I need help desperately. I have a terribly aggressive poodle, full-blooded. I don't know where else to turn. Does anyone have any tips? My poodle is almost 3 years old.
Vera, I have an aggressive dog too. I understand the panic and isolation you are feeling.
But you're not alone. Many people are struggling with this issue. I agree with everything Susan already said, and I have a few more suggestions and comments.
Whether this dog is male or female, it should be neutered. You don't want to pass on the aggressive tendencies to another dog. And if it's a male, neutering could help to reduce the aggression. However, sometimes it doesn't make any difference if you neuter a male dog at such a late age.
By all means, consult your vet to have the dog's health thoroughly checked. And ask about certified animal behaviorists in your area. If you live near a university, see if there is an animal behaviorist there who might help.
Here's the address for an online group called AGBEH (Aggressive Behavior):
www.groups.yahoo.com/
You can join the group for free, post questions, and read what others have written. There's a ton of good information, and it will also help you feel better to see how many others are in the same situation.
For my husband and me, it helped when we took time to recognize "trigger" situations in which our springer spaniel tends to be aggressive. We avoid those situations with our dog. For instance, we never go to a drive-thru with him in the car, and we never give him rawhide chews.
Try not to hit, scream, yell, or cry. That only makes matters worse (I can personally attest to that!).
There are many types of dog aggression -- fear aggression, protective aggression, dominance aggression, etc. Ask lots of questions and look everywhere for help. Seek out local dog training groups and ask for their help.
Set aside all guilt, and toughen your spirit. You don't have to stop loving your dog, but you will probably have to change many of the ways you interact with him or her. Good luck!
zballoongirl
I, too have an aggressive 2 year old. Great with the family and a few close friends she knew as a puppy. A wonderful family dog and that is it.
I took her to 2 animal behavior specialists. One at 4 1/2 months old and a different one at 5 months old. Both told me the same thing. High risk and most likely genetic, which cannot be changed.
She was left abandoned in a car with no human contact for 6 weeks. We work around her. When strangers come she is put in a separate room. We walk her late at night when no one else is out on road. I have heard more and more of this problem with dog owners. We still love her very much.
Hi Vera,
You don't say whether your dog is male or female, neutered or what size poodle. If the animal is not neutered, that could make it more aggressive. Consulting your veterinarian is a good first step. It could be caused by a health problem.
Is your dog aggressive to you or to visitors? If the dog is biting you, other people or other animals, the best thing to do in the meantime is probably to get a muzzle so that no one is hurt.
Here is a link about a dog who underwent retraining. It might be something that would be good to consider.
www.adoptagolden.com/
Hope this helps,
Susan from ThriftyFun
Google Bach Flower Remidies or just Flower Essences. These are vibrational, non sedating remedies that help with emotional challenges or problems in humans or pets. I have 4 dogs and a multitude of cats. Email me if you want at Cox_28564 @ msn.com (remove spaces)
I'm in SW Ga too!!
Poodles full size where origonally breed to be aggresive as guard dogs . Look into that.
hey ,
i have the same problem she is growling and bitting family and friends though female toy poodle she was very sweet puppy she is 2 and she attacks she has made small hole in the skin sum times i am getting scared even though she is a very small !! PLEASE HELPPPP !!
Yeah I have miniature poodle too, and every time I want to pick her up she will bite me as hard as she can. I honestly don't know what her problem is. I have heard though that poodles can be pretty aggressive.
I, too have a Poodle that I adopted from a Rescue Group in Atlanta, GA. I got him in Oct. 2007 and have realised the problems he had right from the start. I adopted him knowing that he had Cataracts and not long after I realized that he was an Epileptic. My problem with him is that he attacks doors, people & furniture. Even just walking out of a door will trigger this!
I've adopted a standard poodle from a animal shelter 1 yr. ago. He was the most mellow dog you ever saw ~ that was until his kennel cough improved. He is very aggressive. Had him neutered, brought to obedience training. He has bit 2 groomers. Needs to be constantly watched with males. He is a little better-but far from perfect!
My minature poodle is also agressive at times. Sometimes removing his leash is a trigger, and sometimes just looking at him is enough to start the growling, snarling, and biting. I adopted him six months ago from a shelter and don't know what his previous life was like.
Very cute poodle up there! For me, toy poodles are the most entertaining of all.
www.dogobedienceadvice.com/
We have had two aggressive poodles over the years. First a standard female which we gave back to the breeder at 4 months of age on the advice of our trainer.
Then 3 years later we bought a miniture male poodle who had no problems biting 2 of my kids. That was the end of him too. we also gave him back to the breeder.
5 years later we just bought a 10 week old maltese pup. OMG the best pup. The other 2 dogs left me very fearful of dogs, but i was determined not to pass that onto my kids. Like the saying goes third times a charm.
I go to the dog park and the pack of standard poodles have attacked my German Shepherd. She's now afraid of poodles. It must be the breed.
My Charlie is the same way he is also a poodle. I got him when he was just a baby. I just never know what he was going to do next.
I have a 6 yrs.poodle. dog. He is very protective of me but always ready to attack my husband. That is driving us nuts and also his excessive barking. We love this dog but his behaviour is crazy.
