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Aggression towards other dogs & humans


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Hello everyone, it’s been awhile since I’ve been on here.

We just celebrated Maya’s 1st birthday last Tuesday and still can’t believe that it has been a year now.

One big problem we are having is that Maya shows aggression to any dog that she doesn’t know as well as occasionally snapping at my son & Fiance’. We’ve been to continuous training and have even tried buspirone. Nothing has worked, I hate to be that person that rehomes their pet because it isn’t working out . I don't want to look for another home for her, but it is starting to feel that she might do better with another family. I’m on my last leg and have literally tried everything that I can so far. If anyone has experienced this and has advice I’d love to hear it.

Titus on the other hand- no problems what so ever. I just don't get it..

Edited by Lissa Tzu
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Too late to help at this point. Good luck.

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Too late to help at this point. Good luck.

Why would it be too late? Is this behavorial issue something that should be considered permanent?

Edited by Lissa Tzu
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Sounds like you've tried everything--except maybe Prozac--maybe another trainer? Aggression is a very tough one.

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Carolina Girl

I just went through the same thing with my baby, Ozzy. We worked with his aggression issues for 2 years. We spent countless hours and dollars on a personal trainer. We also tried prozac. Aggression is so hard to treat. Once your dog snaps at people or other dogs, you can never really trust them 100%. There at the end, he was going after my other 2 dogs that also live here. They were starting to develop issues from him.

Some dogs can be helped and others just can't. Be careful if you decide to re-home. You have to be honest and tell potential new owners that your dog is human and dog aggressive. Also, you don't want someone taking her in and then deciding that she is too much to handls and then have them dump her at a shelter.

Some of these dogs are just neurotic and crazy due to over-breeding.

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I just went through the same thing with my baby, Ozzy. We worked with his aggression issues for 2 years. We spent countless hours and dollars on a personal trainer. We also tried prozac. Aggression is so hard to treat. Once your dog snaps at people or other dogs, you can never really trust them 100%. There at the end, he was going after my other 2 dogs that also live here. They were starting to develop issues from him.

Some dogs can be helped and others just can't. Be careful if you decide to re-home. You have to be honest and tell potential new owners that your dog is human and dog aggressive. Also, you don't want someone taking her in and then deciding that she is too much to handls and then have them dump her at a shelter.

Some of these dogs are just neurotic and crazy due to over-breeding.

I left off my original post that it was mentioned both by my vet & trainer that there might be some type of mental disability associated in unknown aggression in dogs, no one knows if Maya has a mental disability of course but it does seem to make a little sense I guess and she is very small. She now weighs 7 lbs and is scrawny, even though she eats like crazy.

If I were to rehome her it would definitely be a process, I would want to know that the family she goes to would take as good if not better care of her than I am now.

What happened with Ozzy? Is he still showing aggression?

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I'll let someone else tell you about Ozzy.

I have a theory. A lot of breeders will work on a lifeless puppy for up to 20 minutes or half an hour to bring them back. We know brain damage begins within 3 minutes of anoxia in humans--why the heck a puppy wouldn't have brain damage after being stillborn and then dragged back to life? I've not had a puppy requiring resuscitation, but would have to think hard about whether to go there if I knew the puppy had been without oxygen for over 3 minutes or so. This is unsubstantiated by any evidence that I am aware of, just a thought of mine. I'd want to make sure my new puppy was born easily and didn't require resuscitation. Brain trauma causes many sorts of issues in mammals.

I hope you are able to figure something out with your dog. It's a heartbreaking situation. Hoping for the best.

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Paula, I think you are probably right with your theory. As for Maya I suppose there isn't a way to tell if that could be the case with her. I've been in contact with her breeder and asked if there were any problems with any other pups or with the birth, maybe something after she was born? Of course she said there wasn't and if I wanted to return her I could at anytime but don't expect to get my money back. Err that kinda POed me when she said that. Of course I didn't want to return her and if I had to I certainly wouldn't demand my money back.

I started thinking maybe poor breeding when I noticed a listing on craigslist with primate cages and her email address. I don't want to put the blame anywhere though, I just want to know how to fix the problem. Thank you for your well wishes, I do hope that their is a solution

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Carolina Girl

I left off my original post that it was mentioned both by my vet & trainer that there might be some type of mental disability associated in unknown aggression in dogs, no one knows if Maya has a mental disability of course but it does seem to make a little sense I guess and she is very small. She now weighs 7 lbs and is scrawny, even though she eats like crazy.

If I were to rehome her it would definitely be a process, I would want to know that the family she goes to would take as good if not better care of her than I am now.

What happened with Ozzy? Is he still showing aggression?

We ended up putting him down. Our trainer said that he had mental issues and that he felt we had exhausted all options. Ozzy had become very unpredictable. It was a very tough decision. But, I couldn't risk him biting anyone else. I also did not want my other two exposed to his aggression on a daily basis. They were beginning to pick up on some of his behaviors.

I am not saying that you should put yours down, that is the decision that was best for our family. Ozzy had already been dumped in the pound once. I did not want him living his life being dumped. I just couldn't trust that someone would take him in and not dump him. He left this world with integrity and surrounded by love.

I wish you luck with your baby. It is a tough road......

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I am so sorry to hear about your troubles. But re-homing shouldn't be an option. Her troubles will follow her and I am sure it's not you. It will just turn into someone elses problem.Why does she bite? Do people come into her space and she doesn't like it? Does she run after people and attack? How long was she on Prozac? Did you try other meds? Does she attack Titus? Does she attack you?

There are things you can do as far as changing yours and your familys behavior towards her. Depending on what her triggers are. If she is aggressive towards other dogs just don't let any dogs near her.

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We ended up putting him down. Our trainer said that he had mental issues and that he felt we had exhausted all options. Ozzy had become very unpredictable. It was a very tough decision. But, I couldn't risk him biting anyone else. I also did not want my other two exposed to his aggression on a daily basis. They were beginning to pick up on some of his behaviors.

I am not saying that you should put yours down, that is the decision that was best for our family. Ozzy had already been dumped in the pound once. I did not want him living his life being dumped. I just couldn't trust that someone would take him in and not dump him. He left this world with integrity and surrounded by love.

I wish you luck with your baby. It is a tough road......

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this. I know it had to be a very tough decision but your right he left knowing that someone loved him. I honestly don't know if I could do that or not, right now I know I couldn't. I'm am sorry about this though.

I am so sorry to hear about your troubles. But re-homing shouldn't be an option. Her troubles will follow her and I am sure it's not you. It will just turn into someone elses problem.Why does she bite? Do people come into her space and she doesn't like it? Does she run after people and attack? How long was she on Prozac? Did you try other meds? Does she attack Titus? Does she attack you?

There are things you can do as far as changing yours and your familys behavior towards her. Depending on what her triggers are. If she is aggressive towards other dogs just don't let any dogs near her.

We still have her on buspirone which is similar to prozac, she's been on it now for two months. She was started it after we had her spayed (thinking that would calm her down)

She doesn't attack Titus, they are great together actually, but when we are out for our walks or going anywhere she lunges for other dogs and won't stop barking & growling at them. Other people she barks & runs towards them. It's not a good thing to see an adult cringe because of a 7lb tzu.

She has never attacked me or shown any type of aggression towards myself. My son on the other hand is a different story. He is 8 and doesn't rough handle her at all, we have tried to pin point triggers but haven't had any luck. She can be snuggling up to him on the couch and laying there for 10 mins or so then she just snaps and growls or snaps at him. Same with my Fiance'. She doesn't show continous agression towards either of them, but when she does it's totally unpredictable.

On another note, she hasn't picked up house training and still has an accident a day. That I can live with, but she understands comands as stay, come, sit, NO, she just can't get the potty training down. I know this may be unrelated but Titus was house broke by 5 months so it's just odd.

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I don't think 2 months is long enough to see results from the meds. The potty training issue is not uncommon. Maybe she just doesn't go out for walks anymore until you can get a handle on her aggression towards others. As far as your son and Fiance', don't allow any snuggling. She may never be a normal dog and give it sometime. You can enjoy a life with her if you avoid the situations that upset her.

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Have you ruled out seizures? Unpredictable behaviors can be seizure-related.

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No we haven't..... Seizures haven't even been discussed. What symptoms should I be looking for? When I think of seizures I think of convultions & no haven't had anything like that.

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Seizures take many, many forms. Odd behaviors without logical precursors are one form. I'd see a neurologist.

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Read, why dogs bite......

Protection of valuables

The protectiveness some people seek when acquiring a dog can prove to be a liability. Some dogs believe the only way to protect their valuables is through an act of aggression. A dog's list of valuables may include food, toys, territory (a house or a car) or even their human family members. Dogs have been known to "protect" one family member from another, driving crying children away from their mothers or chasing amorous husbands out of bedrooms.

The protection of territory is most often seen in males of guarding/herding breeds, such as German shepherds and rottweilers, while certain cocker spaniels and Labrador retrievers - females more often than males - put on ferocious displays over toys and chewies resulting in punishing bites to hands and faces.

Again, early training and/or lifelong management are the only solutions.

Dominance aggression

In cases of dogs who bite due to dominance aggression, members of the dog's human family are most often the victims. Innocently attempt to move a dog off the bed to change the linens; push down on his rump to ensure compliance with a sit command; step over a dog who's resting inconveniently in the doorway and the dog erupts in a "you'd better not do that" vocal warning, followed by a bite.

In each situation, the dog believes that he is in charge - that his humans have not earned the status to tell him what to do. Dominance aggression is most commonly - but not exclusively - seen in unneutered males and in confident breed types, such as rottweilers, chow chows, Lhasa apsos, English springer spaniels, Old English sheepdogs and Rhodesian ridgebacks, to name but a few. Obedience training as early as possible can abate a dog's tendency toward dominance aggression, but dogs who are naturally and intractably dominant aggressive must be closely monitored and kept clear of situations known to trigger the negative behavior. Hollywood trainer Shelby Marlo, author of "Shelby Marlo's New Art of Dog Training: Balancing Love and Discipline," states, "Management is underrated. There is nothing wrong with knowing the dog's limitations and living within those boundaries."

Protection of valuables

The protectiveness some people seek when acquiring a dog can prove to be a liability. Some dogs believe the only way to protect their valuables is through an act of aggression. A dog's list of valuables may include food, toys, territory (a house or a car) or even their human family members. Dogs have been known to "protect" one family member from another, driving crying children away from their mothers or chasing amorous husbands out of bedrooms. Females more often than males - put on ferocious displays over toys and chewies resulting in punishing bites to hands and faces.

Pain-induced aggression

While pain-sensitive breeds like Chihuahuas are common perpetrators, any dog may bite if hurting, depending on the degree of pain. An otherwise gentle dog will bite a beloved owner's hand trying to soothe, bandage or examine wounds. Like us, each dog has a unique pain threshold and tolerance. A sweet floppy-eared dog suffering from otitis externa may bite on getting his ears tousled; a dog with hip dysplasia may turn on a handler pressing down on his hips to enforce the sit command.

Of course, any dog can be provoked to bite by overly zealous physical disciplining.

Pestered beyond limits

There are dog biting incidents that don't fit into the aforementioned categories. Perhaps a new category is required, called "Pestered Beyond Limits." Bites in this category are often prompted by children (or adults) who simply don't understand that even a dog has limits. Hug a sleeping dog, blow puffs of air in his face, put a rubber banded knee-sox on his nose to turn him into an "elephant dog," ride him like a pony, stuff him inside a pillowcase just to see if he'll fit, poke, prod, tickle him, and sooner or later, the dog will say "NO!" the only way he knows how - through a bite.

There are three keys to bite prevention: learn to understand canine behavior, take the time to socialize and train all dogs - the younger the better - and teach children to respect all dogs, starting with their furry buddies at home. With this accomplished, there is no telling how low bite statistics can go.

Fear aggression

The fear aggression response is most often directed toward strangers. Veterinarians learn early in their careers: when in doubt, muzzle. Like people, dogs are naturally fearful of unfamiliar and potentially threatening situations. A dog raised in a quiet adult household will be distraught by noisy, fast-moving youngsters. The dog may bark and lunge to drive them away and deliver a stinging nip to children who do not heed the warning.

There is no particular breed or gender predilection for fear aggression, but these biters commonly lack early socialization to a wide variety of people and experiences. ASPCA Vice President of Behavioral Medicine, Amy Marder, V.M.D., states that "with a dedicated owner and a responsive dog, fear aggression can be greatly improved."

Maternal aggression

The first two to three weeks after a female dog gives birth, her puppies rely on her for all they need to survive: warmth, nutrition, stimulation to prompt elimination and protection. Even the most outgoing, well-trained dog may show signs of maternal aggression if she feels her newborns are at risk. No training is indicated here, rather an awareness of the new mother's innate need for a safe space. By limiting visitors to the whelping box to one to two adult family members during those first couple of weeks, the new mother will stay relaxed and focused on the job at hand. There will be plenty of time for socialization once the pups' eyes are open and they are toddling about under their own steam.

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Wow, Thanks for the info Shar.

Paula, I went online and found a speciality vet, looks like the only one in Louisville too. Went to the Neurology page and Maya displays two of the systoms that they recommend bringing them in for. Tremors & head tilt, she is constantly tilting her head and has tremors quite frequently, just like constant shivering. I'm going to talk to my uncle and see if I can get a referral. I really never thought to take her to a Neurologist and I imagine the fees will be outrageous.

Has anyone seen a vet neurologist before?

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Is she aggressive with other dogs when she is not on a leash or does dog aggression only occur on walks when leashed?

Leash aggression is very common in dogs. Both of my dogs have displayed leash aggression but are fine with dogs offleash.

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Is she aggressive with other dogs when she is not on a leash or does dog aggression only occur on walks when leashed?

Leash aggression is very common in dogs. Both of my dogs have displayed leash aggression but are fine with dogs offleash.

Lisa I haven't let her off her leash to find out if she is or isn't. During her puppy & intermidate classes when she was training off leash she acted terrified though.

Routine while walking is as follows

Usually we run into at least 3-4 different dogs along our walks and sometimes a couple of horses. Maya starts lunging at them barking non-stop, this is when I put her into the sit position and turn her head. This calms her down a bit, usually we have to repeat this a few times.

At first it was move and keep going as fast as you can to get away, then the trainer suggested this method to let Maya know that she is wrong and not going to be allowed to scare other dogs away.

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tinypinkkissess

I imagine the fees will be outrageous. Has anyone seen a vet neurologist before?

I have never been to a veterinary neurologist. But I have dealt with a veterinary ophthalmologist when Lola had ingrown eyelashes. I paid $125 for the initial office visit/exam - basically to get in the door. Each follow up visit was around $50, plus the cost of meds and any procedure that was performed. I realize an ophthalmologist and a neurologist are not the same, but both are specialists, so prices might be in the same ball park.

I hope whatever is causing your baby's behavior issue, turns out to be treatable.

Edited by tinypinkkissess
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I have never been to a veterinary neurologist. But I have dealt with a veterinary ophthalmologist when Lola had ingrown eyelashes. I paid $125 for the initial office visit/exam - basically to get in the door. Each follow up visit was around $50, plus the cost of meds and any procedure that was performed. I realize an ophthalmologist and a neurologist are not the same, but both are specialists, so prices might be in the same ball park.

I hope whatever is causing your baby's behavior issue, turns out to be treatable.

The office visit itself isn't so bad, looking at $50.00. The tests that they will run are a different story. I got with my uncle about going to see a neurologist and he personally thinks that it will be a waste of money, they will do tests & put her on a medication just as he did without the brain scans. I told him that I'd think about it before making the appointment.

On a side note, I just spoke with a co-worker and we made plans to have a doggie playdate this weekend, she's all in to help me test Maya out on actually trying to play with other dogs.

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Lisa I haven't let her off her leash to find out if she is or isn't. During her puppy & intermidate classes when she was training off leash she acted terrified though.

Routine while walking is as follows

Usually we run into at least 3-4 different dogs along our walks and sometimes a couple of horses. Maya starts lunging at them barking non-stop, this is when I put her into the sit position and turn her head. This calms her down a bit, usually we have to repeat this a few times.

At first it was move and keep going as fast as you can to get away, then the trainer suggested this method to let Maya know that she is wrong and not going to be allowed to scare other dogs away.

That is not unusual for small dogs to act like that. My guess she is reacting out of fear. Your trainers suggestion is a good one and just keep doing it.

When she bites your son and boyfriend, is there food involved? Are they eating or giving her a treat? Are they snuggling and want to move her and she gets upset?

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That is not unusual for small dogs to act like that. My guess she is reacting out of fear. Your trainers suggestion is a good one and just keep doing it.

When she bites your son and boyfriend, is there food involved? Are they eating or giving her a treat? Are they snuggling and want to move her and she gets upset?

There isn't any food involved when she turns aggressive. And as I said we can't find anything that they are doing differently when she turns on them. It's just weird, we use to joke that she is bi-polar but it really hasn't been much of a joke over the past several months

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