Newbie Has A Question About Dog With Mood Swings

[gads]

hi all, first time poster - yes i know there is an introduce yourself page but i need/want to get this question out there?

how can i stop my dog from reacting negatively when approached by other dogs similar size? basically dogs she feels intimidated by.

my dog - medium to large brindle ridge/bull mastiff/boxer

history -

- grew up socialising with dogs, not a lot as it was small rural town. she would roam free and play. no access to training school. did the basics myself.

- started to take a disliking to staffies (she was attacked by one as a pup so i can understand her hatred)

- i shared house a lot and she was fine meeting new dogs

- then i started to notice that she didn't like dogs who were similar size, whom she felt slightly intimidated by.

- now, she won't even give it a chance.

best examples - dogs run at her and she feels threatened - game on - she'll snap (hard)

went to a friends house who has the big poodles (2 of), there were 2 other dog friends of leila's, but when the 2 big poodles came bounding over - game on.

she is 6 years old and has a wonderful attitude to playing with her dog friends and with little kids (i have no problems leaving her with children). she even sits out the front of house without fence just watching and sleeping all day long (don't get up me for this one).

basically, i think she is becoming a cranky old B*****. but i can't take her anywhere where i know there will be other dogs not casuing a fuss.

sorry for the massive first post, but would love to get her retrained/detrained.

thanks in advance.

i am in brisvegas

[huski]

I would advise consulting a professional behaviourist - I could recommend someone for you (I live in Brisvegas too), but I would highly suggest coming along to the K9 Force workshop - he doesn't come up to QLD often and it could be years until the next seminar! The first day is purely on dog aggression so it would be perfect for you pooch

http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=147561

Edited October 16, 2008 by huski