Hi guys, I am Ash and new to the forum. I am really worried I have 3 dogs one of which is really worrying me.
Molly is a cross staffy and english bull terrier. I rescued her when she was about 18months old, she is now 4. she gets on with my other 2 dogs but never really liked any other dogs, but she would at least tolerate them. in the last 2 months though she has bitten 2 dogs, the first one came up to her when she was on the lead and she grabbed its face, it was a little patterdale terrier and she would just not let go i didnt know what to do i was shouting at her I cut myself trying to get her jaws apart but just couldnt do it it took about 15 mins for her to loose her grip, and she did only loose her grip she didnt intentionally let go. today she has just done the same thing to my mums young little dog.

It is really concerning me more so because I have a 5 week old baby. I would never dream of letting the dogs near her unsupervised but we are all human and the thought of it makes me sick.

overall Molly is a lovely dog and has never shown any aggression what so ever towards humans or younger kids (other than 1 male vet) and she is so lovely, but I do not know what to do as I have never rehomed a dog, and I have had them all of my life but I am so concerned now for my baby daughter, and I dont know if it is anythhing from her past that has made her like this.

any advice would be much appreciated.

like I said she really is lovely but I am soo worried.

sorry for the long post first time around.

I would make sure that all of your 3 dogs do not get anywhere near the baby unsupervised at any time, and when ever Molly is out and going to be near other dogs, I'd put a muzzle on her (a basket muzzle). It's awful for the other dog and its owner, as it can scar the other dog for life.

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I OWN A CHOCOLATE ROAN COCKER SPANIEL
RIP David xx Run free at the bridge. Love you always xx 19th February 2011
RIP Jack and Mickey xx Run free at the bridge. Love you forever xx 20th June 2011

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?

Yeap you need a behaviourist and quick. Not one can give you advise without professional experience and seeing your dog.

For now make sure she's muzzled around any dogs until you are able to get someone out, including your other 2. Unfortunately she's a cross of 2 of the more dog aggressive breeds you can get. I suspect she would be absolutely fine with your baby because although her breeding makes her liable to being dog unfriendly the one thing she will like is kids!! Obviously you wouldn't leave a baby with any dog but try to not worry about that.

Good Luck I'm sure with the right help it will be fine, I've lived with dog aggressive dogs for years and it can be done.

I am near sheffield in south yorkshire.
Molly was on the lead both times and the other dogs approached me, I asked owners to get there dog away but the dog didnt listen. I tried getting in the way but was unable to stop it, therefore as far as law goes it was not my fault as my dog was on her lead and i didnt approach them. not saying this is good.

Julie Pett in Bradford is very good

Pett Behaviour - Real life skills for dogs

Worth giving her a call to discuss your problem and get an idea of costs!

How awful they didn't get their dog back I would muzzle to be on the safe side, if she hasn't been muzzled before build up to wearing it so she's not scared.

but your dog still shouldn't attack other dogs. If your dog is dog aggressive, you make sure that you walk at times when other dogs aren't going to be around, and muzzle her. Although the other dog isn't obedient to its owner, doesn't mean that it should be bit. It's the other owner's fault for not training their dog to recall but it's not the dog's fault.

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I OWN A CHOCOLATE ROAN COCKER SPANIEL
RIP David xx Run free at the bridge. Love you always xx 19th February 2011
RIP Jack and Mickey xx Run free at the bridge. Love you forever xx 20th June 2011

Legally it isn't your fault, according to the law your dog was under control by being on lead the other owners are totally at fault so don't worry about that. I muzzled one of my dogs for years, he just couldn't be trusted so it was easier to put the muzzle on and then he couldn't be held responsible for anything. Once they get used to wearing one it will become second nature for the dog, and it will help you relax which will also help the dog. Don't change the way you treat or walk your dog but do be responsible and take whatever action is needed to keep her, other dogs and yourself safe.

Hiya,
If the only problems you are having are when out on the lead, I would suggest a K9 bridle.... It helps with fear aggression in dogs... Maybe thats just it... it could just be that he is scared of other dogs. I know it sounds silly because of the bread but even tiny dogs can scare big ones...
I wouldnt know what else to suggest...
Good luck though.. x

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

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