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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: Ever since my
2-year-old miniature dachshund was jumped by a German shepherd, he’s been
aggressive around large dogs. He’s friendly with small dogs and most medium-sized
dogs. I’m worried that one day a large dog won’t tolerate that aggression.
How can I keep my dog calmer on our walks? — A.L., Boca Raton, Fla.
A: You’re right to
worry. First, let’s point out, what your witnessing isn’t bold aggression,
but fear.
From the dog’s point
of view, he has a good reason to be afraid. Let’s say you were jumped
and attacked by a funny-looking bearded guy in a Bolero hat. Now you’re
cautious — maybe even afraid — of funny-looking bearded guys in Bolero
hats. Your dog is fearful of any pooch with a sort of German shepherd
physique.
However, Middleton,
N.Y., trainer Faibian (cq) Robinson notes, owners often magnify the problem
by tensing up on a dog’s leash, picking up small dogs and coddling them,
or even with body language. The message the dog gets is that it has a
good reason to be fearful.
Menomonee Falls,
Wis.-based trainer and behaviorist Chris Bach says to teach your dog what
she calls "the eye game." The idea is to train the dog to focus
on you. You do this by petting the dog, giving him treats, or even allowing
him out of the house, or to cross the street, or to hop on the couch only
when he looks at you. Even hand-feed your dog at least some of its food,
offering kibble only when the pet looks at you. Dogs pick up on this quickly.
More challenging will be to get your dog to focus on you when large dogs
are around.
Start with large
dogs a half block away, or at whatever distance your dachshund notices
but doesn’t react to them. Tell your dog, "Sit, look at me."
Offer special treats for compliance, but not every time. Over time — and
we’re talking many weeks — get closer and closer to other large dogs.
And go through the same routine. If your dog gets distracted, shorten
up on the leash and wait him out until he sits and looks at you. There’s
no need for heavy duty yanking at the leash.
The idea is to give
the dog something better to do than react by snarling at the big dogs;
to teach him that nothing will happen to him; and to train him to look
to you for guidance when he wants something.
Meanwhile, avoid
close contact with large dogs, so your dog isn’t reminded of his fearful
response. And invite dogs your pooch likes over for play parties to give
him additional confidence.
As with any aggressive
canine, if you don’t note improvement, it’s best to recruit hands-on help
from a professional trainer.
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