Hi -
I've been reading thru all the posts about dog aggression and the answers. I still feel 'compelled' to post my problem:
I rescued Ginger 2yrs ago; we think she is a lab/shepard, terrier:rolleyes: mix.
At that time, she was aggressive any dog we met - I learned that it was due to my inexperience, my anxiousness, was being telegraphed down the leash. I have grown alot since then, reading lots and lots of books, by several diff trainers, as well as purchasing KOP training package, plus I had the benefit of a trainer, help me.
These all have helped us immensely - however - Ginger still will become aggressive to some dogs.
Last eve, we were the only ones in the park; Ginger had gone off to chase the prairie dogs, (in the past I've had to go get her, and put her on the leash for her to come with me), last eve, she came back on her own - prairie dogs must've go 'to ground' due to the cooler weather. Anyway, we were going out, and another dog and her humans came in. Ginger went to greet the other dog..I could see right away it was not a good sitch - both dogs were stiff, tails up, sniffing, so I called her back, she came. The owners of the other dog wanted to visit; as their dog looked similar to Ginger, I was keeping an eye on Ginger, she seemed to be behaving, not getting aggressive, but because of their initial meeting, kept an eye on them. The other dog picked up a stick and began jumping around, in a playful manner, (it seemed) that she was wanting to play. Ginger watched her for a moment, then began 'playing', they were just running around in circles, then all the sudden, Ginger 'attacked'. We were able to separate them quickly. But the damage had been done - the other dog was ok, but Ginger had been injured just under her eye.
She is ok. I apologized to the guys, they said their dog had never reacted like that, (they've had her 8 months).
I'm still working with her re being aggressive. Usually she is ok, and doesn't start anything, but every once in a while - she will play, then start to show alpha, dominance behavior, that's when I stop the play. But I don't know what occurs in her mind, that she feels she needs to show she is dominant.
I think she doesn't know how to play - I have no idea what her situation was before I got her, (she was 3yrs when I got her, she was found as a stray). She has separation anxiety issues, and I work on those issues as well, and she is improving.
I've been very reluctant to come to the conclusion that she will just have to always be on a leash..any ideas? Need clarification on anything?
Thanks!
Nancy
