lexy bitten

[kybirkin]

My lovely Rhodesian Ridgeback Lexy was bitten this lunchtime! Took her for a walk on the field - met up with one of my neighbours who has a German Shepherd. Her dog is a little anti social with other dogs so both on lead. Seemed ok so both let off to socialise a bit more and her dog went for mine. Managed to seperate them and both back on leads but he still agressive with her if too close.

Poor Lexy just wanted to play with another dog her size! Small dogs tend to be nervous because she is big andthey don't expect her to be as playful as she is (bounces around like a Kangaroo!)

She has a small chunk out of her ear - good job she's not a show dog anymore! And a very bruised ego - tail between legs and ears down!!

My neighbour upset because she has tried everything with him over this - new behaviour since his pal passed away and he went for 2 small dogs at their friends house.

I suppose he could still be greiving and that is making him anxious/over protective of my friend.

Both she and I are fairly experienced dog owners and we don't know what else to try. Prior to losing his mate he was a little anti social but not aggressive.

Any suggestions?:unsure:

[angel1980]

I would suggest that if he is aggressive with other dog then she will need to keep him on the lead at all times if there are other dogs around, it isn't worth the risk.

This is a new behaviour since her other dog died you say? Was he ok with other dogs when her other dog was still alive?

In the situation where he has gone for another dog, what was happening just before that, was his body language giving away that he didn't want to play?

I hope Lexy is ok. xx

[kybirkin]

He used to be best buddies with his other pal who died -like brothers - hence the 2 of them never really bothered with other dogs as they had each other. Owner is very good and is aware he has developed this issue and keeps a good control of him on lead when other dogs around but seems a shame he can't play when he is so lovely otherwise. Now he seems only interested in his frisby.
Didn't in any way appear agitated with Lexy being around until leads were off - she went to him to say hello (as dogs do) and he went for her. We thought if we could get the 2 of them to be friends it may relax him around other, smaller dogs - at least with Lexy she is his size, very friendly and can protect herself hence why we tried the 2 of them.

Lexy seems ok, will check her again in an hour. Just feeling sorry for herself at the moment but she had a nice walk with me after and a treat when she got home because she sat really well when I had to clean her ear with antiseptic!!

just really feel for other dog as he must get lonely - wondering if it is anxiety now he has lost his pack mate - do you think he is frightened to be on his own with his owner, is he now trying to be the alpha male with her were the other dog used to be the Alpha male?

Kay

[angel1980]

I don't think he is trying to be alpha male, to be honest I don't agree with the whole pack theory thing, dogs don't really think in terms of heirarchy, they think of themselves and that's it! They aren't trying to be pack leader or anything like that, the other dog may have been dominant over the German Shepherd dog and he may have been subordinate but that does not mean that he is trying to 'rise above his owner'.

I think he may be finding it hard to adjust to a new situation, the other dog not being there any more but not necessary grieving as such. How long ago did the other dog die?

You said 'He used to be best buddies with his other pal who died -like brothers - hence the 2 of them never really bothered with other dogs as they had each other.'

I hope I'm not speaking out of turn but this sounds to me like because the two dogs had each other, they never really had the chance (or their owner may not have thought they needed to) interact with other dogs? What I mean is, because they got on great does not mean the GSD will get on with other dogs, if he hasn't learnt to while he was younger. He may not now how to and feels threatened and is aggressive due to fear (I think fear aggression is more common in GSDs rather than a lot of breeds).

I didn't mean to sound as if your friend lets him go around biting other dogs, sorry if it came out that way! I mean that maybe it is that he's not going to ever be sociable around other dogs so it's best to keep him on the lead, and so long as he has the chance to say 'hello' to other dogs on lead and so long as he has off lead times with the frisbee when other dogs aren't around that will be fine for him.

Your friend could try to make him see that other dogs are no threat by making him understand that being around other dogs is a good thing for him! Whenever there is another dog nearby really going over the top with praise and treats and stuff and making sure that whenever he seems nervous or anxious to calmly lead him away, then gradually increase the amount of time spent near other dogs. If he starts to associate other dogs with cuddles, praise and his favourite treat then he may start to feel less threatened by them, which I think is where the aggression comes in.

How old is he by the way? And is he neutered?

Aww poor Lexy, I'm sure she'll be fine. :kisshands:

I hope my waffle has helped a little!!!!

[kybirkin]

Thanks angel I agree with a lot of what you say and definately no offence taken - nice to talk to someone else doggy for a while - makes a change from babys!!

I agrre with what you say about the 2 dogs having each other and probably not having socialised with others particularly well - Isuspect that is the case but we have only lived here for a year so don't know a huge amount of their history. I also agree with the fear thing- it's what I was thinking over last night - I know this lady will always be a responsible dog owner and keep hm on the lead when others around so no worries there. Maybe will talk about the treat option - may work. Yes to neutered and ?5 in age - doesn't look particularly old and is a well cared for and fit dog - owners don't have children so plenty of time for there pet.

Lexy is ok - he went right through on her ear but it is clean and dry - cleaning it once a day with warm sterile water just in case but should heal over with a small scar. Better dash as she wants to go out i think!!!

Thanks for your advice - next session - how to teach a RR to fetch!?

Kay

[angel1980]

Sorry, only just seen your reply!

Erm, teaching retrieving, I'm not sure to be honest, I think it takes a lot of time and patience. I know there's a section on it in this book

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Culture-Clash-Jean-Donaldson/dp/1888047054

It's fab, I really recommend it. :happy72:

Hope Lexy's back to normal soon!