Expert: Susan Downes - 1/31/2008

Question
I have  a 10 month old staffy who is very outgoing and happy.  Recently she seems to be getting bossy towards us (very demanding with walks and attention), and aggressive towards small dogs.  At the initial encounter she will crawl or roll over on her back submissively, then sniff, then start playing, gets a bit rougher and will then try to dominate by sitting on and pinning the other dog.  After a few times the other dog will growl as it naturally doesn't like it, and she will then go in for the fight.  My husband plays roughly with her and lets her dominate him at play time (I have now banned this).  She is a also tail spinner, out of boredom and too much energy I think.  Aside from banning rough playing at home, and positive praise when she plays nicely, do you have any other suggestions as to how to prevent her attacking other dogs, and understanding that all dogs don't want to play and she should walk away.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Sarah, You may want to read some of my other posts to people with fear and aggression issues. You can also contact me through my webpage: http://http://dogbehaviorist.org/ . I am pleased that you had the foresight to tell your husband not to play rough and let her dominate him. You may know, the opposite is best, to be a pack leader and to be in control of your dog at all times. Your dog will not be able to discern which dogs want to play and which do not. It is up to you to keep her under control. As you know Staffordshire Terriers get a bad rap and many people will be on the defensive at the sight of her. She will sense their nervous energy, so you must transmit calm leadership down the leash to her. Walk her frequently at the heel, with her slightly behind your knee, for at least 45 minutes to an hour each day minimum. When passing other dogs, put your body between the dogs, look forward (not down at her) with confidence. If she moves toward the other dog, correct her promptly and make her walk along with you. Watch closely for body posturing, such as a raised tail, pricked ears, teeth, growls, bristles on her back...and correct her as soon (if not before) she gets any ideas in her head. At home do not play tug of war or games which will enhance her prey drive. Staffordshires were bred to take down boar, and believe me, an average dog or human is no match. Long ago I knew one who would take down a huge bull in no time at all. When she is rolling on her back and acting submissive, you seem to know she is luring in her prey, so do not allow it on walks. Keep her mind and body moving forward. Brisk walks at the heel serve to exercise mind and body, so do so as often as you can. No doubt she is a very loving and protective dog. But do not be misled, you must be absolutely dominant, and so should all of your family members. She must have no doubt of this in her mind. My neighbor refused to train his Staffies and they made short time getting over a four foot fence to try to kill my Doberman and horses. Since he did not want to put the time into training, we agreed to put up a large six foot wooden fence which they could not penetrate. But they still have killed many other neighborhood animals. Play games with her which do not increase her prey drive. Play fetch, go swimming, play frisbee, do agility courses...but do not let her destroy the toys. She is young and you can find many good ways to expend her energy. Please leave me some feedback and follow up with me if you need further information. Thank you for writing. I wish you the best with your loving dog. Warm Regards, Susan