ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, November 24, 1996 TAG: 9611250058
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-16 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Claws & Paws
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
Q: I have a 2-year-old Great Dane that has suddenly started attacking other dogs when out for a walk. I have him on a leash, but he is so strong that I can't stop him. I am 5 feet 2 inches tall, and weigh less than he does. He is very placid and obedient at home in the house, but he does rush up and down the fence growling at other dogs as they pass. After this unprovoked attack on a cocker spaniel I am afraid that the dog warden will want him destroyed. He has also attacked a Golden Retriever and a neighbor's cat.
A: Predatory aggression is often shown by larger dogs towards smaller dogs and by breeds bred for this behavior. Typically the attack is preceded by a chase, triggered by the victim running and not by any face-to-face threats. Predatory aggression is difficult to treat because the victims are usually cats and small dogs, whose own behavior is difficult to alter (How do you persuade a cat not to run when threatened by a large dog?).
You can try these actions:
* Increase your dominance and control over your dog, particularly if the chasing occurs when you are present and the dog does not respond when called back. One method is to repeatedly call the dog to you while using a long rope or leash. Initially this should be done with the dog on his own, and then in increasingly exciting circumstances. Reward him every time he complies.
* Stop aggressive behavior before your dog has seen his potential prey, or failing that, before he has started to run. I don't generally recommend shock collars, but this is one of the few situations where it can work well. These collars can be ordered through pet stores. Choke chains are not normally very useful as the sensation of being pulled at the neck makes the dog pull hard in the opposite direction. A much better device is something called a "halti," which is made of webbing and fits over the dog's head like a horse halter. It allows the owner to turn the dog's head sideways, distracting him and making him momentarily lose sight of his prey and makes him easier to control.
* Have your dog neutered. While this is not a guaranteed cure for aggressive behavior, it helps in many instances.
* If your yard is large enough, your Great Dane probably gets all the exercise it needs and may not need walks. Do make sure that the fence is sturdy and high enough to prevent either the Dane jumping over or another dog jumping in. All dogs are protective of their home surroundings
* If you do feel it necessary to take him out on a leash, use a strong muzzle so that if he does attack another dog, he will not do any bodily harm. Many dogs also become much better behaved when muzzled.
LENGTH: Medium: 51 linesby CNB