Aggressive Tibetan Spaniel


Hi,

I have a Tibbie mix and she is about 3 years old and spayed.

She is normally very good and listens very well. When I take her to the beach she will follow me, and most of the time will walk away from a group of dogs when I tell her to.

However, sometimes when there are smaller dogs, (mostly the yappy fluffy white ones) that don't like to be touched or sniffed at, she will attack them. Especially if they try to run away from her while she's sniffing them. If any small dog shows any sign of aggression at all, she will quickly pounce and attack. Only then will she not listen or even hear me.

I do see her stiffen up like she's ready to attack when a dog approaches her, but most of the time they sniff each other and then go their seperate ways, or they run off together and start playing. But when a small dog makes any sudden movements or starts barking, it will startle her and she will attack.

She's okay with young people, but when older adults come to our house and she does not recognize them, she will bark and sometimes lunge at them, and a few times bite.

She is so unpredictable, and I'm not sure how to correct this. It started when she was about 2 years old. Before that she was fine with everyone. I think my constant trips with her to the dog park was what caused it. I used to take her about 2 times a week, and slowly she become more and more aggressive.

I've tried giving people treats so that they can give her treats whenever they enter the house so she doesn't lunge at them. It doesn't really help because I don't have many visitors at all.

I have no idea how to get rid of her aggression towards small yappy dogs.

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Sep 03, 2012
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by: Adam G. Katz

Hi,

Your problem is that your dog didn't get a motivational correction for exhibiting the aggressive behavior.

It will happen, again. Plan on it. Be prepared, and have a way to administer a motivational correction, when it happens-- so that she knows in no uncertain terms: This behavior will not be tolerated. I go into more detail on how to do this, in my book.

In addition: Start teaching her obedience training exercises, and make her do behaviors she doesn't want to do. (Ex. Down-stays around distractions and making him stay down). That builds dominance/leadership and makes your corrections more meaningful.

- Adam

Adam G. Katz is the author of, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!" -- which you can find at DogProblems.com.

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