Inter-dog aggression
Any physiological
component of the problem had been ruled out by the referring veterinary
surgeon.
Spot is a 2-year-old
German shepherd dog (neutered). He had a socially isolated early life
and the clients who obtained him as a puppy lived in rural area where
Spot had had very little contact with other dogs. Since being cornered
by a boisterous dog when he was young he has attacked all other dogs
on sight, dogs and bitches indiscriminately. This has become a real
problem since the owners have moved into town.
The male owner walked
him late at night when no one was about. The female owner had stopped
walking him at all, as she couldn't hold him when he attacked other
dogs.
Diagnosis
All the evidence
from the taking of a full case history led to the conclusion that Spot's
behaviour stemmed from fearfulness. Spot's breed is a factor - German
shepherds' have consistently been shown to suffer with fearfulness,
territoriality and aggression towards other dogs. Spot also suffered
with a lack of socialisation as a tiny puppy compounded by his owners
living in a rural area where he had little contact with other dogs.
The couple didn't take him to puppy or training classes, which might
have helped. He has also learned that attacking other dogs makes them
go away and this has reinforced the problem.
Treatment Plan
- Stage 1
Increase owner control, promote and reinforce relaxed behaviour, change
diet, muzzle train.
- Stage 2
Counter-conditioning and de-sensitisation programme
- Stage 3
Gradually expose Spot to 'real' dogs.
- Stage 4
Exercise Spot off the lead but keep him muzzled.
- Stage 5
Remove muzzle.
With successful
intervention from me, and hard work from the owners, Spot is no longer
agressive towards other dogs and the owners are happy.
