Expert: Susan Downes - 1/20/2008

Question
I have a breeding pair of Toy Poodles, She is in season right now and the male has become very aggressive to the human members of the pack.  This did not happen during her first season but I kept them apart.  My little boy has bitten me bad enough to draw blood on 3 different occasions.  He also growls and bares his teeth if we try to move or keep him away from the little girl.  I don't want to spay or neuter either dog at this time.  I will be doing that after she has a second litter of pups.  I do not plan to breed to sell, just for my family members that want pups.  Please help me with this problem, I don't want it to continue after she is out of season and I am afraid that it will.  He is 2 years old, the only male but I do have 2 females one toy poodle and one rat terrier.  He has always been well behaved before this.

Answer
Hi Patti, Many breeders keep their dogs separate when in season, but we do not. Read some of my other posts on aggression and you will get some good advice there. All of our dogs know that the family members and humans we let into our "pack" are in charge, we are the pack leaders, the dominant ones. When my females come into season, and the male acts excited, I claim her as mine. Stand over her, put her on your lap or what ever it takes. I just snap my fingers at the males and they will sit down and eventually go away and lay down. They all know that I am in charge of my pack and that I have claimed the females as my own. The worst I have had to do was growl a bit and stare at one of them. If you need to, elicit some help to hold the female or to keep the male on a lead. When he goes for her (or a human) give him a correction with the lead and slip collar or say "no", or what ever command you use to gain respect. Do not yell as it will only get them more excited. There is no yelling in the dog world, it is all body posturing and eye contact, with occasional barks, growls, or howls. Your boy may throw a fit at first, so do not let this upset you. Let him thrash around on his leash, he will not hurt himself and will eventually calm down. Once he is calm, you can tell him to go to his bed (crate or den), or just tell him to go lay down. Do not reward him in any way until he will leave the females alone completely. Generally they only carry on for the few days that the female is in a standing heat. If you plan on breeding do not discourage or frighten them from doing what comes natural by scolding or hurting them. Be calm, firm, and take control. If the male tries to breed the air or licks himself, snap your fingers at him and say "leave it". He will learn that that behavior is unacceptable as well. Leave me some feedback and let me know how you progress. Feel free to ask more questions as they arise. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan