My son has 2 dogs, a pit bull mix and a terrior mix. He has had them
both several years, the terrior longer than the other.

The terrior will occasionally attack the pit bull without obvious
provocation. The pit bull is the submissive of the two and will
approach carefully with her tail between her legs until attacked, then
she will defend herself violently.

Both are spayed females.

This week their fight got very bloody and he is thinking of taking the
pit bull to a shelter. I told him that she did not appear to be
causing the problem and she probably would be put to sleep if
abandoned.

I suggested he work with them by treating and praising the terrior
when she approaches the pit bull in a friendly manner, but I'm not a
dog behaviorist and want to be sure he takes the right approach to
correct this behavior.

The pit bull has always been a very sweet dog even to the point of
licking the terrior's wounds after the fight. Unless she was just
tasting her as an appetizer :-)

Can anyone point me towards traning methods that will correct the
aggression? It isn't like they fight all the time, but when they do,
it is viscious.

Thanks!

Don S

In article ,
Don S wrote:
I suggested he work with them by treating and praising the terrior
when she approaches the pit bull in a friendly manner, but I'm not a
dog behaviorist and want to be sure he takes the right approach to
correct this behavior.

I think it's likely you're misreading the situation. Dogs
can communicate very subtly and you're probably not seeing
what's actually going on. It could be something as nuanced
as a head feint. I think that for fighting it's a good idea
to call in a behaviorist or someone with more dog experience
who can watch what's going on and make suggestions. I've
had fighters and the answers have ranged from just not
letting one up on the bed anymore to convincing another that
she'd definitely die a painful death if she got into another
fight. Talk to a pro.
--
Melinda Shore - Software longa, hardware brevis -

Prouder than ever to be a member of the reality-based community

On 30 Mar 2009 19:22:14 -0400, (Melinda Shore) wrote:

In article ,
Don S wrote:
I suggested he work with them by treating and praising the terrior
when she approaches the pit bull in a friendly manner, but I'm not a
dog behaviorist and want to be sure he takes the right approach to
correct this behavior.

I think it's likely you're misreading the situation. Dogs
can communicate very subtly and you're probably not seeing
what's actually going on. It could be something as nuanced
as a head feint. I think that for fighting it's a good idea
to call in a behaviorist or someone with more dog experience
who can watch what's going on and make suggestions. I've
had fighters and the answers have ranged from just not
letting one up on the bed anymore to convincing another that
she'd definitely die a painful death if she got into another
fight. Talk to a pro.

Probably the right answer. I wasn't there & know just a glance
between dogs can be a challenge.

Thanks

Don S said in part
Can anyone point me towards training methods that will correct the
aggression.
__________________________________
Don S.

I agree with Melinda. It sounds like your son definitely needs a
professional to help with the dog aggression in his household.

I would almost guarantee that there are signs that the terrier exhibits
before attacking the pit bull terrier. The act may occur in a split
second but to a trained eye it is almost always there.

May I suggest a book in the mean time or in addition to a professional
behiorist? I am not recommending it in lieu of professional help. It
has been a great help to me.

Aggression In Dogs
Practical Management Prevention
&
Behaviour Modification
Brenda Aloff

It is pricey but worth every dime in my opinion.

Good luck to your son with his dogs. It sounds ridiculous but it is
possible that the dog that appears to be submissive may be triggering
the fights. I doubt that is the case but it is possible and an expert
will be able to help your son determine that and hopefully resolve the
problem.


Be Free.....Judy

In article ,
Judith Althouse wrote:
Good luck to your son with his dogs. It sounds ridiculous but it is
possible that the dog that appears to be submissive may be triggering
the fights.

That's my guess, actually. It may be unintentional (not all
breeds communicate the same) but I think is not unlikely.
--
Melinda Shore - Software longa, hardware brevis -

Prouder than ever to be a member of the reality-based community

On Wed, 1 Apr 2009 20:09:40 -0400, (Judith
Althouse) wrote:

Don S said in part
Can anyone point me towards training methods that will correct the
aggression.
__________________________________
Don S.

I agree with Melinda. It sounds like your son definitely needs a
professional to help with the dog aggression in his household.

I would almost guarantee that there are signs that the terrier exhibits
before attacking the pit bull terrier. The act may occur in a split
second but to a trained eye it is almost always there.

May I suggest a book in the mean time or in addition to a professional
behiorist? I am not recommending it in lieu of professional help. It
has been a great help to me.

Aggression In Dogs
Practical Management Prevention
&
Behaviour Modification
Brenda Aloff

It is pricey but worth every dime in my opinion.

Good luck to your son with his dogs. It sounds ridiculous but it is
possible that the dog that appears to be submissive may be triggering
the fights. I doubt that is the case but it is possible and an expert
will be able to help your son determine that and hopefully resolve the
problem.


Be Free.....Judy


Thanks Judy,

A book is a good start along with closer observation. I'm not hopeful
that my son will hire a pro. He makes very little money & all I give
him after 38 years is advice - maybe a book.

Don

Don S said in
rec.pets.dogs.behavior:

I'm top posting because of your lengthy drivel.

Clutterking? You reposted 1400+ lines of drivel. You're gone,
too.

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.