Aggression - Food and other dogs

[Lucky Chaos]

Just before I get into my question I just wanted to give an update on how things are going.
There actually going pretty well, Chaos and Riley pretty much worked out their differences and even though they don't play like I would like, they leave each other alone (this pretty much happened over night, It was nothing I did) So that fine. But....Chaos is starting to snap at Lucky and Riley (Riley is nothing new, but she worships Lucky) But its not a fullout attack, she'll growl and lunge, but then instead of boting she whines and licks their face :-? Is she scared that their going to eat her food or something else?

Also, when out for walks Chaos loves playing with other dogs, but if I pet them (and only me, my parents can pet any other dogs) she attacks. I know I have to show her not to do this, but should I get mad or soothe her gently? I'm not sure why it's only me, I don't know if she feels she has to protect me or something. But I am the alpha of her, im pretty sure of that in fact out of everyone in my family she listens to me best.

Sorry if this is a little repetitive, she just seems to be developing a few problems lately.

[Guest Anonymous]

That's great they seemed to have worked out their differences! Congrats to them and you :) I personally would suggest neither getting mad or soothing Chaos when she "attacks" another dog. Getting mad will only raise the tension, which is already raised enough by you daring to pet another dog (shame on you! :) )..and she might and probably will assume your soothing is praise and think you are happy she is doing this. I would react neutrally, give the sit command, shake a paw if she knows it, look at you and praise her for doing it instead. Praise her for everything you can EXCEPT acting aggressive.

Would or have you tried a Gentle Leader on Chaos? You might want to look into that maybe?

Here's a good link (I think) about this time of problem...

http://www.pethealthcare.net/html/body_aggression_-_social_aggression.html

And another..

http://www.sfspca.org/behavior/curbing_agg.shtml

Good luck.

[courtnek]

I agree - A hard stare in the eyes (shows dominance on your part) a stern NO!

and then if she settles, give her a task to do - sit, lay down, stay, whatever
then praise her when she accomplishes that task.

and if you can, make her sit/lay down before you go to pet one of the other dogs, and if she gets up another stern NO! and go from there.

she needs to see that you can pet any dog you like, and she will have to tolerate it. By giving her commands she can obey, and then praising her,
she will eventually accept your role.

[Peng1zrule]

her attacking other dogs is a way of "controlling" you...I can't figure out how to say it otherwise....lemme think.........

my littlest, gypsy, attacks other dogs when my RM feeds them first or pets them. in this way, she insures he will not pet or feed other dogs--SHE is dominant over HIM. I correct her for it--you can actually see how he is her "pet human" when she wants it, she gets it. when she feels like doing something, she does it....she knows he cannot boss her around. after much training, she will now not attack other animals, but will put her paws on his arm/hand and push him away from other animals...again, she is controlling her "pet" (she's just smart enough to look cute doing it!)

I would not soothe her for attacking other dogs...in fact, I would correct (punish) this behavior because it is a show of possessiveness.