Quote:
Originally Posted by London Dogwalker
Please see a behaviourist about this, any advice given about behaviour modifcation on the internet can be dangerous without observing the dog and how it behaves around others.
These two associations are both good and if you're insured should be covered under your insurance. (what area are you in as someone might be able to reccomend one local to you?)
The APBC | Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors
CAPBT - COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers
Dog to dog aggression is normally confined to other dogs, but with a baby I think you need to get this nipped in the bud as you can't afford to take chances.
For a start I wouldn't allow any dogs to approach her while she's on lead, if a dog starts to come over call the owner to get them back on the lead as you have a nervous dog. (No need to tell them it's aggressive they should do as you ask!  )
Did she attack your Mum's dog on lead or off lead? |
Great post- I agree completely.
Dog to dog aggression as a general rule tends to be unrelated to dog-human aggression, in that if you have a dog aggressive dog this does not necessarily mean that your dog is a threat to humans.
However I would still take precautions. Like you said any dog and any child should not be left unattended.
Seeing has she has bitten other dogs I would muzzle her on walks. Basket muzzles are the best as they still allow the dog to pant and are also really good for slipping small treats through the holes, once you have discussed a behaviour modification programme with a behaviourist and are working on for instance, desensitizing her to other dogs in order to make her less reactive. With her muzzled you will be able to relax more when walking her, knowing that if worst comes to worst and another dog charges over to you when she is onlead (which they shouldn't) you can at least have the reassurance that she is muzzled and so this limits what can happen. If you see another dog approaching you I would be inclined to call over to the owner that your dog is nervous/ unsure of other dogs and that you are working on this so could they please recall their dog?
Another association of behaviourists is the APDT who are really good IMO.
Welcome to APDT - Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK
Local APDT behaviourists list (you will need to select a trainer that offers "behaviour")
http://www.apdt.co.uk/local_dog_trainers.asp
Hope this helps