| Aggression
Dear Forum Members,
I need some sound advise on this problem. My Cindy (Rottie in her terrible twos) shows signs of aggression. She is the sweetest rottie at home, but she gets unpredictable outside the apartment. I assume it is 'fear aggression'. I have two dogs walking them with two leashes (not connected) and with a halti. I just would like to describe instances for my worries: We walk and she tries to lunge at people/dogs. I try to get her under control and tell her immediatly to sit. And after a struggle she will do that. I don't go near people to avoid anything to happen. She is fine with people we know - she will run up to them and just give kisses. I don't know how to predict her 'lunging' anymore. I can't even say when or when she won't do it. It seems like certain people/neighbors she just can't stand. Of course - I can sometimes understand her reaction - the other day a child came with a bicycle from behind and surprised me and the dogs - and they both went wild. I told the boy to stay away and don't come up on strange dogs like that. The dogs are not familiar with bicycles. Or the other instance a whole bunch of children came up with bikes and swinging a football - she got scarred and then tried to scare the kids away. I don't say that her behaviour is ok. I know I need to do something about it. I just don't quite now how. Since I believe it has to do with fear - how do I boost her selfesteem? I tried Tug of War - but she will not play with me. She won't pull on anything with me - just wants to cuddle and give kisses. I train her at home and she does just great and I give her lots of praise for everytime she follows a command. On the other hand I need to correct her in her behaviour outside - I don't think the halti is capable of doing that. I can't use a choker because if she wants to go somewhere she pulls me behind - I don't have the strength to controll her with a choker. She will follow my commands in the house, when we walk she does what I want - but everything is forgotten when other dogs/people are around. We also went to the dog park - to further her socialization - she seemed to be overwhelmed by all the dogs/people. It took her a while to get used to the surroundings. She would walk up to every person and just give kisses and would at times not leave my side. She didn't walk around a lot and every dog that came around she would growl at and they would then get away from her. I know that dog parks are not the ideal place - I just thought it would help to socialize her a lot more - I see a need for socialization for her.
Please let me know what to do?
Thanks for your advise.  |