Controlling dog aggression towards other dogs

Aggression towards other dogs

Dogs behave aggressively towards other dogs primarily for one of two reasons: they fear the dog or they perceive the dog to be a threat to their social standing (pack order).

Dog aggression is easily recognized, of course, but there some more subtle signs that you may not instantly recognize as aggression.

• Whining in the presence of other dogs
• Staring
• Raised hackles
• Ears pointing forward and tail high and straight - a sign of dominance

Keep in mind that a dog’s tail may or may not be wagging.  A wagging tail is not always a sign of friendliness.

Training options

All dogs need to understand their position in the pack hierarchy.  They need to recognize you as the pack leader.  For this reason, all dogs should be taught to defer to you for guidance on how to react to every situation.  You may want to review our article on Establishing Human Dominance and Controlling Dominance in dogs.  Without a solid foundation with you as pack leader, controlling your dog’s aggression towards other dogs will be all but impossible

Aggression between housemates

Aggression between dogs that live together is a result the lack of a clear social order.

In order to resolve this, we need to understand which dog is the top dog.  It may be difficult to tell at times, but generally the more dominant dog will be the one who exercises some control over the other dogs by blocking their access to things, going through doorways first, etc.

We need to express to this dog that we are the pack leader, and that we control each and every dog in this pack.  While the dog-aggressive dog may not express aggression towards its owner, a lack of a strong pack leader will often times lead him to try to dominate all the others.

To do this, we use the subtle techniques that establish us as the Alpha.  This needs to be done to the dog-aggressive dog as well as the submissive dogs.  This should be done in view of the other dogs so that all can see them submit.

Aggression to strange dogs

Aggression towards unknown dogs is often a result of territorial behavior or fear-induced.  Territorial aggressive dogs will often become submissive to other dogs when outside it’s perceived territory.  Keep in mind that a “territory” can be much larger than just your backyard.

You will most likely need a second person to assist with this avoidance exercise.   Have this second person place a leash on a dog that your dog is unfamiliar with.  This dog should be a friendly, non-dog aggressive dog.

To begin this exercise, ensure that you remain in a calm and confident state of mind.

Have the person stand still with the dog on-leash.  Place your dog on-leash, and walk past the other dog.  Remember to remain relaxed.  If you exhibit stress, your dog will be stressed.

Leave about 20 feet  between the two dogs as you pass by.  Continue walking and do not stop.  You control this situation, not your dog.

The moment your dog begins to react to the other dog, immediately issue a correction.  This could be a sharp tug of the leash, a sideways bump, or anything else that permits you to continue walking without stopping and also breaks your dog’s concentration.

Continue this exercise until your dog walks past the other dog without a reaction.

Once you and your dog are able to walk past the other dog without showing aggression, try this next exercise.

Place your dog into a “down-stay“, facing away from the other dog.  Have your helper approach with the other dog.  When the helper gets within about 5 feet, have them stop and just wait.

The moment your dog shows the slightest reaction to the other dog, issue a correction.  I prefer to kneel next to my dog while he is in the down position and use a sharp sound with a quick poke to the neck muscle.

If your dog refuses to look away from the other dog, you may have to physically force him to turn his head and hold it so that he cannot look towards the other dog.

Obviously, if your dog attempts to get up, issue a sharp “NO!” and put him back into the down position.  He wasn’t released.

What we’re trying to teach here is avoidance.  Your dog is to avoid everything unless you specifically allow him to get excited about it.  After all, you are the pack leader, aren’t you?

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