My 18 mths castrated deerhound is becoming more aggressive with other dogs to the point where walks are something to be endured rather than enjoyed. He's always been a rough player(my whippet's scars prove it) but I feel his behaviour has stepped up a notch and he is snarling, snapping and raising his hackles when other dog's try to tell him off for chasing and trying to grab them in his jaws.
We have just returned from the park where I had to put him on the lead when he started growling and raising his hackles at a small bichon who was barking at him.
Please give me the benefit of your experience, I'm so unhappy because in every other respect he's adorable.

Oh dear. That doesn't sound good. Jane on here has the details of a behaviourist that actually makes a difference he can observe your dog and tell you what you can do to change his behaviour. This could be a teenage stage but it needs squashing. Alternatively he maybe ill or have a pain that you are unaware of.

Hi Angie..is he like this with dogs he knows,or just strangers?
Have you tried socializing him in a controlled environment,such as your house or garden with other dogs...
Running away from this problem will only make it worse,so be firm and dont let him dictate to you how your walks should turn out...be prepared to administer some "hands on" discipline,but be consistent...
Maybe try some puppy classes at a local venue...keep us posted how you get on...

Hi Angie, Iv'e had two young males who have started to get 'a bit full of themselves' with other dogs, the solution was to socialise them with another dog OF THEIR OWN SIZE!!! I think when they are young and they notice they are bigger than everyone else they think they can get away with things - when they meet another dog the same size they realise they can't!! My youngster Dirk who bosses our lurcher around, behaved impeccably when a friend brought her adult deerhound round, honestly- he was a different dog, and with several sessions he started to calm down in general!

He was five months old when he joined the family and came from a loving breeder. We have socialised him with dogs both at home and outside. His aggression is definitely of a bullying nature and the advice to introduce him to another dog of equal or bigger size makes sense. But the way he reacts would make me worry that a serious fight could ensue.
However, as he is the biggest dog in town, the chances of that happening are slim. I took him to classes when he was 9mths old and he growled and snapped at a couple of dogs so I made sure to keep him well away or under tight control. With hindsight, I think they were the warning signs of unsociable behaviour.
Please keep the advice coming and many thanks to the replies so far

Is he like that only when he's with you? It sounds like a combination of apprehension and guarding behaviour. If you can get someone responsible to take him out and see whether he's always like that, it might give you something to work with.

I think that socialising with other large dogs is a good idea although its not always easy to find them. I've noticed that Ben is very respectful of large female dogs and will take 3 quick steps backward if introduced to one.

I can only assume that they reminded him of his mother and the discipline that she must have given him as he could be a very naughty puppy.

Oh I do feel for you, because I was once in a similar situation. One thing I did, which I wish I hadn't, was withdraw him from socialising with other dogs, he used to play with a female Lurcher and like most males, he had utmost respect for her, so my point here, is persevere and maybe get one of Houndy's Pet Correctors (a small spray that they do not like and it deters them from unwanted behaviour) as soon as he has a grumble, spray it.

Now, my hubby is one of those people that just gets on with things "he's alright" and lets him go. I am the apprehensive one. He is usually right. Murphy does have a grumble and once I dropped his lead just as his arch enemy Gustav was nearby,snarling away at us. He ran towards him, growling away, but never went near him, so sometimes it is just alot of hot air. When my other little terrier got into a fight with a doberman, the Deerhound hid in a bush (must add the doberman was on top of the terrier at this point - so no rushing to help his brother!!)

Sounds like my dog, bolshy, no manners, rough player, but alot of hot air.

Incidentally, we were at a show and he gumbled at a few dogs when they sniffed his bum, then a Wolfhound sniffed it and he turned to have a growl and swallowed, it was so funny to see.

angie wrote:


It's got nothing to do with the size of dog..I have some terriers who would give him a hiding..but that is not the point..it could be that he has never been put in his place in dog society..as a pup he should be somewhere near the bottom of the pile...but does he know this?

Lots of excellent advice, he truly does need to be put in his place, your breeder might be able if they have mature males to help (if they are not too far away.)
I have found that my deerhound and others that I have been to the leash free park with are generally intimidated by German shepherds or other dogs with a strong presence, the key being a well behaved balanced alpha dog might take him down a peg or two without any injury or tears for anyone.
Meeting other dogs on a leash isn't ideal for a male that is full of himself either. In leash situations it is extremely important that you appear to be relaxed but very much in control.
I hope that this will be sorted out soon for you. Best of luck
Barb

Thanks for all your advice. I see similarities in my situation with what you are telling me and am taking it on board. Hope to start posting some positive news soon. Keep it coming!

Angie, you do realise that if the Bichon initiated the bad behavior, i.e. was doing all the barking etc, it was in fact displaying aggression toward your fellow. Little dogs actually get away with far too much aggression in public because it is often considered "cute", Having said that, the behaviorist may be useful. Have you established alpha position in your pack? Lots of helpful books dvds etc around on the subject these days. Good luck

Angie, you do realise that if the Bichon initiated the bad behavior, i.e. was doing all the barking etc, it was in fact displaying aggression toward your fellow. Little dogs actually get away with far too much aggression in public because it is often considered "cute", Having said that, the behaviorist may be useful. Have you established alpha position in your pack? Lots of helpful books dvds etc around on the subject these days. Good luck

Sorry folks dunno how that happened

A human household with dogs is not a 'pack'. The 'alpha myth' has been well and truly debunked by most current behaviourists.

It would be helpful to consult a professional. A friend of mine had a similar problem with their GSD and their dog insurance paid over a £1000 for a behaviourist to come to their house several times.

The longer this goes on, the more 'uptight' you get at the end of the lead and the dog can sense that.

Good luck. I do hope you can get it sorted.

I would be inclined to see a behaviourist, unfortunaly its verry hard to say
what you could do or why he's doing it, as we can't see whats happening,
you might be better muzzleing him aswell, as he could quite easily hurt another dog,
your whippet already has scar's off him.

Unfortunaly MrsMc - i dont think Jim go's as far as NZ lol.

Ha yes I didn't think that one through Shame though he would have been a great help I am sure.

Well they say a problem shared is a problem halved! Feel like we are making real progress with Teddy, thanks to all the support. He's responding really well to our positive, praise where it's due, but not accepting any nonsense, regime Watch this space.

Yay! Well done. I think a lot of problems are caused when they are pups. They are so sweet and get away with murder if you let them. I did that with our Mack but luckily OH was on hand to make sure he did't get away with too much. If it had been left to me I would probably be in your shoes now. I didn't make that mistake again with the other two and they are so well behaved too.

angie wrote:



Really glad to hear it, it is all about postivie attitude from you and as you say, not taking any nonsence, well done! remember he is a typical teenager!