Chompadomp

But wouldn't almost killing the cat be classed as 'unreasonable aggression'? Appreciate the help with this too, Cheers. IMO yes killing another animal just for the sake of it is unreasonable aggression, I have always had dogs and no way would I think it was acceptable for any of them to kill an animal that wandered into my yard, I have to say I am a little shocked that people are saying yeah well that's what dogs do. FWIW I don't like cats and think they should be indoors 24/7. So when a cat stalks it's prey i.e. mouse, rat, native bird, small lizards & animals then kills it either instantly or slowly, plays with the corpse for it's amusement and possibly later consumes, you wouldn't say that's their natural instinct or have they been taught to? And shall it branded a Dangerous Aggressive animal? That would be a substantial number of offenders. In individual cases it's unknown what a dog(s) is capable of until the situation arises. I would be mortified and sadden if my dogs were the perpetrators but it's not beyond the realms of possibility. There are dogs out there inclined to exhibit their animal instinct if called upon for whatever circumstance. As I mentioned I don't like cats, I volunteer for a wildlife rescue group and if you want my honest opinion any cat roaming should be euthanised, because yes they are aggressive killers. Probably a good thing they aren't the size of a Dane ;) Unfortunately I can't see that becoming a reality any time soon. Plenty of possums and koalas are maimed and killed by dogs and cats alike and I think the whole "it's natural instinct" card is too readily thrown around as an excuse for people to be blasé about their animals killing other animals. My 2c :)

But wouldn't almost killing the cat be classed as 'unreasonable aggression'? Appreciate the help with this too, Cheers. IMO yes killing another animal just for the sake of it is unreasonable aggression, I have always had dogs and no way would I think it was acceptable for any of them to kill an animal that wandered into my yard, I have to say I am a little shocked that people are saying yeah well that's what dogs do. FWIW I don't like cats and think they should be indoors 24/7.

I already have them Toy - Australian Silky Small - Australian Terrier Medium - APBT x Large - American Bulldog Giant - Wolfhound x Mastiff the smallest one rules the roost, but they all get along famously.

Beautiful, the sort of stuff I was looking for thankyou. Off to do some reading.

Thanks for your reply, yes I am aware it could turn to aggression, and it will be easier to deal with before it gets to that. I am in no-where-ville and dog behaviourists are few and far between, I have rung a behaviourist and I am waiting to hear back from her, but I figured I wasn't going to sit around and ignore the problem while I am waiting hence why I have come in to ask for advice for what I can do in the meantime. thanks

This is probably going to be a little long winded so please bear with me. Almost 2 weeks ago I took on a 10month old American Bulldog and he has some issues, I'm a sentimental old sop and his dam was the only litter mate to my heart dog that I lost late last year. He hasn't had a lot of socialisation as a youngun, he was kept with the intention of being a guard dog but as his breeder says he hasn't got the personality, in other words he's a big sook and loves resting his head on my pillow while I am trying to sleep because he wants a pat. So he is gradually settling in at home, I have 4 other dogs ranging in sizes from a Silky through to a wolfie x and they have all accepted him and he and the wolfie spend ages chasing each through the paddocks. He is entire, the rest 3 bitches and one dog are all desexed. He wont be getting desexed at this stage. However he has a fear of people, men in particular. He has warmed to me and in part to my 7 year old daughter, and when it is just me at home with him he is as good as gold, he does what he is told and you wouldn't think anything of it. I know this can be dealt with, I am just not sure how to go about it. I haven't had dogs with fear issues before to this extent. There is no aggression. He just sits there and shakes, occasionally peeing and as soon as the opportunity to escape arises he takes it. My husband and I have 4 teen sons between us so there is a lot of testosterone in this house and I am mindful of that. He spends a good part of his resting time on the floor on my side of the bed, even if hubby is on the bed he will come in, he will also sit there if hubby lays across the bed and pats him. He crates fine and he has a crate on the back deck that I lock him in some nights, and if I have to go out and can't take him. I take him to the beach nearly every day, this involves parking in a car park across the road from an arcade with a couple of cafes and walking a kilometre to the beach, he is on a lead and when he stops I keep walking and give him my librarian voice and tell him to walk. Once down on the beach he will be off leash for part of it, he is happy to run along side me, we spend most of the time walking in the water, I figured most people walk higher up the beach so we are going in the water where there is less traffic. I will put him back on the leash if we come across other dogs or groups of people. He will hide up in the sand dunes if we come across people and he isn't leashed. I keep him well away from people but he seems to have a radius of about 50 metres that is a no go zone. Once back at the car he will take a while to settle but will lay down in the shade near the car while we wait for my son to finish work and then it's home again, I usually sit on the ground with a book while I am waiting. When I first got him he didn't like the car, but he has decided that my car is one of his safe zones and if the door is open he will hop in, he is getting better at getting out of the car, at home I just leave the door open and he gets out on his own, in town I give him a nudge and he isn't happy about it but will get out. If I tell him to do something I expect him to follow through, so when I tell him to get out of the car then he is to get out. I had to pull him out but now just a tug on his collar is usually enough. This is the same with my bedroom. At first I had to drag him out of the room and down the hallway, now sometimes he will come out on his own and wander around the house, he is still skittish about it and will retreat to the room if there is any other noises than what I am making. He was an outside dog before I got him and is still getting used to the confines of being inside. If there is anyone else in the house I still have to physically move him out of the bedroom, although now it is only to the bedroom door, and he will walk down the hallway and outside on his own, when other people are around he will either want to be in the bedroom or outside, I am hoping he will follow the other dog's lead, they lounge around everywhere. Again outside he has an area of about 50 meters. So if hubby or one of the boys is standing on the back deck he stays that distance away until they have gone inside and when he is sure they have gone he will come and sit with me. I haven't done a lot of training with him, just going on what he has learnt prior to coming here. He walks fine, stops when I stop, sits when told, with me only he comes when he is called. I am starting to work on that when there are others around, I have a long line and for now it's just when there is noise but no one else in sight. So, I rang the vet and got the number of a behaviourist / trainer, I left a message but she hasn't gotten back to me, I will ring again in a couple of days. I imagine she is busy. I am not making a big deal of his fear, the boys leave him to his own devices, sometimes husband will lay down with him in the bedroom either on the floor or hang his head over the edge of the bed. I would love some advice on how to go about getting past this, I put some of it down to a new environment. Our place is a lot busier than where he came from. And the rest down to not enough socialisation or desensitisation when he was younger. And if you have gotten this far, thankyou have a coffee on me :)

We adopted two Aussie Silkies which we promptly named Ren and Stimpy, Rennie is still going strong, a little senile, but we lost Stimpy a couple of years ago to illness. Our dogs have real names but they all have nicknames too, we currently have a wolfhound who is referred to Ser Boofalot or just Boofie the wolfie, an Aussie Terrier whom has been nicknamed Otto because his favourite thing in the whole world is raiding the rubbish bins, a pitt x nicknamed Keg, because she is a keg on legs. She has very short legs so the rest of her looks out of proportion. They all answer to Oi! or Dogs.

Afghan Hound: Sir Walter, Faxon, Lochie, Bluey, Miffy, Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma Alaskan Malamute: Indiana, Kira American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno, Cash, Loki, Jessie, Harley, Bella. Nala AM Staff X: Bob Anatolian Shepherd: Trojan Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda, Katie Australian Cattle Dog X : Frosty Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie, Millie, Alice, Hannah, Hudson, Flynn, Gossip, Ava, Rusty, Lili, GAMBIT Australian Silky Terrier: Holly, Rolle, Rennie Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper, Otto (AKA Tommy) Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Safire, Milky, Kinta, Banjo, Rosie, Skye, Emerald, Gem, Meg, Serenity-Jayne, Diesal, Paige, Jimmy, Smooch Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper, Basset Hound : Gemma Beagle : Teagan,Ollie, Ellie, Dusky, Brodie, Billy, Piper, Briar, Scarlett, Buffy, Emmie Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Bernese Mountain Dog Bruno! Bichon Frise: Jag Bichon Frise X: Harper Bloodhound: Earl Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumour, Diesel, Kobie, Emma, Kenzie, Maggie, Ella, Shelby, Jayde, Ashli, Mia, 'Bubba', Wyc, Echo, Topolino, Sally, Xena, CK, Wikki, Gemima, Carter, Maddy, Charlie, Border Collie x: Anna, Cally Border Collie x Husky: Spider Border collie x kelpie: Jasmine, Priya Border Terrier: Tammy Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boston Terrier: Archer Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson, Bondi, Booker Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas, Lenny, Stitch Bull Terrier (Miniature) Lainie, Mitchell Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Anouk, Ben, Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy, Maggie, Millie, Chloe,Toby,Zonda, Molly, Charlotte, Lily, Porridge, Jasper Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Piper Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper, Bella, Dobby, Bud, Johnny Chihuahua x Maltese: Midget Chinese Crested: Louis, Daisy, Cyrus, Madeline, Sarge, Pepper, Fletcher, Darla, Oz, Xander, Faith Chinese Crested Powder Puff x Tibetan Terrier: Dee, Carrie, Benita, Jenna Chow Chow: Shengo Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea, Darcy Curly Coated Retriever: Angus & Freddie Curly Coated Retriever x Labrador Retriever: Maggie Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo, Gus, Charlie Deerhound: Rhys, Calleigh, Bernard, Elfin, Ronnie Deerhound X: D'Arcy Doberman: Opal, Brutus Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose, Chevy, Bella, Molly, Digby, Dexter, Viva, Vegas, Griffen Dogue De Bordeaux x Boxer: Madeline English Cocker Spaniel: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Field Spaniel: Moo Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera, Annika, Ella, Kody Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig, George French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee, Alexis, Claire, Lilly German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte, Razzle, Willow, Dusty German Shepherd Dog: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan, Brennan, Jack, Santha, Molly, Max, Jenna, Acteon, Roxy, Scout, Rumour, Skye,Banzai,Imba, Kira, Chloe, Duke, Cody, Fenrir German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo, Riley German Spitz (Mittel)- Amber German Wirehaired Pointer: Adi, Struppie Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby, Sasha, Aria, Archer, Lexi Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally, Clyde, Ryan, Amethyst, Stan, Maddie, Skye, Rosie, Ruby, Roxie, Jazz, Gypsy, Ernie, Gus, Rufus, Joey, Woody, Coconut, Cleo, Freckles, Ziggy, Candy, Jed, Fang Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan, Kobi, Ari, Belle, Monah Irish Setter: Fionneaghan, Maia, Aneira Irish Terrier: Kate, Duke Irish Wolfhound: Zac, Gypsy Italian Greyhound: Bella, Tari, Blaze, Zoey, Italian Spinone: Roisin. Enzo Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi, Chief, Louis, Matilda, Tess, Maui, Lenny Jack Russell terrier X: Thomas, Pip Japanese Spitz: Emmy, Angelo Keeshond: Jedi Kerry Blue Terrier: Juno, Joxer, Bahsha, Louie, Cinders, Solo Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Zep, Molly, Milly, Jackson, Dyson, Abbey Lagotto Romagnolo: Rizzi, Lucca Leonberger: Singe Lowchen: Tino Maltese: Luna, Mia, Basil Maltese X: Chase, Pipi, bella, byron, JORJA, Holly Maremma: Dennys Dog, Grace,Gina, Angel,Honey, Hollie, Snotto, Hairy Beary, Tadea Miniature Fox Terrier: Cleopatra, Mali Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Miniature Pinscher: Mischa, Cleo Murray River Curly Coated Retriever: Aggie, Soona Neapolitan Mastiff: Miniera, Pacchia, Bruno, Pasquala + 3, 1 week old pups Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey, Xanthe, Maddy Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka, Mailka, Sarge, Dodger Pekingese: Edwina, Lyle Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli, Maggie Poodle (Minature): Caroline, Brody, Prada Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pomeranian: Daisy, Comet, Jester, Polly Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack, Bert, Cheddar, Maggie, Swank, Monte, Boof, Olivia, Archie, Bruce Pyrenean Mountain Dog: Sasquatch Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss, Sierra, Kei, Dora, MatildaLily Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint, Nova Saluki: Bella, Arella, Moss, Lucy, Jadir, Mab, Floyd Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato, Tika, Dakota Samoyed x: Jenna Schipperke: Taz Biscuit Schnauzer (Miniature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga, Riva, Amy, Indy, Amber, Grace, Guy, Blue, Connie, Paddington, Waldo Schnauzer (Standard) Baillie, Remy Schnauzer (Giant): Tara, Darcy Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Cassie, Orsana, Cimba, Sebastian, Clancy Shetland Sheepdog:Shady, Ruby, Bindi, Casey Merlin, Dexter, Brandi, Connor, Dixie, Kitty, Ella Shih Tzu : Gizmo, Daisy, Zeus Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky, Blacky, Zuess, Zero, Mya, Suggen, Freyja, Wolf, Rumour Siberian Husky x: Luki, Wolf Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Shaemus, Nellie, Ciara Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus, Monty, Chaos, Bean, Brock, Benson, Vulcan, Roger, Stussy Staffordshire Bull Terrier X: Cherry,Abbie Swedish Vallhund: Hugo SWF: Zoe Tibetan Spaniel: Annie, Nina Zena, Lily Tibetan Terrier: Prue, Mindy, Holly, Tara Tenterfield Terrier: Cinder, Zoom,Spirit,Heidi,Kimi, Heidi, Dotty Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly, Judy, Mini, Pixie, Ozzie, Dozer, Alaska, Logan, Buddy, Leela, Rusty, Pip, Brembo, Satchmo, Henry, Luna Welsh Corgi (Cardigan): Shandy White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi, Daphne, Elliot, Mindy, Whiz, Arizona aka Zassy , Griff , Penny, Kibah, Feather, Tag, Puck, Orlando, Ella, Patch, Snips, Elijah, India, Zoe, Noah, Sway, Eden, Tara, Maddee,Yogi Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie, Max, Ruby West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy, Mac, Sarah, Andy, Sweep, JJ, Flash, Fergie, Crystal, Glen, Jingles, Jinnie, Loui, Mitch, Maggie, Smiekie, Zac, Roxy, Winnie, Cricket, Nova, Jo, Archie Wire Haired Fox Terrier: Zedley aka Tawnyoak Dream Weaver

Given his appearance I'd say he's lucky he doesn't live in Victoria...far too much breed hysteria here for a dog that looks like this fellow. He does look a sweetie. :) Have you read some of the comments on that SMH article today? shockers some ppl! Sorry, which article? http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/nurture-or-nature-a-question-of-breeding-20120113-1pzhn.html It was posted to my fb. They have closed the comments now, i guess it was getting too nasty... I see what you mean. Did you notice that bloke with the Amstaff, his young daughter is actually scared of the family dog? Her body language was very hesitant and withdrawn. I doubt she has much to do with dads dog. It said in the article the girl was his niece. So it's quite possible she has had very little interaction with the dog.