Scared to take my dog out

[gigi77]

Hi everyone. This is my first post and I have a huge issue with my dog. She is a 3 year old American Bulldog. I adopted her from a woman who had her for six months. Prior to that, she was in a shelter because she was taken from her original family due to abuse. I've had her for about 5 months now and I am trying very hard to make this work, but I'm at my wit's end.

Whenever a male only comes to my house or comes around us when we go out for walks, she starts barking like crazy, jumping and trying to bite him. She is 95 pounds and all muscle and I only a weigh about 20 pounds more than her. I am very embarassed to take her on walks. She is a big baby with me and my female friends, men are the only issue. She has bitten two of my male friends that I have had in the house visiting.

I use a choker, short training leash and Halti when I walk her, but nothing works. I feel that the only thing I can do is get a muzzle to prevent her biting someone and having her put down.

Also, when she is in the back yard, she barks at anyone on the other side of the fence. My neighbors are annoyed beyond belief about this. She doesn't respond when I call her or say no. I can't afford professional training so that is out of the question.

Help!!! I don't want to give her up and I love her dearly. But I'm very frustrated and tired and don't know what to do.

[Patch O' Pits]

Please post more info so we can better assist you

Have you tried a prong collar on her?

Also have you tried desensatizing her to men?

Was this dog abused by a male in the past?

Have you tried redirecting the behavior?

Have you talked to your vet about the situation?

You can also call your local ASPCA or shelter and see if they can eval the dog or have a cheaper class or behaviorist to help you out.

[gigi77]

I have never tried a prong collar on her. I'm afraid that will hurt her. I know that she was abused by her first owners, that is why she was taken to the shelter. If it was a man, I don't know. But whenever a man comes near her, out on walks, past our backyard fence or a friend comes into the house, she barks like crazy, tries to bite (already bit two friends) and jumps. After I calm her down, she starts shaking and crouching like she is scared. This is how I came to the conclusion it was probably a man that hurt her. I took her to a vet and he showed me marks on her stomach that were determined to be from a cigarette.

As for desensitizing her to men and redirecting her, I don't know how to do this. I'm 28 and this is my first dog as an adult. I've always had dogs growing up and they were always big dogs. I've just never seen a dog act like this before.

My vet only tells me to sign her up for obiedence classes. They start at 200 dollars here. I'm saving money, but it will take a few months to get her there. I did take her to a beginner's level class offered at Petco, but she just barked at all the dogs and again tried to attack any men. I ended up taking her home before the class was over.

[opokki]

I think a private trainer/behaviorist would be more ideal for this situation than an obedience class.

Desensitization and counterconditioning consist of you bringing her in veiw of men, at a distance which does not cause her to react, and making great things happen while men are present and immediately stopping the good things when the men leave. You then very gradually decrease the distance between you and the men while continuing to make great things happen in their presence. The point is to change the dogs emotional state from negative to positive at the sight of men. Men become a predictor of good things. These "great things" should be her favorite things/activities, whether its super tasty treats, a game with her favorite squeaky toy, or tossing her a ball to play fetch. For best results and maxium safety, this process should take place under controlled conditions in a variety of safe areas with a variety of men volunteers who understand the situation before hand and who will comply with what you ask of them. You could also desensitize the dog to a muzzle if need be to ensure everyone's safety.

A good trainer/behaviorist could guide you through the process so that it is done safely and effectively. If you move ahead too fast, you will have to start over again at the begining. It is imperative that you don't rush as this can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the individual dog and the severity of the issue.

Punishing the dog can supress the behavior but will not change the dogs negative feelings towards men, which seems to be the underlying problem.

[Patch O' Pits]

Unfortunately most of the trainers at places like PetCo seem to lack experience and training themselves. I'm sure there are exceptions, but that is definately not an ideal training place for a dog like yours who has some aggression issues.

Properly usedrong collars actually do not hurt the dog they are also much more humane than a choker collar. Choker collars are very dangerous IMO.

I'm glad you are saving up for help with her. Spounds like you are trying to do the right thing.

It is sad that your vet didn't give you more help especially since this is a rescue dog.

Can you call the rescue to get some help with the training?
IMO they should not have placed a potentially aggressive dog w/ a newbie especially without giving you some training support.

Desensatizing & redirecting a behavior is easier if the dog has good food or toy drive IMO. Does she have either of these things? If so I'll try to explain what you can try until she gets training.

You need to be extra careful to keep her out of potentially harmful situations. If she goes after men make sure they are always at a safe distance from her

[gigi77]

When we do go for walks and I see anyone, not just men approach, I have her sit, kneel down and put my hand on her chest or back and say good dog to try to calm her. If it is a woman walking she stays and is wonderful. Once she realizes that a man is coming near her, you see and feel her shoulders and whole body tense up. She starts to shake and crouch, getting ready to lunge. I'm always apoligizing to strangers for her behavior, trying to explain the situation as to why she's freaking out.

Unfortunately there are the people who think they can help and try to approach us. This makes it so much worse because I can't hold her well when she pulls and jumps. I ask them as nice as I can to please not get so close and apologize again. Why would someone want to come near a barking, lunging dog anyways?

I definately think I'll try to use the toy or treat method when someone comes near us. I am going to invest in a muzzle, just for everyone's sake temporarily.

As for calling the rescue, I myself did not get her there. I got her from the woman who had her previous to me for about 6 months. She is the one who rescued her. Can I still call and ask for help even if I'm not the one who bought her? I do have all her papers from the other woman staying where she got her.

She does have an excellant toy and food drive. She eats anything and everything and destroys any toy that is squishy and/or has a squeeker in it.

[SPARTAN1266]

It's sounds to me that the dog believes he is dominant over you. That kind of breed needs strong leadership. The dog doesn't really care what happened in the past, dogs always live in the now. Watch dog whisperer on national geo channel on friday nights to better understand how to become dominant over your dog. Trying to explain it here would take forever or contact a person who knows how to deal with agressive behaviors. If you are to be the "pack leader" over your dog you need to call all the shots. If I were to guess when you take him for a walk, does he walk you? If he is always the one in front and pulls you along, then in his mind he is pack leader, the agression he is showing is his way of protecting you from the men, not himself. I truly hopes this helps.

[DiggityDogs]

Another important thing to point out is that even if your dog is afraid of men, a quick correction and a 'NO' will go a lot further to stop the shaking and 'scared' behavior than sitting down next to him and telling him it's ok or to calm down, as he will most likely see this as praise and continue the behavior as he has been all along. My dog used to be like that with children, he would go crazy and try to bite them and then sit there and shiver with his eyes wide, which is part of the reason the previous owners gave him up. It took me about three weeks of taking him to public places, correcting him fairly hard for trying to bite the kids, and then socializing him heavily, like having kids feed him some of his favorite treats before he stopped all together. He's perfectly friendly with everyone now. I would strongly suggest a pinch collar for a dog that size since you are physically unable to control him when he gets upset like that.

[gigi77]

It's very true that she is dominant. When I read up on American Bulldogs, several sources stated that they need to be the alpha dog. So yes, she definately takes me on the walks until she's pulled and strained so much she wears herself out.

Everyone has told me to socialize her more too. I know I should so that she can get used to people. But I'm so scared to take her out because she does go crazy. I'v had people yell at me when she barks and jumps. There is a dog park nearby and I'd love to be able to take her. That's our goal!!

[SPARTAN1266]

In a nut shell...if you allow the dog to remain dominant over you, the problem won't go away. No dog "needs" to be alfa, you need to be the alfa of your pack if you expect your dog to obey you. Don't allow the dog to pull you. When she starts to pull, or any behavior you don't want for that matter, give a quick jerk on the leash and a verbal reprimand. ie: NO or whatever you prefer. If she still strains against the leash stop the walk and have her sit until she is calm and submissive, then continue the walk. Do this until she learns not to pull you around. I have had to do this and you may end up stopping every 5 seconds, but eventually she will learn to stop pulling. Practice this without other distractions until she obeys. When another dog/person approaches you must keep her attention on you. As SOON as she aknowleges something/someone/a dog, jerk the leash and give verbal reprimand. Don't wait till your dog is barking and pulling to do this. Don't let her fixate on anything but you on the walk. If she still does not listen you can try a quick firm grab/pinch behind the ribs (make sure to keep the leash tight incase the dog tries to bite you) until she aknowleges you and not something else. When she starts to do better try walking by the distraction at a quick pace pulling the dog along to keep the dogs attention on you. I don't know what else to tell you except watch Cesar Millan's show.
Again hope this helps....

[DiggityDogs]

Good advice, I'd recommend cesar's show too. I would be very careful with the 'pnch behind the ribs' however, as since this dog is showing aggression it could redirect to you. I personally have had a 105lb german shepherd bite me on the leg in a similar circumstance, lunging and barking at another dog, and I tapped him on the side to get his attention and he nailed me on the leg, HARD! I had a huge bruise. It's not the dog trying to be aggressive towards you, it's what's known as redirected aggression. Often when a dog is showing that type of aggression it gets frustrated at not being able to reach the target of it's aggression, and will project that frustration onto whatever is available. In that situation I make a swift turn in another direction, away from the dog's target, a quick correction on the leash, and keep moving. I know that you think the pinch collar might hurt her, but it's not as cruel as people think. What type of collar do you use on her now? a pinch collar may cause some pain or discomfort where it pinches, but it's much less likely to cause bruising across the trachea and esophogus like a choke or even a buckle collar can if used improperly. Once the pinch has been employed once or twice it's usually a lot easier to controll the dog because they'll avoid pulling to avoid the pinch. Sounds like something you could really use right about now.

[Sailor's Mom]

I understand you're hesitating to seek a professional dog trainer/behaviorialist, but I called one about four months ago, and she only charged me $35 for an hour's consultation. If you can afford dog treats and vet bills, you can afford this. AND, After I consulted with the dog trainer (she came to the house) I never needed her again. Your problem seems more complex, but before you rule out seeking the professionals, make some calls. Maybe you will find someone affordable, or better yet, a God's send to help you-- someone who will see your love for the dog and knock down the price. And, by the way, the thirty five dollars I spent on Sailor was the best doe I ever spent....

Sailor's Mom

[gigi77]

Thank you all so much for all your advice!!! I'm definately going to try each thing, one at a time until one works.

[Patch O' Pits]

It's very true that she is dominant. When I read up on American Bulldogs, several sources stated that they need to be the alpha dog. So yes, she definately takes me on the walks until she's pulled and strained so much she wears herself out.

Everyone has told me to socialize her more too. I know I should so that she can get used to people. But I'm so scared to take her out because she does go crazy. I'v had people yell at me when she barks and jumps. There is a dog park nearby and I'd love to be able to take her. That's our goal!!


No dog NEEDS to be the alpha dog. The only Alpha in the house should be the owners. They may be a dominant breed, but you need to be the boss.


It isn't really the socialization that is going to help at thios point, she is past that it is a combo of intensive training and socialization after that that will be what you need IMO. Obviously she can not socialize while trying to attack.

If your goal is an off lead park, you definately need to rethink that. Off lead parks are a danger waiting to happen especially with a dog with issues already even after training, I say it is not an option.

I personally hate off dog parks though so other may have different opinions

[ClarkFarm]

You have already received excellent advice concerning establishing obedience with your dog so I will not reiterate the same area.
I will comment, however, on the fact that she has bitten twice before while in your care and maintains a very aggressive behavior towards men. I feel if you continue to walk her in public places then she should be muzzled until it can be safely determined she no longer poses a threat to anyone else. There are serious consequences for dog bites as well as the fact it is unfair to force your aggressive dog onto the unsuspecting public.

When you own a dog with a history of biting as well as current obvious clues she would continue such behavior, then a muzzle should be used when in public places. A muzzle is not a "bad" thing. It is a tool to be used while you continue to remedy her negative mannerisms.

[wyattabby]

I agree with establishing dominance etc like mentioned above. I just wanted to add that when you make the dog sit and start petting her when anyone walks by you are forcing her to focus on this "person" coming towards you. and obviously if you see it's a male i'm sure you are tensing up worried that she will react the way she has many times before..and your dog is feeding off that fear you are projecting. so while you think you are calming her down you are actually putting her in that mode to attack.

[rbenischek]

Call me and i will tell you what you can do... Rebecca (250)516-9453 (free training tip only becuase i love this breed and swear by them... they are the smartest best dogs out their.)

[SiNNiK]

Call me and i will tell you what you can do... Rebecca (250)516-9453 (free training tip only becuase i love this breed and swear by them... they are the smartest best dogs out their.)

Are you serious?!

[luv4gsds]

You took the words right out of my mouth SiNNiK.

[Stark]

Gigi77,
I am always troubled when the first thing I read is "be the alpha dog". Research has proven that dogs are not in a constant struggle to be the "Alpha Dog". This seems to be the mind set since the purely positive movement began, an excuse for that methods poor results. As I have said before very few people have seen a truly dominate dog, if they had they would wear the scars. You need to begin by purchasing a good training book or video(no purely positive training method) I recommend Training The Behavior by Gary Patterson sold at www.leerburg.com. You definitely need to stop reinforcing this dogs behavior by petting and trying to calm the dog. You need to get a pinch collar and get in the yard and start working this dog. You don't need to be abusive but you do need to take control. A treat and a clicker is not going to be the solution. If you feel this dog will try and bite you need to purchase a good muzzle also and train with it on.

One other thing, don't attempt anything you see on Cesars show. The hours of behind the scenes work he does is not shown, it's not as simple as it appears and could be dangerous.


Good Luck

[luv4gsds]

It doesn't sound like dominance aggression. It sounds more like fear aggression.

* Use positive reinforcement to train the dog. Reward appropriate behavior with treats, praise and petting. Earn and build the dog's trust.

* Don't punish a dog for bad behavior. Instead, use humane, properly executed corrections.

* Don't reward a dog for aggressive behavior (this includes cooing, cuddling and petting in an attempt to soothe).

* Avoid reinforcing dog's fear with your own anxiety.

* Remember: fearful dogs don't like surprises. Establish rules and order to help the dog adjust, and make sure everyone in the house follows the rules.

* Going on walks you would be better advised to get a muzzle and use it during your socializing and obedience lessons. If you plan to use a muzzle in training make sure to get the dog used to wearing it before starting to train with it on. Put the muzzle on just before feeding for an hour or so for a week, or just before going out in the back yard to play. Let the dog think it always gets the muzzle on just before doing something that it likes to do.

[wyattabby]

Call me and i will tell you what you can do... Rebecca (250)516-9453 (free training tip only becuase i love this breed and swear by them... they are the smartest best dogs out their.)

Are you serious?!

I was gonna ask the same thing...well my girlfriends is an english bulldog but still....sweet but dumber than a bag of hammers is that boy...

[DiggityDogs]

I'd like to know a little more about the dog's reaction to men and the other things that seem to set her off. Let's start with body language.

Does she drop her head and ears and show her teeth, or is her head held high?
Does she raise the hair on her back? If so, is it only over the shoulders, or is it also over the entire back even down to the tail?

What position is the tail in? Does it move at all and how?

Does she attempt any evasive maneuver, like hiding behind you, or running away from the man or other person she's afraid of? Or is she always lunging toward the person she's aggressive towards?

I think answering these questions may help to determine more accurately whether it's fear or dominant aggression.

I do believe that there are varying degrees of dominance. Dominance is not a label, it's a temporary status- temporary because if a more dominant dog comes along the original dominant dog now becomes subordinate. All of that is relative to the other dogs/people your dog is around. If she sees a person as being her leader, she's more likely to respect what is asked of her, regardless of whether she's afraid or dominant. Either way, I think working closely with a trainer is going to be your best solution, as there are too many risks involved if your dog would be willing to bite someone.

[roxy's mom]

Hi everyone. This is my first post and I have a huge issue with my dog. She is a 3 year old American Bulldog. I adopted her from a woman who had her for six months. Prior to that, she was in a shelter because she was taken from her original family due to abuse. I've had her for about 5 months now and I am trying very hard to make this work, but I'm at my wit's end.

Whenever a male only comes to my house or comes around us when we go out for walks, she starts barking like crazy, jumping and trying to bite him. She is 95 pounds and all muscle and I only a weigh about 20 pounds more than her. I am very embarassed to take her on walks. She is a big baby with me and my female friends, men are the only issue. She has bitten two of my male friends that I have had in the house visiting.

I use a choker, short training leash and Halti when I walk her, but nothing works. I feel that the only thing I can do is get a muzzle to prevent her biting someone and having her put down.

Also, when she is in the back yard, she barks at anyone on the other side of the fence. My neighbors are annoyed beyond belief about this. She doesn't respond when I call her or say no. I can't afford professional training so that is out of the question.

Help!!! I don't want to give her up and I love her dearly. But I'm very frustrated and tired and don't know what to do.
Hi, I'm new to the site, hope this is ok. I just adopted an american too. She's aggressive towards other dogs. Maybe if you get some good advice you might pass it on to me. She's a lover at home with my family, but jerks the leash on walks. Thanks!

[Big Dog Man]

Well im not an experirence dog behave specialist , but i personnally think that when you are walking you have fear that she is going to attack and yes i agree, she sense your fear and then when a male comes near she remembers her past and thinks someone is going to hurt you and her so she is protective once again i dont know much about dog behavior. giggigity im talking to you that is :)

[aerbare]

I have to disagree, I don't believe the dog is being dominant at all. She is extrememly fearful and thus I think she needs to be dealt with in a completely different way. It seems you've won her trust for now, but she needs to know that you're going to protect her so that she doesn't have to do it herself. I def think working with an actual behavioralist is the best. Check your local humane society and meet with them. They may be able to give you break if you tell them your situation because no one wants to have to put your dog down because someone has called the police after a bad bite. Good luck and let us know what happened!

[DiggityDogs]

I have to disagree, I don't believe the dog is being dominant at all. She is extrememly fearful and thus I think she needs to be dealt with in a completely different way. It seems you've won her trust for now, but she needs to know that you're going to protect her so that she doesn't have to do it herself. I def think working with an actual behavioralist is the best. Check your local humane society and meet with them. They may be able to give you break if you tell them your situation because no one wants to have to put your dog down because someone has called the police after a bad bite. Good luck and let us know what happened!

While I agree that she should be working with a behaviorist on this issue, as a behavioral specialist myself I'd like to know how you came to the conclusion that this dog is not dominant without seeing for yourself- or even getting a complete discription from the owner- of what the dog's body language is like. A dog's tail may be wagging but that doesn't make him friendly, you've got to be able to read the position of it. Growling and barking can mean a lot of things- and in my experience, it is RARE to see a fear aggressive dog that will go to the end of the leash and pull towards other people and animals, initiating contact. In fact, in my 13 years, I have NEVER seen a fear aggressive dog that initiated contact. They are typically in strict flight or fight mode, preferring to pull away from what they are afraid of before becoming aggressive. Since the owner never gave much description of body posturing other than to say that the dog drags her on a leash and lunges towards the people she's aggressive with, I'd say dominance aggression of some type is a safer description of this dog's behavior. Either way it's a moot point- as this owner has not been back to chat in quite some time.