13wk old bitch aggressive meeting dogs on lead

Hello

I'm after some advice please. Last Sunday we got a rescue bitch 'Halo'. We already have a 7 yr old staffie dog 'Bert' and after our Mastiff recently died we needed a new companion for him. We contacted a staff rescue and were told about Halo. They wanted her to live with another dog and they said she had a bit of attitude and needed to be with another dog to teach her some manners. Anyway her history is she was taken off her Mum at 4wks and taken in by the staff rescue. She therefore hasn't had a chance to be taught social skills by her mum. she also hasn't had much of a chance to meet dogs out and about. When she is out on a walk and meets another dog she goes quiet at first then snaps at them making lots of stffie growling noises....when off the lead though she will back down to other dogs and roll on her back. when she first met Bert she growled and 'went for him' and although his not great with other dogs he ignored her and then off the lead when she growled at him he growled back and put her in his place. She met my Mum's dog and went for him then off the lead was licking his face! Went she met my sister's JRT today I got nervous and had my kids with me then she went for the JRT and I paniced and they got their leads tangled and ends up snapping and growling at each other fighting and this really scared me. SHe growled and snapped at two other dogs she met in park..and when I say snaps se leans right in and snaps all the way down their body. I have spoke to a dog training centre today and am taking her along to a puppy class on thursday but I'm really scared and I know this will just make her worse.

I would just like to know...is it normal for a pup to be aggressive at this age? Why is she being aggresiive? Is she young enough for us to 'cure' her?

Please help!!!!

Ok first of all she isn't agresssive, she just has no manners being taken from her mum at such a young age she didn't have time to learn any. She may be more agressive on lead as she can't "do" anything and feels she is trapped.

The second thing is you said you were nervous, and I know this sounds hard but you have to not be nervous as she will pick up on that and will be nervous wondering why your nervous...

The training classes will give her a great way to sicialise and learn some manners and if you could find someone with a placid older bitch she could interact with all the better.

It is hard to say why she is being 'aggressive' but I would say she is young enough to work through the issues.
I think you are doing the right thing taking her to training classes, make sure you fully explain the circumstances to the trainer so she can work with you and Halo.
There are also a couple of trainers on the forum who may be able to offer more advice.
Good luck for Thursday and when you get a moment can you introduce yourself in the new members section

Welcome to the board.

I wouldnt worry too much as at her age she is young enough to train out the bad behaviour.

As she has been away from her mum since 4 weeks old she has missed out on a lot of social skills and is protecting herself out of fear I think.

I think the comment about her feeling trapped while on the lead sounds correct. Many dogs suffer from this. It is worst for many when the other dog gets in their face.

I think you are doing all the right things so keep up the good work.

Well I took Halo training last night and was really pleased with her. The trainer brought her into the room and let her straight off the lead she was really scared of the other dogs and run around with her tail between her legs. Went she was put back on the lead she snapped at s couple of dogs but only when the lead was held tight and another time in an argument over treats. But generally she behaved well and I hope she will improve each week. Training wise she is fantastic...very intelligence and got the hang of sit, stay heel and recall very quickly. I just hope she will get over her fear of other dogs.

Only reading this now. Glad the puppy classes are helping Keep going it'll do both of you the world of good. She'll learn social skills and you'll relax and trust her more.

Great news Lauren, well done to you both

Good news and well done

Your puppy is frightened and has no idea how to handle other dogs and thats why she is snapping at them.

I would get a dog trainer to come in and help you with this puppy.
This is the reason I am a firm believer in puppies staying with mum and siblings for up to 12 weeks before going to their new homes. They learn so much from the litter environment.

Im sure that with some professional help, you can turn this little girl around and she will be fine with time and training.
Keep up the puppy classes, they are obviously very useful for you both. Well done!

First off, well done for rescuing! Your rewards will be huge
Seems like your doing all the right things and it sounds to me like she isn't being nasty shes fearful of the other dogs given her past, and in typical staffie spirit she things growling and snarling will keep her safe!

Training classes sound like the way forward and letting her off lead to socialise with other dogs is a good idea. That way she can just play and interact with them without feeling confined (which is probably why she is snapping on-lead). Its just nervousness and the more you socialise her and expose her to other dogs the better you will see her getting!

Good luck

Welcome to the forum! Great news - it sounds like she is coming along just fine. It may take some time for her to become comfortable, but I think you are off to a fine start. Thank you for rescuing her. It sounds like you are quite patient and prepared to offer her a variety of environments and opportunities to get caught up on her skills. She might be a bit behind in her social graces, but I am sure with your kindness and consistency, and continued puppy classes, that she will continue to amaze you with her intelligence and progress.