Help! Advice Needed; Small, Nondescript Dog Becoming Aggressive After Being Attacked By Bigger Ones

[jourdain2]

Hard to know where to start - rescue dog, got him 2 years ago when he was nearly 1, led very quiet life, socialised fine, daft as a brush, had to be kept on lead and was attacked by gang of 3 bigger dogs whilst on the lead (this was in France). He then became the aggressor and since we have moved back to England he has 'got the first nip in' with my daughter's dog and shouted the odds at all the local dogs.

Gradually (we muzzled him) he has become accustomed to daughter's dog (Charlie) and on Thursday when out on a walk with her (muzzled, just in case we met another) a large Beagle appeared - they sniffed, wagged tails and parted and I thought 'Hooray!'

This teatime, on evening walk around village green, a spaniel emerged from the opening to a field (ours was leashed as usual - but not muzzled) ran back into the field and fetched its friends - 4 spaniels and a Jack Russell - who then all set on little Tyke. Although leashed, he did defend himself and there was at least one yelp! Not a pleasant experience for anyone and the owners were yelling at their dogs to no effect. They were apologetic, but I am left wondering how on Earth we are ever to socialise our traumatised little dog with experiences such as this reinforcing his distrust and therefore, understandably, making him more aggressive towards others. Any ideas anyone?..... please......

[woofgang]

Don't try for now. Give him a good long time to allow the stress to drop away and then find a decent dog behaviourist, one who is a member of the APDB
http://www.apdt.co.uk

[Marshwarble]

There's nothing non-descript about being small, Jourdain2. Hundreds of small dogs have individual personalities.

[jourdain2]

He is a little person marshwarble - I just used the term to describe a very mongrel dog. He's so affectionate, a real sweetheart.

[jourdain2]

Thanks for the advice woofgang, I'm feeling rather upset right now so 'time out is a good idea.

[mastercraft]

Sorry, can't offer much help. But love the line that says that the Spaniel "ran back into the field and fetched it's friends". Dogs are so smart.

[bunkmoreland]

What a very insensitive almost cruel reply,mastercraft!!! Jourdain, could you take him out somewhere in the countryside where there is no chance of other dogs around,and just let him get some confidence back without fear? All my good wishes to you both x

[mastercraft]

Sorry Shagmore, whoops .... Bunkmore, didn't mean to offend. Just thought the idea of a dog running off to get his friends was quite human-like and funny.

[bunkmoreland]

Under other circumstances it might seem funny! But what was happening was "the pack" attacking a leashed dog. Would you want to be that dog?

[mastercraft]

I apologize wholeheartedly.

[bunkmoreland]

thank you mastercraft, much appreciated !

[jourdain2]

Thank you all very much. It was raining hard this morning and there wasn't a soul around when we went out. I'm now carrying a crop just in case. x

[ladybirder]

I do sympathise with your problem jourdain. I agree with Woofy you need help and I would say a Dog Psychiatrist is needed, definitely not a job for the amateur. If you are near Surrey/Sussex I can recommend one.

The trouble is with putting a muzzle on it doesn't solve the problem as the problem will still be there when the muzzle comes off. I understand why you use one though. Same with walking where there are fewer dogs when actually you should be walking where there are plenty of other dogs so your dog gets used to them and they to him.

On a practical note, when you see your dog showing signs he is going to attack another one, call him to you and give him a treat holding the treat in your hand until the other dog has gone past and then give it to your dog. Make the treats special, and really small, so he wants more. In other words take his attention away from the other dog. poor dog obviously has fear aggression. I can't advise on the other problem, that is up to the owners of the attacking dogs. Good luck Jourdain, it's not easy. X

[jourdain2]

Thanks, ladybirder. I'm in E. Yorkshire but have discovered a canine psychologist reasonably locally. I'll give her a ring tomorrow. x

[lankeela]

I would find a good training class where he can mix with other dogs but under control. He needs to learn to be around other dogs without being the aggressor. Unfortunately you can never legislate for the loose dogs that are not under control but training might give you the chance to keep him under control and not reactive to other dogs, which is often the catalyst for dog attacks.

[jourdain2]

Also a good idea lankeela, perhaps the vet will know of one. :)