Protecting Mom? (aggressively) LONG

[ZachsMom]

I have read posts about aggression issues and have checked out the recommended sites dealing with the issue but I am still unable to get Zach to behave. Am I sending the wrong signals to him?
My friend watches Zach for me during the day and he has no issues when he is with her. As the over-protective mother I let her know who he doesn't get along with in the neighborhood. Well, seems like he only has problems with these dogs when I am walking him. She even takes him and her 2 dogs to the dog park where he gets along fine.
Some background: In July Zach was attacked by a 160# Bullmastiff (unleashed) as we were coming home from a walk. The dog approached us and Zach was not happy about this and in a matter of seconds Zach was on his back in the middle of the street being held down by his neck!! The dog's owner was no where around! I could not budge this dog off Zach and eventually grabbed the dog off by his collar, luckily he didn't bite me. Thankfully a woman stopped to help me and took the Bullmastiff from me. Zach had a puncture wound to his neck which required surgery.
He has healed physically but has become SO aggressive mostly when on the leash. I am nervous now when other dogs are around. I try to remain calm and tell Zach it okay but I think he can tell I am unsure. At the beach he will play for awhile and when I sit in my chair he sits right next to me and has to be on guard. If another dog approaches he gets defensive (hackles raised) but usually remains calm.
Zach is 7 1/2 years old and neutered.

[Linda]

So your friend can walk him without problems, but he acts out with you?

Our trainer explained that it's generally not a good idea to say "it's okay" to try and calm a dog. She used the example of Uncle Max coming to the door and the dog barking and growling. You say "it's okay" to let the dog know Uncle Max is not an intruder. What the dog understands is you're speaking in a calm tone and saying "it's okay," so it must be okay to bark at Uncle Max.

Perhaps unintentionally, you are sending the same kinds of signals when you meet another dog. If you tense up when another dog comes around, he certainly will sense that and take his cues from you.

Sounds like maybe the attack on Zach was more traumatic for YOU.

Maybe you should practice walking near other dogs without ANY reaction from you (verbal or nonverbal). It sounds like Zach can learn to overcome this.

Good luck!

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Linda
Remy -DOB 6/2/92; white male w/brindle patches;
Bailey - DOB 10/16/99; flashy brindle female
Shannon - 1992?-12/7/99 Flashy fawn; We miss her!

[Jan]

You are probably sending the wrong signals to Zach. As Linda said, by saying okay to Zach you are telling him that his behavior is okay and that is not the case. It sounds like a classic case of leash aggression. You are afraid when you see another dog and Zach is picking up on your fear and thinks that there is something to be afraid of and consequently he acts aggressively.

When you see another dog, smile, talk to Zach in a happy tone of voice. Pretend he is seeing his best friend and do not tighten up on the leash. That is the worst thing that you can do.

Good luck,

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Jan
Markus, dark brindle
neutered male, 6 yrs old

[Ona]

Do you like gum?

Chew gum when you go for a walk. Dogs can smell emotions on our breath. Dog handlers when they go in to the ring chew gum because they are nervous. And they want the dogs to stay calm.
Even though you may say "good boy, It's ok."
in a nice calm way. you can't stop your emotions over night.

buy some minty, or spearimint gum. and have a nice long walk.



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Ona
Derek-rainbow bridge at 14 and 1/2
Tyler-rainbow bridge at 10 months
Currently dogless

[MarinaS]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jan:
... and do not tighten up on the leash. That is the worst thing that you can do.

Good luck,

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Does this mean a dog behaves less agressive if its leash is not tightened up? Seems true to me - I noticed Tina growls and barks at other dogs and acts agressive if I tighten up on the leash, and opposite - if released she often immediately stop paying any attention to them. Perhaps she feels my strain?

[JoAnn]

Once again you are all describing my Samson, he too had a run in with a larger dog when he was younger, now he is EXTREMELY dog aggressive, he acts up terribly when I walk him, but the minute my daughter takes the leash he still is a pistol but seems to listen to her commands and does not give her any crap about it.