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Canine Behavior/Agrressive Behaviour

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Expert: - 10/11/2008


Question
My 7 month old male English bulldog is a friendly sweet dog until we try to put a harness and lead on him. He then snaps and becomes so aggresssive that we can't continue. He has never liked his lead but allowed us to put in on and go for a walk. He only started the agressive behaviour yesterday. I tried again this morning and same thing, he growls, snaps and then tried to bite me.  How can i change this behaviour without getting myself bitten?

Answer
This appears to be a fear related behavior (dominance aggression at 7 months is unheard of in that breed so let's hope it's fear).  Active dog to human aggression needs the in person evaluation of a certified applied animal behaviorist.  From the spelling of "behaviour" I'm guessing you're in the UK.  Contact the Association of Pet Behaviour Counselors (I believe they have a headquarters in London and can direct you to a member located near you.)  Meanwhile (until you're able to locate a specialist) leave the harness on the dog with a short, lightweight leash attached (to which you can then attach, using the handle at the end, a longer lead for walking.)  Do NOT provoke an aggressive response (as each time the dog uses aggression in a successful manner, it learns more about aggression.)  when you next attempt to take the dog out using the leash, observe the dog's body language and presentation; if he demonstrates fear or aggression (tail set, ear set, growling, etc.)turn your back on him, count to ten, and start forward again.  The moment he follows with no sign of fear (or grumbling), praise and toss a small treat, then proceed further.  Observe closely what sets him off once you are leading him.  This is a strong clue regarding the cause of this behavior.  Do not attempt to address this situation without the help of a specialist.

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Jill Connor, Ph.D.

Expertise

I have spent my entire professional life rehabilitating the behavior of the domestic dog and I can answer any question regarding any behavior problem in any breed dog. If you are a caring, committed owner and need advice, I'm here for you. THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES for serious behavioral issues; not only is it unprofessional to offer same, it is also unethical. IF I ASK YOU SUBSEQUENT QUESTIONS, I NEED YOU TO INTERACT WITH ME. More information equals more credible answers and a more successful outcome. If you want ANSWERS THAT WORK, participate in any way I request. I'm quite committed to working on this site for YOUR benefit and the benefit of YOUR DOG. Help me in any way you can.

Experience

30 years of solving serious behavior problems in domestic dogs; expert in dog to human aggression; Internet columnist for ThePetChannel.com for 5 years; former radio talk show host, WHPC.FM, Garden City, NY "Bite Back" (1995 through 2000). List owner, international animal behavior experts, K9Shrinks@egroups.com. Seminar leader: "Operant Conditioning and Learning"; "Aggression in The Domestic Dog"; "Solving Problem Behaviors" -- conducted for various training facilities on Long Island from 1993 through 2000. Former clinical director of "Behavioral Abnormalities" in conjunction with Mark Beckerman, DVM, Hempstead, New York.

Organizations
Member, APDT (UK); Psychologists in Ethical Treatment with Animals

Publications
Harcourt Brace Learning Direct: "The Business of Dog Training" "The Fail Safe Dog: Brain Training, not Pain Training"

Education/Credentials
Ph.D., UC Berkeley

Past/Present Clients
Board of Directors: Northeast Dog Rescue Connection; The Dog Project; Sav-A-Dog Foundation; etc. Pro Bono counselor: Little Shelter Humane Society My practice is presently limited to forensics. I diagnose cause of dog bite, based upon testimony before the Court, for attorneys and insurance companies litigating dog bites, including fatal injuries. I also do pro bono work for bona fide rescue organizations, humane societies, et al, regarding such analysis in an effort to obtain release for dogs being held for death in municipal shelters in the US.

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