aggressive dog

[pelican8000]

A couple of kids regularly take my staffy (Ted) and two greyhounds (Andy and Sally) out for walks. Yesterday the Ted savaged Andy, seriously injuring him. He stayed at the vets overnight.

My staffy has always been quite domineering, and has been agressive with Andy before. However Andy has always backed down (after a bit of a growl). I can only presume that on this occasion Andy did not back down, and Ted flew into a rage.

I am now concerned that Ted may attack him again. Has anyone had experience of this? My mum said I should have him rehomed, but in all other respects he is a little sweetie and would be sorely missed.

If anyone can offer advice I would be most grateful. Thank you.

[B00]

Not sure whether it's advise really, but you're not going to like what I'm about to say!

If he was my dog, I'd seriously think about having him put to sleep. Any dog that shows aggression to that extent towards another, especially another 'family' member can never be trusted. And quite frankly I'd be very worried about the safety of the children who are taking him out. Worst case scenario is that he'd turn on them, or if they try to intervene if it happens again.........

[andy-hughes]

I'm with Boo on this -

dogs are pack animals, and a natural leader will always emerge. The problem is, it's the nature of the pack memers to have a tilt at the leadership now and again, and as you have discovered, if the odds are in favour of one by virtue of breed and natural strength and agression, he will fight to assert his position, and make sure the challenge is dealt with. in the case of a dog like a staffie, this can easily mean maiming or killing the interloper.

So, you have to consider the safety of your other dogs, because this will happen again, it's pack nature, and you will never be able to prevent it.

You must also consider the children who walk your dogs. Dogs consider humans in regular close proximity as members of the pack, and in the case of children, the dog may regard one of them as a pretender to his leadership - and the results wil be the same.

You have to make a decision. Now.

[Twinkle17]

Hi Pelican8000
Firstly, I would not place the dog with children again. I know he hasnt done anything BUT its too much of a risk following his attack.
In my opinion I do not think putting the dog to sleep is the answer but I do think you should consider rehoming him to somebody that could work with him or provide him a life where he would not be able to do this again. Muzzled on walks etc, not in a home with other dogs / children. I have a rescue dog that was due to be destroyed following a dog attack, His life is limited more than most dogs, muzzled on walks etc, no contact at all with children but I provide him the best possible life I can, countryside walks, socialising with the people he knows best etc and he is currently attending socialisation classes, although I know he could never now be trusted 100%.
I would strongly suggest you seek professional advice on this one or look into the rehoming option where he would be with a trained professional or somebody that knows how to handle him. Im not saying you dont know how to, however, I think this is a better option than ending the dogs life because it is acting in its natural behaviour. I know it is really hard but it will be best for all of you.
Good luck x

[garner]

For a start what are two kids doing taking three dogs out...Second ..staffies do not like other dogs,they are powerful and need a resonsible owner with them,kids do not always pick up on the danger zones like adults do.Sorry to sound harsh, but its always the poor dogs that have to suffer when these things happen.

[Noweia]

Even in the meantime whiole you are deciding, I wouold muzzle Ted when he is taken out. It will prevent him doing too much damage should the two dogs decide to fight again.

Also, the kids should now be allowed to take out the dogs together again. Trying to separate two fighting dogs is highly dangerous and often the people doing so get hurt unless they are very careful.

[spangle111]

Has Ted been neutered? I breed Staffies and they are horrendous with other dogs and two males in the same household will fight for the top dog position unless one or both of them has been neutered. A dog and a bitch will live in complete harmony however.

As far as keeping them away from children - I have never owned a more tolerant or placid dog around children and my boy (un-neutered for stud purposes) is evil with other animals - we just walk him in remote areas and keep him harnessed whenever there is the slightest chance of meeting another dog.

Hope this is helpful - please don't destroy him there are other solutions but I would keep them apart until you have decided what to do.

[canislupus]

Have you considered contacting a Canine Behaviourist in your area. In the domestic environment it is you and your family that should be top dog and if they respect you as their leader then the rest should fall in to line. Until you have taken advice from a behaviourist keep the dog muzzled. Hope this helps

[tufty7]

Sorry but I have had my dog attacked when he was on the lead by a staffy , i ended up thrashing it with a stick , yes they may be cute when at home BUT when excersised they should never be let off the lead at all, they should never be trusted at all where other dogs are concerned and has for allowing kids to walk them , you are showing yourself to be very irresponsable and are putting other people, children and other animals at risk , dogs need an adult with them at all times.

[Girl_DogPatt]

i have a dog like this too, but hes not going for my bitch hes going for anything that moves, hes great indoors and managable on lead if your feeling strong and brave but his quality of life is awful cant let him off, BBS, bedtime