She got attacked...and now she's attacking every dog we meet

[Lucky Chaos]

I was at the park a couple days ago and Chaos was playing with a Bullmastiff that she's known since they were both puppies and have always played really nice together, even though this dog is 120 lbs and Chaos is 40. They were chasing each other around and I didn't really see what started it, but was probably a stick and Nova (the bullmastiff) pinned Chaos to the ground and was really going at her. She was yelping really bad but when we got them apart she was fine no injuries. But then Lucky (who hates fights and runs away if he sees one) attacked Nova, and got a split ear and his butt kicked but he wouldn't back down which is so unusual for him, I've never once seen him fight.
He's fine except for the ear but if Chaos sees any dogs that are her size or bigger she goes crazy snarling and choking herself on her collar. And
she seems to hate submissive dogs more then dominant ones now. I know when dogs are on leash and thers another dog you shouldn't pull them back cause it tells them that your scared or something and they have to fight, but if I don't I'm afraid she'll attack the other dog.

[abker17]

OMGosh I'm so sorry this happened Steph. :( I really don't know what to tell u, but I'm sure someone will be able to help. :( Lots of *hugs*. :(

[Guest Anonymous]

NO! Omg, I'm SOOO Sorry Steph! I know you've had some slighter problems with Chaos and aggression before, and this deffently is no good for her. Katie and I were talkin yesterday, and wondering where you went! I can't give you much for advice, and I hope someone with more knowledge can, all I can say is I hope you guys get through this one more bumpy patch! It's a good thing Chaos is alright now, and maybe Lucky was trying to help his sis out eh? :angel: :wink:

[imported_Cassie]

What a shame for Chaos...this can be such a tramatic experience for a dog...by being attacked by another dog this can make the dog which was attacked offensive...basically..."I'll get you before you get me!" some training excercises I was taught at the aggression seminar I attended was to redirect your dogs attention back to you when you meet other dogs which your dog may become offensive towards. Have really good treats ready, when you see another dog and Chaos starts to get offensive...call Chaos, when Chaos looks at you reward with a treat... I also would insure that Chaos never has to meet another dog by front to front posturing...make sure its always side by side and let them sniff each others rears to check each other out.
I just have a few questions...you mentioned Chaos and the Bullmastiff have been playing since they were puppies....is Nova a female as well as Chaos...how old is Nova? how old is Chaos?....the reason I ask is perhaps they have reached maturity and the playing has now turned into a demonstration of dominance...Nova had to "show" Chaos that she cannot take a toy from her/him...
I found with my Rottweiler also (she is the reason I attended an Aggression seminar)....the same thing happened to her at 1 year of age, she was attacked by another dog and then became offensive..but, only to submissive dogs as well...when she meets a dog which is easy going and is dog smart she is pretty mild mannered...but, bring in a submissive dog which may roll over and expose its belly....she is ready to attack...dominant dogs don't always back off...and especially if the submissive dog tries to run away...that is worse.
Now, for me....I never found the re-directing attention worked for me...my Rottie is very dominant! I found that good obedience training has worked wonders...if in doubt I can always ward off any embarrassing behavior with a good sit or down command...I am very firm with her as well...I never talk softly to her or even talk normally to her when she gets into one of her screeching sessions....I start with standard obedience commands and walk the other way..away from the dog which brought on this behavior...I have also found dogs that my girl loves and plays well with...we meet a few times a week and go for walks in the country where no one else goes with their dogs...this may not be possible for you. My Newfoundland dogs have also been a great assest...they are so calm and gentle they tend to calm her down a little.
I would definately suggest you go to obedience classes, at least that way you have an instructor who can actually see the problems and help you to get Chaos over her offensive behavior....and by being in a group class with other dogs it will help you desensitize Chaos by being around other dogs in a class environment.
Hopefully some one will have a better suggestion than mine.
Good luck, and hang in there....

[Lucky Chaos]

Have really good treats ready, when you see another dog and Chaos starts to get offensive...call Chaos, when Chaos looks at you reward with a treat...

That makes sense....but she's food aggressive with other dogs :x

I just have a few questions...you mentioned Chaos and the Bullmastiff have been playing since they were puppies....is Nova a female as well as Chaos...how old is Nova? how old is Chaos?....the reason I ask is perhaps they have reached maturity and the playing has now turned into a demonstration of dominance...Nova had to "show" Chaos that she cannot take a toy from her/him...

I think their both around a year old, and yes Nova is female as well.

I have also found dogs that my girl loves and plays well with...we meet a few times a week and go for walks in the country where no one else goes with their dogs...this may not be possible for you.

There are a lot of dogs that she's always known that she still loves... it seems to just be new dogs. There's no country around here though. :(

I was thinking of walking her alone instead of the other dogs, Riley couldn't care less about anything but the ball, but I think with Lucky she has more confidence that he'll back her up, so maybe if I walk them seperately she might not be so confident.

I would definately suggest you go to obedience classes, at least that way you have an instructor who can actually see the problems and help you to get Chaos over her offensive behavior....and by being in a group class with other dogs it will help you desensitize Chaos by being around other dogs in a class environment.

Arg, the only good place around here just closed down, we took her to puppy classes at Petsmart and it was pretty useless, plus her food aggression thing. :roll: It would probably be ok, but the training is in the middle of the store in this tiny little circle. Going to look up other training places right now.

And thanks a lot Cassie, I'm gonna try a few things out tomorrow I'll let you know how it goes. :D

[courtnek]

she may actually be reacting to the fact that her best friend was hurt (getting her ear ripped and her butt kicked) and now feels she has to defend. Remember they are pack animals, and defend each other. Her best friend defended her and got hurt...she may be making sure it never happens again, to her OR her best friend. Maynbe the best thing to do would be to take them out together., and let them play with known non-aggressive dogs, so there is nothing to defend against....make them both realize that not every dog encounter will be a bad thing....