. I love her to pieces and I've had her since she was only 4 weeks old (she's 18 months now). I aquired her accidentally but I could never let her go and I plan to take her home to Australia with me in July.
Importing a dog into Australia isn't easy at the best of times but in my case it's compounded by the fact my dog has been labeled as "aggressive".
When she's with me or people she knows, she's totally loving and sweet; she loves cuddles and head rubs and playing fetch. However, she has a huge fear of strangers! If I'm carrying her I can feel her trembling uncontrollably when other people are around. If I have her on a leash, I can see the hair stand up straight on the back of her neck and she will start growling and snarling and barking fiercely (small dog with a deep, scary bark). She will snap at anyone who gets too near.
I usually muzzle her if I take her out now. One time at a park, she got free from her leash and started chasing a group of small children. They were terrified, and their dad started yelling at my dog and kicking her which didn't help the situation. It was such a nightmare.
So how do I socialize my dog? I try to get her to interact with people as much as I dare. She's met (and growled at) all of my friends. She knows now to restrain herself when I'm there and she only growls in the back of her throat and small muffled barks escape her, she tries so hard not to act this way when I'm around even when she's trembling with fear. If I'm only a few metres away I can't control her behaviour, she starts barking furiously. She only does it because she's so terrified of other people. She's never been mistreated or abused though she did suffer a painful leg break as a pup which caused her to be hospitalized and handled by many strangers while in pain. I can't think where else this fear comes from.
Please help! I'm really scared this will affect her chance of coming home to Australia with me. Import laws are strict enough as it is. Have you had a similar experience to mine? If so, how did you deal with it?
2 people like this
2 responses
@royalkaliber (135)
• United States
16 Feb 07
I would advise you to consult an expert on dog training to help you attempt to overcome your dogs aggression. It is possible that there could be something this person could do. However, I would caution you. Do not EVER trust your dog. From experience I have seen dogs who were aggressive, and especially dogs who were aggressive towards children continue that behavior until someone was bitten and in some cases seriously injured. I know you love your dog, but I would advise you to think seriously as to the wisdom of having a dog like this. I know two seperate families who had a similar situation and were reluctant to get rid of their aggressive dogs. They finally did when the dogs made moves on their children! They risked the lives of their children and others because of their love for the dog. You will be held liable if your dog injures someone and you could be sued. Just keep that in mind.
3 people like this
@sonnet (164)
• South Korea
16 Feb 07
I agree! I would love to take this pup to a specialist but unforutnatly language barriers exist for me in my current situation. It's certainly something I'll do when I'm back in Australia but my biggest worry right now is getting her into the country. I am concerned that one day she will bite someone - her behaviour is actually more defensive than aggressive but it could happen if she felt cornered.
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@quatelmon (955)
• United States
16 Feb 07
I agree the seeing a specialist is the best way to go. However, there are a few small things you can do in the meantime...
Always make sure that new strangers give your dog treats. Treats treats treats treats treats! You want her to know that strangers are great fun! Make sure that they are bite sized treats so that she is just getting a taste.
Don't pick up your dog if she's acting aggressive! You're reinforcing it this way. Just tell her "Cut it out." in a calm voice or something similar.
This is going to solve many of your dog issues and you won't have to muzzle your pup anymore. It's called a "Gentle leader" head halter. It allows your pup to open her mouth still, but as soon as you give a tug on the leash, it'll close her mouth. This head halter comes with instructions, and I recomend going to their website (http://www.gentleleader.com) to read information on the best way to fit your dog with it. It keeps your dog in line, and really calms them down.
Does the dog ever go after you? Just remember...Treat treat treat treat treat! ONLY if the dog is not growling though, even for a second! I wish you luck, and hope you can get your dog into Austrailia so that you can get the pooch the help it needs! Good Luck!!!!
@sonnet (164)
• South Korea
16 Feb 07
Thanks so much, this is exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for. Well I will try it with treats for sure, she loves her treats and although they aren't a prime motivator for her, it could help. I know I couldn't do try this on strangers, but I'm going to experiment using treats with the help of friends. I really appreciate you responding.
1 person likes this
