We all know aggression problems are things best left to experts, however in the case of forums is always good to try to help owners of aggressive dogs minimize the risk of someone getting bit (not so much solving the problem). Included in this is finding out what is the dog's aggression trigger. Meaning what is it that he/she reacts to.

Sometimes it could be only men, certain types of dogs, certain smells, etc. The following article explains a few of these common triggers:

http://www.dogster.com/articles/Some-Common-Triggers-For-Dog-Aggression-225

So in what way does knowing this help? Well once you know the trigger you can try your best to avoid it until professional help can be found.

I'm no professional, but Ive worked with some "borderline" aggressive dogs over the past 10 years.

Knowing the trigger (or triggers) is not only a good way for the owner to avoid the problem until a professional can help, it can also be a big help to the professional. It can be critical information so that the professional can come up with a fix for that problem.

I have a 1 1/2yr old chihauha pekingese mix. She is a sweet little girl. (I swear!) She has puppy issues - but all in all she is a very happy, very obedient dog.
However, within the last few months, she has started two behaviors that i just cannot tolerate. One, is chasing and appearing to kill the cat. And the second, biting people. The cat... is any cat. BUT, the biting of people is far more complicated. She has been around hundreds of people, known and unknown without problem. She sits, allows them to pet her, pick her up, take her toys to play.. and even will give them her treats or food .. if asked.
And then, out of nowhere... someone - even if she knows them... she will bite them, growl, shake, bark and try to bite again. I believe that i have narrowed it down to people who own... or recently came into contact with large dogs... and this is fear based. What can i do? You say professional help...but what am i searching for? Obedience? Vet?
I love this little girl, but my lifestyle involves constant contact with people... i cant have a dog that bites people!

tanyaec wrote:

I have a 1 1/2yr old chihauha pekingese mix. She is a sweet little girl. (I swear!) She has puppy issues - but all in all she is a very happy, very obedient dog.
However, within the last few months, she has started two behaviors that i just cannot tolerate. One, is chasing and appearing to kill the cat. And the second, biting people. The cat... is any cat. BUT, the biting of people is far more complicated. She has been around hundreds of people, known and unknown without problem. She sits, allows them to pet her, pick her up, take her toys to play.. and even will give them her treats or food .. if asked.
And then, out of nowhere... someone - even if she knows them... she will bite them, growl, shake, bark and try to bite again. I believe that i have narrowed it down to people who own... or recently came into contact with large dogs... and this is fear based. What can i do? You say professional help...but what am i searching for? Obedience? Vet?
I love this little girl, but my lifestyle involves constant contact with people... i cant have a dog that bites people!

First, "Professional Help" is a local trainer who has a degree in animal behavior. This does NOT include someone who just says they have "studied" animal behavior. This person needs to watch and study your dog in various situations to see the behavior 1st hand.

Next, Dogs in the 9-18 month age range often go thru a phase of being protective of things. It is often misdiagnosed as aggression. It's part of their DNA. It is possible that she will grow out of it. But you also MUST be proactive to keep humans and animals safe when they are near her.

I don't doubt that these attacks are fear based. But in order to know for sure, you need to document what happens in the moment previous to the attack. A dog will give you clear signs! Body language it usually the best hint of what is to come! Things like: body tensing up, ears go back, Tail tucki9ng between the legs, holding head still while looks out of the corner of the eyes, turns head slowly to view the person in question, showing teeth, lip flinching, etc

Lastly, Is there any chance you could post a video? I don't want you to set it up. I don't want anyone to get hurt! But a video (fairly close up so we can see the person and the dog) would be a great help!

Thanks for your help! I hope you are correct about this being a phase. In the meantime i will start watching her before and see if i can see the signs. A video may be diffcult, since it appears so random... but ill get on it! Would the people at Petsmart be trained in this kind of thing?

tanyaec wrote:

Would the people at Petsmart be trained in this kind of thing?

I kinda doubt it. But it wouldn't hurt to ask.