Fear Aggression. Help

by Lynda
(Trabuco Canyon, CA, USA)

Lunges, growls, bites other dogs when on leash on walks, has bitten people if they get too close, aggressive toward visitors in our home.

Also excessive licking of 1 paw no matter what awful tasting spray I put on. Ideas?

Comments for Fear Aggression. Help

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Mar 01, 2024
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Sadly NEW
by: Barb

Sadly, I just put my beautiful, 4 1/2 year old Coton to cross the Rainbow Bridge. She had severe protective aggression. I spent thousands of dollars on three big training classes, one for behavioral issues and two other "positive" training classes. She never barked or acted up when I was not present. Nor did she at the groomer’s or sitter’s - even when I was gone for 2 months. However, over two years, she bit 7 people and I promised myself if she bit an 8th that would be all. I had no confidence it wouldn’t happen again. I used to think it could get fixed. Unfortunately, I bought her from what I thought was a breeder, was actually a puppy mill and did not know until have I had her for 3 months and by then was in love with her. I have never been closer to another dog and I am severely hurting, but I know it was the right thing to do.

Jul 20, 2021
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Fear aggression NEW
by: Anonymous

Having the same fear/aggression problems. Treats, structure don't seem to help. Part is due to COVID isolation. His older sister was socialized regularly 2 years ago and is a real lover. But he just lunges, barks and shakes.

Looking for a trainer, but in the meantime any advice appreciated.

Apr 19, 2021
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Cotton aggression NEW
by: Anonymous

Yes, my coton is exhibiting the aggressive behavior. She will snap if she is mad. She has a strong alpha dog behavior. She is possessive of toys and head strong. My bad for purchasing her site unseen and not visiting breeder or interacting with parents of dog. I think some breeders just see dollar signs with these puppies (they are definitely expensive puppies) and quantity vs quality is happening. Sadly I think more dogs will show up at shelter due to aggression and inexperienced owners who believe all the wonderful descriptions of breed online as another poster had discussed in another post. Dog training is expensive for some I know where I live its over $80 an HR with a private trainer. Some folks can't afford that. Although if you paid $2000 or more for puppy maybe you can. Many dogs at shelter need adoption so please consider adoption because a cute ball of expensive fur can turn into a fur ball of nightmare unless you can afford the time to correct it and pay for one on one training to properly control aggression which you tubes are numerous but can't replace properly trained dog with qualified trainer. An aggressive dog no matter size can be a huge liability trust me a friends small dog nipped someone drew blood led to 2 or 3 stitches and cost my friend over $10,000 with attorneys fee and dog can only be walked with muzzle and if there is another incident the dog must be surrender and put down. Aggressive is no joke its serious.

Feb 06, 2013
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Banks NEW
by: Trish Page

My dog banks is having some aggression problems and I am really having a hard time dealing with it. He will attack my other dog just for walking into the living room. I try to stop it and he has and will bit me when I try to correct him. I have been getting so mad and I know thats the wrong energy to put out there but I have tried other things and it not working. I get the I need to be trained. The stress of his attacks makes me angry and I'm afraid I will hurt him if I smack his butt.

Dec 26, 2012
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Help for your fear aggressive dog
by: Iris Miller

Obsessive paw licking is a sign of stress, nervousness and anxiety. Don't put anything on their paws to make it taste bad. It's a harmless release. Instead, recognize it for what it is, maybe even boredom, take him for a walk,play with the dog and get the tension out.Distraction, exercise and praise works well for a lot of behavioral issues.
The growling and barking is because the humans ( me included) are not showing the dog they are in charge and to be trusted to guide their dog at all times. I know this is easier to say than do, because I am not constantly thinking of it, but I find the best thing is to stay in front of your dog, when on the leash keep him next to or behind you,If you keep looking down at him you are telling him your waiting for directions from him to guide you! If I keep him behind me, I notice when I go in the door before him blocking his way, he will stand and wait for me to say "come" to let him know it's okay to come in. That is showing respect for the leader/Alpha. I noticed that and I realized if I put his short leash on and then keep him behind me and go before him to the door to let someone in or out, he is not acting aggressive, just curious. He is still upset about anyone getting out of his sight because in Tuffy's mind, he;s the boss of the pack in our house.Gotta love em~ Learning "dog language" a day at a time!
love, Tuffy's mom Iris

Dec 25, 2012
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Aggression
by: Tanya

I am still waiting for my Coton puppy to arrive, but have been researching and did see discussion about possible genetic aggression. I read about it on cotonclub.org/Why_aggression. Another link on the coton club site says, "Beginning with Cotons imported from Europe in 1995, a very few highly aggressive Cotons have been reported. The CTCA closed its registry to European imports shortly after this." Just type in a Google search for "genetic aggression in coton de tulear" and do some looking around the web to see if this might apply to your situation. It is just something for you to consider in your search for answers.

Hopefully it is just a behavioral issue you can resolve with training and firm resolve. Best of luck.

Dec 25, 2012
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fear aggression
by: sherry cotton candie

This could not come at a better time, Cotton who has always loved everyone is suddenly turning to growling and snapping. I noticed it starting shortly after we adopted Candie.

I was thinking it was an attention gimmick and had been ignoring it only telling her no. We have always catered to her so I think that I probably am not the alpha boss.

Today she snapped at a lady who went to give me a hug. (I was holding her in my arms.) This is very upsetting to us. I don't know if she was trying to protect me or what.

She is two and this behavior is so unlike her. We have had Candie 5 months and I was thinking perhaps she was jealous as sometimes she herds Candie around the room and will keep her out of the bathroom if I am in there, or -- Perhaps it is just that she is getting older and becoming defensive.

I hate having to hold her while guests are coming and going.
She is so precious and everyone wants to touch her but I no longer feel safe in them doing that.

Will be watching for any suggestions, outside training for us is not possible unless maybe on-line.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Dec 24, 2012
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Itcy and fearful
by: Gale

I agree with DeMarie. As far as the aggression, this is one behavior that should never be taken too lightly. A professional is a great idea, because sometimes we don't realize that our own body language or habits actually enable the behavior we don't want. Whether you find a good professional trainer/behaviorist or try to deal with the aggression yourself, you have to be diligent and let your dog know that this behavior is unacceptable. I love Doggy Dan's online training - I've seen it work!! But almost any training will work if you are consistent. And avoid situations where your dog can bite someone until you're absolutely sure there's no chance for him/her to hurt them.

As far as the itching, this can be a result of so many things including insect bites, allergies, or nervous behavior. Your vet can help you identify the cause of the problem so you can take the proper steps for alleviating the symptoms.

Good luck and let us know how it goes...

Dec 24, 2012
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RE: Fear Aggression
by: DeMarie Rossi

Its very hard to have your little dog turn into a bit of a monster in situations - but it can be corrected - this type of behavior is caused by fear and the belief that you are not the pack leader. You need to get your fur baby into training or make a major effort to do it yourself. I would recommend a trainer. The training shouldn't just be when a situation occurs - you have to re-establish your leadership and that requires being in control at all times - even when your dog is being good - once your dog feels you are the one in control and handling situations they will become less fearful and aggressive. Its a hard fix, but well worth it :).

Dec 23, 2012
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FEAR AND AGGRESSION
by: KATHY FROM PA

I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL, BECAUSE TRICUIT IS STILL FEARFUL WHEN PEOPLE FIRST COME IN AND HAS NIPPED QUITE A FEW PEOPLE. I AM AT A LOSS OF WHAT TO DO. I TRY TO KEEP TREATS BY THE DOOR AND HAND THEM TO PEOPLE TO THROW TO HER, BUT SHE IS SO FAST THAT SHE GETS TO THEM ANYWAY...I HAVE ALSO TRIED A SQUIRT GUN, WITH SOME SUCCESS. ONCE THEY ARE IN THE DOOR, SHE SETTLES DOWN AND IS FINE...YET SHE IS TOO TIMID TO REALLY LET ANYONE ELSE PET HER...SHE CONTINUES TO BE SKIDDISH, AND FEARFUL. BUT, OTHERWISE SHE IS THE MOST ADORABLE LITTLE THING, AND THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, JUST WISH SHE COULD BE MORE FRIENDLY...SHE IS 3 YEARS OLD, I DON'T KNOW HOW OLD YOUR PUP IS, MAYBE OBEDIENCE SCHOOL? GOOD LUCK AND IF YOU FIND ANYTHING THAT WORKS, LET ME KNOW. HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM KATHY AND TRICUIT TOO

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