Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 12/13/2006

Question
We have a 2 year old un-neutered male pug.  Every time we leave, he attacks our leg and sometimes draws blood.  We also have a 1 year old un-neutered female pug.  She will climb behind him and wrap her paws around him to prevent him from attacking us.  

In addition, almost daily one will stare the other one down and start attacking each other.  In order to get them to stop, we spray them with water.  

What causes these behaviors and how should we handle it ?  We want to breed them and that is why we have not neutered them.  

Thank you very much for your help.


Answer
Dear Kim,
Thanks for the question. The behaviors can be caused by a number of reasons. It's tough for me to determine if the behaviors are due to a lack of training / structure or due to more serious problems. Do these guys know any obedience commands? If not, that would be a good place to start.

Instead of focusing on how to stop the behaviors, focus on teaching them to perform another behavior that is acceptable or at the very least prevent them from practicing the behaviors. For instance, before you leave, place them in a crate.

Whenever they misbehave, you should ask yourself these two questions.
At this moment in time, exactly what would I prefer my dog to do?
Exactly where would I prefer the dog to be while performing this behavior?

Once you have the answers, you've just established a training goal. Teach your dog to perform that behavior in that location. Practice when you can control the situation, not when you're about to leave the house. For example practice taking just one-step towards the door while the male is laying on his bed, then two steps, then three steps, then four, et cetera.

Please read this article about changing the Owner-Pet Relationship. This is a good place to start.  
http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00470.htm

Buy the book - Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household. (Paperback)
by Karen B. London, Patricia B. McConnell

Happy Training!
AT