Aggression Problem

[Shmyst]

Hi,

I have a Rotti/G.Shep/B.Lab/Pit cross. We worked with a trainer in the first year. Now he is almost Two and has started becoming aggressive and territorial for un-none reasons.

Example:

He lays on his side acting like he wants his belly rubbed. When you crouch to pet him he starts to growl with increasing intensity and sometimes tries to bite.

Example 2:

He is laying on his bed in our office and when my brother walks in he starts to growl. The further in he goes the more upset the dog gets.

I would like some addvice on how to try dealing with this before someone gets hurt. Any and all help would be appreciated.

[Lucky Rescue]

We cannot give advice concerning something so potentially dangerous over the net.

I really suggest you contact a behaviorist and have him/her come to your home to see the dog in person. This way you can know what is triggering this behavior and why.

It could be anything from a young male who is too big for his britches, to a genetic flaw. You could be inadvertantly encouraging this behavior, and a behaviorist will see that and tell you what steps to take to change it.

Is he neutered? A lot of bites come from young unneutered males.

You might want to take a look at this article and see if it fits the pattern of your dog's aggressiveness.

Alpha boot camp

[mastifflover]

I have to agree with lucky this is something that I would definitley contact a behaviourist on or a trainer who deals with large dogs and aggression. I would not tackle this problem on my own especially if the dog is showing aggression towards you. Don't put yourself in danger.

[Shmyst]

Yes, he is neutered. The trainer that I was using is a behavior specialist. All he told me was that the dog needed to spend more time with the two people he seams to have the problem with and when he gets like that they need to back off. He said in the dogs mind he's telling them he doesn't want to play, that's how it is done with a pack.

[Cactus Flower]

Could your dog be in pain, and that is why he growls at you crouching to rub his belly? Could he have been hurt by someone, and that is why he is suddenly becoming aggressive and mistrustful of people he formerly trusted?
Just a thought. (Hope I am wrong).

[Shmyst]

We don't hit him, if that's what your asking. Since he was small he's been at work with us all day. His training is done with tone of voice, gentle tugs on the leash and treats. He does have a sore rib right now, as he got excited about something he saw out the window and hit the corner of a shelf. But this behavior has been going on for a few weeks and the rib has only been bruised for a few days.

[Lucky Rescue]

You say this behavior only started a few weeks ago? He never showed aggression before?

If that's the case, there could be a medical reason for it. Some conditions, like thyroid problems, can cause aggression in dogs.

I suggest a complete check up with blood work done for any sudden changes in behavior.