Is she set in her grumpy ways? Aggression question.

Hey Everyone,
Nike, my recently adopted staff x is great with people, house trained, sits, stays, comes and is perfect on a leash. I'm pretty happy with that! Those are the basics I need from her to fit in with our easy going lifestyle of hanging out and daily walks. The shelter said she was temperament checked, but.... Well.... She does not like other dogs. She has not onced pulled on the lead or initiated a fight, but the times other dogs have tried to say hello she's growled and gone to bite. This has happened twice with strangers. I've tried to introduce her to my sisters golden retriever, both on leash, calmly with treats keeping her attention, but the moment Pup came within reach, Nike cracked it!
Now I'm feeling spooked. Should I muzzle her when we go for a walk in case a random sneaks up on us? Should I get her to some training/socialization classes? I don't want to pressure her! I just want her to enjoy her retirement with me lol Im leaning toward getting a bit of professional help so I can better handle her if she gets upse. At 9 can she earn new tricks? Aggression is a bit different to "shake hands"!

I would try walking her with your sisters dog. Start with the dogs on opposite sides with you two in the middle and than gradually try to bring them side by side for the walk.

My dog Blue is the same with most dogs. It's a shame and something I would also like to solve as it restricts us in what we can do. I would love to be able to go on a beach and just let him off without worring incase another dog comes along.
The walk is a great idea, I have tried this and it worked. But the other dog was really submissive.
I am also looking to try and get a professional in to help. But it can be hard to find a genuine one who knows what they are doing and uses friendly methods.
Is there anyone in your area who has used a behaviourist and had sucess?

Hope you get something sorted , it will be lovely for her to get a few doggie friends to top off her retirement ,. I certainly wouldn't think about a muzzle though at this stage , people should always respect your space and as long as Nike is leashed at the time then you are in control.

Fingers and paws crossed fro you both

I wouldn't muzzle either. By all means try a training class, it could help. Don't forget that she will still be slightly stressed from the rehoming & this could be adding to her being defensive when other dogs approach.

Give her chance to settle into her new home then see if you have any very friendly, well socialised dogs (and owners) in your local park, even if it means checking it out by yourself first.

I wouldn't go with a muzzle either, dont like them at all. Does she seem to be food or toy posessive at home ?? Maybe try taking some toys out on walks with you to distracted her if need be.

Try using a long training line in quiet areas of the park to begin and see what her recall is like. Might be a good idea to start with this first and see how things go. Then start to build up the socialising then.

Hope all goes well, please keep us informed of her progress.

Jstaff – Thanks for the suggestion. We will give it a try – providing my sister will let us!!

BlueStaffBlue – Thanks, my sisters’ dog is very, very submissive, but also very, very dumb. Probably not the best choice when we try again LOL The only other dog I have had assistance with training before was an extremely excitable pom cross (since lost in custody battle L ). The trainer was great with her, but aggression is a different story. … There is a large vet clinic nearby and they have a behaviourist, I might give them a call. If anyone knows a good behaviourist in Melbourne definitely give me a buzz!

Dave/Caryll/Kathytake2 – Thanks guys. I agree about the muzzle thing. It’s definitely not something I would want for her to have to endure. I keep her leashed at all times when we are out and about. I might just have to cross the street when I see other dog walkers approaching in the meantime. She has no problem when they’re at a distance, it’s only when they get in her space. Kind of like me

I tried distracting her with treats and will keep doing that to keep her relaxed and focused on me when we do come across another dog in our travels. Nike doesn’t seem to have any interest in toys whatsoever.

You may get her to tolerate other dogs near her, but not get her to be 100% off lead playing with them.
She is a Stafford and a staffords history is what makes them little gits around other dogs.
Brilliant with ppl, just not all of them can be trusted with other dogs

You're right Denise, I'm happy with tolorance