Why is my dog 'going' for other dogs?

Question

He is a non neutred german shepard, 1 year old. We adopted him in decemeber and he has had 6 homes all together.
He was fine with dogs untill about 2 months ago he just started to then 'go' for them, anyone know why he is doing this? - Maybe it is because he is non neutred but we cant aford it at the moment.

How can i stop him going for other dogs?

Answer 1

Neutering won't make him stop.



The reason he's doing it, could be he was never properly socialized as a puppy (didn't interact with other dogs enough to learn the "language"), and he just reached the age where that lack of socialization is starting to affect his behavior. Or maybe as a young pup he was attacked by a dog.



Start with basic obedience training. You have to establish yourself as a leader. He needs to learn that he's not in charge, and doesn't have to protect you from every dog he sees.



He also needs the opportunity to interact with other dogs, but it needs to be in a controlled environment, with dogs you know are stable, mature and good with other dogs. You have to maintain a confident attitude during these meetings. If you are nervous or afraid of what he'll do, he'll know you are afraid but will think it's because the other dog represents a threat. The first meeting has to occur on neutral ground. Once he makes friends with another dog, he'll stop going for that dog. Once he makes friends with enough dogs, he'll begin to generalize those experiences to all dogs.

Answer 2

Incidentally if you are in the UK you should be able to get a rescue dog neutered free. Contact either the agency that rehoused him with you or the RSPCA or Battersea Dogs Home and they should be able to tell you where in your area.



1 year old is about the age that dogs will start to become less curious and will be more defensive/aggressive and if your dog is on his 6th home he is probably very confused. Puppy classes and gentle socialisation would be a very good idea but you will need to work on recall and obedience first. Ask around in your area who has a dog that is not aggressive but also not easily intimidated then ask if they would be prepared to have some supervised play with your dog.

Answer 3

Bathe him in oatmeal

It works!

Answer 4

Because you allow him to.