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Beagles/aggressive beagle

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Expert: - 11/23/2008


Question
We have a 1/5 y/o beagle and 1 y/o st bernard. Our beagle was 8 weeks when we got him and was very well socialized for his first 9 months on almost a daily basis at the dog park. He loved going there and got along very well with all other dogs. When we introduced our 2nd dog to the mix we did so in a careful manner, ie having them meet in a neutral area, giving the beagle lots of attention, etc. It took them about 2 weeks to start playing nicely, but they get along great now. Ever since we got our st bernard though we've been having problems at the dog park as our beagle started attacking other dogs, at first we thought he was protecting the st bernard (we always corrected his behaviour, but was trying to find a reason why), but he even attacks when he's alone too. He will run full speed at another dog and begin biting, growling, ripping at their neck, etc for no foreseen reason. He is aggressive towards all sizes and breeds of dogs and we are worried he is going to seriously injure a dog and perhaps begin aggression towards humans. We have always worked diligently with him in training and exercise and aren't sure what our next steps should be as he is a danger to other dogs (except our st bernard,though he does show high levels of dominance towards him).

Answer
Hi, I can't tell from your message if the beagle is 15 yrs old or 1 and a half years old. Regardless, this is as you know unacceptbale and dangerous behavior. There is nothing I can write to you that will make a difference, this requires the IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE OF A LOCAL HANDS ON TRAINER!!! before something bad happens. Run don't walk and make sure you get someone experienced in aggression, not just obedience training.

Best of luck!

Beagles

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Have4Paws

Expertise

I am happy to answer BEAGLE BREED SPECIFIC behavioral questions. Please DO NOT ask CRATE TRAINING OR MEDICAL questions! I am not a vet nor an expert in the use of crates.

Experience

I currently have one beagle, a male age 5, an 12 month old Pit Bull, and a 8 year old min. poodle. I have had to let go of three of my dogs, 2 beagles and 1 whippet/rat terrier mix in the past 5 years, most recently my whippet mix. The two beagles lived to 15 and the whippet mix to 13.5, it has been hard to say goodbye to them. I have done rescue work on and off for years as well as fund-raising for the local animal shelter. I worked for a dog magazine in the past (Southern California Dog Magazine). Being a psychotherapist has encouraged me to do in depth studying of animal behavior as well. I have worked with many people to help curb undesirable behaviors in their dogs (or them!) or to form good behaviors. My life is devoted to and surrounded by my dogs........The picture you see here is Zeppelin but we also call him the "miracle dog". He was hit by a car April 2010 while out with the dog walker and had very serious injuries... 4 surgeries and $17,000 later my boy is whole again and back to loving life. He is so special to me and he weathered a lot of pain and trauma yet is still the sweet boy he always was! I also work to stop Breed Specific Legislation and help to get pit bulls adopted.

Organizations
HSUS, PETA, SPCA DONT SHOP...ADOPT!!

Publications
Dog Fancy

Education/Credentials
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of CA and am also credentialed as a Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist

Awards and Honors
Honored by the Agoura Animal Shelter for my volunteer work.

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