Frequently, when I work with a client whose dog is reactive to other dogs, I enquire about the household’s rules, boundaries, and restrictions. I have discovered that this response is caused by the dog believing it has more authority than it actually does for many of my clients.
When a dog believes it has greater or equal authority to humans, it will frequently name itself the security guard. The leader of the pack is typically responsible for providing security or protection for the entire pack.
My research has shown that changing the leader follower dynamic is the most effective way to stop a dog from reacting to other dogs because of this misunderstanding of its authority. This enables us to alter the dog’s perception of itself in relation to humans.
Adding structure—rules, boundaries, and limits—is a great way to change the leader-follower dynamic.
Gus’s guardians will be able to communicate to the dog the boundaries they want him to abide by by consistently disagreeing with him with these increasing consequences.
Gus can be taught to use these behaviors in place of prodding, jumping up on, or pawing at his guardians by being praised for performing desired actions or behaviors.
I ran the guardians through a leadership exercise I created a few years ago to help them practice using the escalating consequences. I repeated the exercise several times before coaching one of the guardians through it.
The first time the guardian performed the exercise, her movements and reaction times were somewhat sluggish and soft. It’s crucial that the guardian move back as soon as the dog begins to sit so that it recognizes and appreciates the movement. The guardian must also advance and continue to march directly toward the dog if it crosses the three-foot line. She should stop moving toward him once the dog is at least three feet away.
The guardian is essentially speaking the dog’s language by giving and taking territory in this way.
The owner must also keep in mind to hiss when the dog approaches the three-foot boundary as her first warning and to hiss loudly enough for the dog to hear and respect it. You should always begin with the hiss because, eventually, it will be the only response to objectionable behavior.
The dog was able to identify this guardian’s movements and body language because he holds a position of authority. Dogs can recognize and understand movements that are deliberate and sharp more easily.
Gus had the exercise largely figured out by the time we recorded the aforementioned video. I advised the rest of the family to carry out this exercise when they got home so that the dog would perceive all the humans as having the same authority.
The dog should be well on its way to developing the proper mindset for authority if everyone in the family practices the leadership exercise every day until the dog can sit and wait for 20 minutes before receiving the treat.
Gus’s guardians complained that his recall outside wasn’t the best, so I performed a quick recall exercise to give him some encouraging feedback.
The recall exercise can be practiced indoors, away from distractions, to teach the dog that coming when called is rewarded. Just like anything else, practice makes perfect.
Before we went outside, I wanted to perform the exercise inside to refresh the dog’s memory of rewards.
However, Gus was easily distracted once he entered the backyard due to his super-hunting breed. He was trying to play with some fetch toys with great intensity when I took them away, but this didn’t make him stop.
When my dog is concentrating on something else, I look for stronger attractants or methods to encourage the dog. I chose Riley, an eight-year-old female Beagle who is the family’s other dog, in this instance.
We were able to use competition to get Gus’s attention by only rewarding the first dog to come over and sit in the appropriate place when the recall command is given.
The owners can resume rewarding each dog once both dogs recall at the same speed.
We were prepared for a walk now that we had altered the guardians’ leader-follower relationship and given them the means of conversing with Gus and disagreeing with him.
In order to give the guardians more control while out for a walk, I fitted Gus with a Martingale collar and added the unique twist to the leash. Next I went over my rules for a structured walk;.
The guardian initially tried to stop the dog from moving in front by slightly bending her arm back. This is evident from the leash’s design, which is a diagonal line extending backward from the dog’s collar to the wearer’s wrist.
But doing so will only encourage the dog to pull more. Gus will learn the position his handler wants him to walk in by repeatedly pulling the leash up quickly and letting it go slack right after the correction the second the dog starts to move too far forward.
At the conclusion of the video, she made the appropriate correction with timing and intensity, and you can hear the dog yelp. This is because Gus is a little bit of an actor and the dog was caught off guard. If a dog doesn’t have broken ribs, using a Martingale to correct them in this manner won’t hurt at all.
Unfortunately, since it was a weekday morning session, there weren’t any dogs out for a walk. Thankfully, the guardians had a neighbor whose dogs could enter their fenced-in yard by themselves.
As it turned out, Gus had the strongest reactions to these particular dogs. Gus was led so expertly by the guardians as we practiced walking back and forth past their yard that he only required a few corrections.
Gus ignored the dogs and walked by their yard in a short while. The guardians informed me that this was a significant change from Gus’ usual behavior, which included barking, lunging at the dogs, and even nibbling at his handler’s leash.
Every few steps, we can stop and put Gus into a sit to help him calm down. It will be simpler to get him to sit in the future if you provide him with some encouragement.
Gus being in a sit when another dog nearby is reacting can have a positive effect on the other dog because sitting is a more subordinate position to dogs. In this instance, the sitting and stopping action caused the other dogs to do more than just stop barking—they independently entered the house.
Gus isn’t an aggressive dog. He merely believed he was doing his family a favor by “protecting” them from any approaching dogs. It’s entirely possible that Gus’s dog reactivity stops altogether now that the guardians are taking the lead and are able to communicate what they want and don’t want in a way that Gus understands.
I requested that Gus’s guardians contact me again in a month to see how things are going. The majority of my clients’ dogs with Gus’s issues responded well to changing the leader-follower dynamic. However, a follow-up session to introduce counter-conditioning may be required if they continue after 30 days.
What To Do
You really need to pay close attention to your dog’s body language because triggers can be almost anything. It could be something as straightforward as a dog or a stranger, but it could also be much more intricate, such as a man sporting a beard or someone sporting a particular color.
It is best to seek the advice of a dog behaviorist and get expert assistance if you are unable to identify the cause of their aggression or are having trouble resolving it.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup as soon as possible. Some underlying medical conditions, such as ear infections, urinary tract infections, and dental issues, can cause aggressive behaviors. This is crucial if your GSP’s aggression is a recent development that manifested itself suddenly.
Your veterinarian will be able to offer you some guidance and recommend a reputable behaviorist if there are no physical issues that need to be addressed.
It’s crucial to avoid attempting to handle an excessively aggressive dog on your own because it could be harmful.
NEVER use force or compulsion when training your dog. Punishment is not only dangerous and cruel to the dog when used to address aggression. Dog aggression typically stems from fear, so punishing it will only make things worse and breed unstable, dangerous dogs.
Some dogs require medication to overcome their aggression, in which case a veterinary behaviorist can help you without needing to make another visit to the doctor.
Make sure you know what training you’ll be doing. Some behaviorists support the use of choke and prong collars, as well as other cruel techniques, to deter aggression. You want to avoid all inhumane options like the plague. You require assistance from someone who employs non-punitive behavior modification techniques and positive reinforcement.
Never try to treat severe aggression problems yourself. You might get injured or escalate the problem. You will have to undergo a lengthy behavior modification process and change a few things.
In general, aggressive dogs cannot be rehomed, so if at all possible, try to avoid this. It’s crucial that you stay away from any scenarios where you or anyone else could be bitten.
Owners of aggressive dogs have some tough decisions to make. I applaud you if you decide to implement behavior modification. Although it isn’t the simplest option, behavior modification is unquestionably the most fruitful.
If your veterinarian recommends medication for your dog, don’t refuse it. If you choose behavior modification, you must be prepared to go to any lengths, which unfortunately may entail taking medication.
Consider this: you would take medication to feel better if you were depressed or had uncontrollable mood swings.
When it comes to aggressive dogs, one moment of careless behavior can result in horror, so always be vigilant.
Some claim that if you had properly raised your dog, it would not have turned aggressive. This statement is simply not true. The only thing you can do is control and work to stop aggressive behavior. This is especially valid if you received your GSP later in life. You wouldn’t be aware of the treatment your dog received in a previous life. Any fear instilled in them as puppies would likely later serve as the catalyst for real aggression.
If you’re willing to heed a behaviorist’s recommendations, you can contain and control aggression, even though it’s typically not entirely curable.
Please read our article Dog Bites Without Warning if your GSP has ever bit without provocation.
My GSP Puppy is Aggressive
Since German Shorthaired Pointers are typically such sweethearts, it is difficult to imagine that they would have an aggressive coat. Unfortunately, there are instances where a puppy exhibits aggression from an early age. Sometimes genetics play a role in this, but other times upbringing does.
Puppies often need to fend for themselves in the litter. The puppies will need to compete for resources when the litter is quite large. Puppies who are weaker and are constantly rejected may exhibit aggressive tendencies to defend their food and toys.
A great deal of GSP puppy aggression results from social awkwardness, fear, anxiety, and a desire to keep what is theirs private. If their aggressive approach is effective, they’ll keep using it to achieve their goals. It’s best to put a stop to this behavior as soon as you can and teach them a substitute.
For a thorough explanation of fear- or anxiety-based aggression, please see our post on the subject here.
Puppy socialization is vital for puppies displaying these tendencies. The most crucial period of your dog’s life is during the socialization window, which lasts between three and sixteen weeks. Make sure to introduce them to as many social settings as you can.
Please read our post, Too Late to Socialize Puppy? (Age Expectations), if your GSP is older than 16 weeks.
Read our in-depth article, Puppy Aggression: A Complete Guide, for more details on aggressive puppies.
Want to go it alone?
Some dog owners want to see if they can handle aggressive dog behavior on their own, even though we don’t advise doing so. Consider the NILIF (Nothing in Life is Free) method of training if this describes you; some dog owners have found it to be effective.
Here is the link:
FAQ
Is a pointer dog a good family dog?
An active and high-strung pointer from a working line might not make a good family pet. Some are strong willed and stubborn. However, many pointers are raised for competition, and dogs from these lines can make wonderful family pets who are calm indoors, patient with children, and good with other animals.
Are pointers difficult dogs?
Due to their obstinacy, distraction susceptibility, and excitability, pointers can be challenging to train for novice dog owners. When they are young and the owner is patient and consistent, pointers are easier to train.
Are pointers territorial?
The breed standard states that Pointers are dignified dogs who are never afraid of people or other dogs. They are also protective of their territory and family. They are therefore fantastic watchdogs who will warn you of any irregularities.
Are pointer dogs calm?
General Temperament Pointers are friendly dogs who enjoy playing with their families or going on hunts. They are focused and energized, but they also exude a serene, assured quality. Pointers are smart and take well to training. They have a little bit of wanderlust, so it’s essential to walk them on a leash.