Help with Rufus' Aggression

Rufiorocks

Hi Everyone:

I'm new here and just wanted to say how happy I was to find this website, I've been learning a lot from all of your posts - thank you!

I need advice/help for Rufus, a 10 month old bull terrier that has become aggressive towards strangers.

I'll provide as much information as I can below about Rufus and his behavior (apologies in advance as it is lengthy but I want to give as much detail as possible):

Let me start by saying, I didn't know anything about Bull terriers when I got Rufus. I was on a vacation in Costa Rica and saw him at a filthy market, the conditions were terrible. I decided to bring him home with me to NY and give him the American dream.

Therefore, I don't know anything about his parents or their behavior. He was also very young when I got him (only 2 months). 

At about 3 months I started taking him outside and trying to socialize him. He was afraid of everything and hated walking. He would tuck his ears and tail and sit in place, I used treats to keep him moving. Finally he got used to cars and the noise from the outside world. He loved going to the dog park and playing with other dogs. BUT here's where I think I made a BIG mistake...everything I had read stressed the importance of socializing him with other dogs and I did not concentrate on socializing him with strangers...I figured he'd be fine with people just on his own.

Sure, I took him to the Vet, to my friend's apartment a few times, and to the pet store once or twice but I'm not sure if it was enough because I wasn't thinking about it- maybe only a handful of times during the socialization age. In retrospect I can remember people outside trying to pet him and saying "he's so cute" and he would always cower and look away or hide behind me. I never thought this was a big issue and imagined he'd grow out of it or that he just didn't like strangers.

The first time his fearful behavior turned into aggression was when he was around 6 months old. Someone at the dog park bent down to pet him, and he jumped and started nipping them...he did not break the skin but tore their pants. Amazingly enough I still didn't think there was a problem and shrug this off as a one time thing that went wrong. 

After that he started jumping and biting at everyone who walked by if they were too close to him. (especially if they were jogging or biking or carrying luggage). 

At 7 months he got neutered and someone told me this behaviour might go away but it got worse. I took him for an evaluation for a doggy day care place and when the guy came out to get him he tucked his ears and tail. The guy said he'd be fine but when he took him to another room and off the leash, Rufus bit his leg and broke the skin. (It wasn't too bad but the guy did bleed a little). 

Basically he's only OK with the people that live at home with him ( Me, my Mom and my little sister) --- He barks at any visitors and I'm afraid to let them get close to him because he might bite them and I don't know how severe it will be. Outside, I have to walk in a way to avoid people. I can no longer take him to the dog park (even though he loves playing with dogs and has never shown any aggression towards dogs) because I fear he will bite someone and next time it will be too hard.

It breaks my heart, because I really do believe that his aggression is coming from fear.

I met 2 dog trainers and they both said he was really dangerous ( 1 of them kept saying he was abused which I know is impossible) the other wanted me to use punishment every time he lunged at someone (like yanking on a choke collar)--which I read can actually make things worse??

I hired an animal behaviorist that cost a fortune and used positive reinforcement methods. She concluded by the 3rd session that he needs medication and said he is 'psychotic' because she believes that he reacts within himself and not to triggers in his environment.

The thing is Rufus doesn't give too many signs before attempting to bite someone, the only thing he does is become very rigid. Sometimes he barks, not always. The behaviorsit was using treats to get him to warm up to her, and I could see he was rigid the whole time but since he was concentrating on the treats he would not bite her. The moment she stopped throwing treats he lunged. She said that this was not normal because she didnt move fast or do anything to trigger that, but I believe SHE was the trigger and he had just been waiting for a moment for her to look away...maybe that isn't normal and he does need medication? I don't know.

I'm not against medication, but I just want to do what's right for Rufus. I know I've done a lot of things wrong - he lacks basic obedience and jumps up and nips at me sometimes when he wants attention, but I never see him as threatening...in fact he's just a big doofus around me. 

I'm very worried that his biting (to strangers) will only escalate and something awful may happen one day if I don't do something now.

Has anyone dealt with this? What do you recommend? Punishment, positive reinforcement, medication? is there any way I can cure this or will it always have to be watched?

Thank you so much!

Boyda

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, I have the same thing (sorta) with my Bt Jelly Bean, but I know she came from an abusive background. The first weeks of a dogs life are some of the most important as far as development, he could have been abused and that's where he gets his fear of people from. I would continue taking him out and about, but I would make sure to inform anyone not to pet him, you can purchase a harness online that can be labeled with do not pet so people are aware. I would continue slowly working with him, but have people approach him in an indirect way. Dogs need time to warm up, sniff and all that jazz, if someone comes up and uses a high pitch or excited voice, reaches their hand out and everything else we all do, that can be seen as a threat and you will get a bad reaction. He might feel as if he is cornered and will do anything to protect himself. It sounds like fear issues for sure, and this is an issue that will take both time and patience. Have you tested him for any thyroid issues? A lot of times a thyroid issue causes aggression and that can be easily curbed by medication.

Boyda

When I first brought JB home, she hide underneath our desk for a week. She wouldn't come out for anyone, and if my husband approached her she would start to shake. We had to work hard with her, as I also have a three year old, and she did make a nice turn around. I basically showed her all the love in the world and she became the best lap dog anyone could have. Her issues that we still work with are almost the same as yours, if a stranger approaches, she will bark and back up. I have to inform folks to leave her alone, and let her get her sniffs in before leaning down to pet her. If she backs up when you lean down, then just let her be until she is comfortable and start over. Sometimes people have an issue with me telling them to leave her be, they have this idea that all dogs should accept a pet whenever, but that's not the case and that's not how dogs are hard wired. Dogs approach other dogs and before any type of play commences, they are sniffing each others butts and everything else to make sure there is no threat, so we need to approach a situation in much the same way (minus the butt sniffing).

Rufiorocks

Thank you Boyda! Yes our situations sound somewhat similar, except I think Rufus no longer backs up or cowers away like he used to as a puppy. Instead he now lunges at people with hardly any warning so it's gotten to the point where I just don't let anyone get too close. Even if we're walking and someone isn't paying attention to him, if they just walk by us and they are too close he will lunge and try to bite. 

I want to try and work with him myself on this, and I've thought of having friends come over and just sit and not move and let him walk up to them and sniff them and see that they are not a threat, but I'm afraid that he will bite them even if they are not doing anything. I'm thinking I should buy a protective suit or something but they are very expensive. I also worry that even if he warms up to one new person after time, this does not mean he will see others as non-threatening. My biggest concern is for his future, because I feel that I won't ever be able to take him anywhere and I can't have someone else come walk him when I'm at work (I must depend on my mom since he knows her) but I'm hoping I won't have to depend on my mom forever...esp since I'm 25 and plan on moving out when I can afford it ...just a very stressful situation for me and him indeed.

I will have his thyroid tested. Also I forgot to mention his eyes get really red sometimes---blood shot, is this normal?

Rufiorocks

Good luck with Jelly Bean! Sounds like she is making great improvements.

Boyda

If you plan on working with him on your own, I would suggest getting a muzzle, they usually run around 25-50 bucks for a good one, also invest in a prong collar, if used correctly they do not hurt the dog. When you are walking with him, and he lunges at anyone, you need to give a quick yank on the leash (if using a prong), with a stern 'shhhhtt', then redirect his attention on you. I would suggest trying this with friends walking past at a park. Continue doing this until he learns. It can take some time, as a young BT is pretty hard headed. Another great method that a K-9 officer taught me was taking him for a walk and randomly change directions. If he doesn't follow, then another quick snap of the leash, this teaches him to always pay attention to you. Your main focus on training is for him to always pay attention to you. If you plan on having your friends over and he lunges at them, you need to make sure you roll him over on his back and 'sit' on top of him. This is showing two things, one that you are establishing dominance in the relationship and two, you do not approve of this behavior. You will have your work cut for you, but you need to be on top of it 24/7, cause he will try to test you as soon as you start to slip. I am not one for treat training on big issues such as aggression and lunging, but that was what I was taught by the K-9 Officers (my dad is an officer, so that's how I get my K-9 training connections).

Boyda

And the red eyes are from adrenaline, and are fairly common.

Boyda

Another note (I have many! lol!) I would suggest investing in a basic obedience class. You can get private lessons most anywhere and they do help a lot, especially for new owners. Also, when you work with him, you need to be calm the whole time, if you start to become nervous he will too. If you also need to correct his behavior you have to do it in a calm tone, if that makes sense. Nervousness creates chaos.

Rufiorocks

Thanks Boyda, I am getting him accustomed to a muzzle now.

I did not want to use the yanking method (because I read somewhere that a dog may learn not to lunge on a leash because he realizes he will get yanked, but this will not correct the problem when he is not leashed)...perhaps if I combine this with pinning?

What I am really hoping to do is correct the beahviour all together...

I am wondering if anyone here has been successful in stopping this sort of aggression all together...

Boyda

I am a huge advocate for the prong collar, but that's because I have seen such huge successes with it (again, if used correctly). Eventually you will be able to stop using the prong, as he will have come out of this stage, but until then it will be a vital part of his training. When I was younger we had this Rottweiler named Bear, he was the meanest little fucker, I have to use that term, as there is no other to describe him. I remember when he bit my dads hand at 3 months and all the blood! He had severe aggression issues, both with people/food. It took us about 3 months before he made his turn around, but during those months he was in a prong 24/7. When he had his prong on, just like my dogs now, he knew he had to behave. Dogs are smart, they know when they can push things. I'm happy to say he lived for 13 years problem free. I have read the same complaints about prong training, but again, I've seen great successes with it and have had zero problems thus far. I wouldn't suggest leaving your dog in a prong 24/7, as BT's can have sensitive skin, and I can imagine they are not to comfy to sleep in, but if he is able to be outside around strangers in it problem free, then that is already a huge improvement and you can start the next step in his training without a prong. But yes, I would use pinning if he is not in a prong.

Leslie

This is very sad because you could have easily corrected this when he was a pup and he all but told you he was nervous and scared of people. You have created a monster as did I with my boy but the good news is it can be corrected;) I would start with a soft muzzle and a LOT of treats get yourself some strangers and have them treat him no touch talk or eye contact. Do this till he seems relaxed ( a long while since its been going on awhile and he now feels its ok to react this way) any lunging rididity at a I would snap the lead with a firm no!! And lay him on his side I don't know about the sitting on him but on his side with one hand on his neck and the other on his hip as to control his movements. Do this as long as it takes to calm him when he gives up let him up. Repeat as nessasary the same when he's disrespectful towards you such as the jumping up and nipping at you be very consistent with this this is letting him know that you are the boss not him once he figures out that you're in controlthis will be a big relief to hI'm and take the weight of the world off his shoulders. I use a firm no to correct all inappropriate behavior. Once he learns this life will be much easier for you. I also am a fan of the prong for pulling this gives you much better control and I would also have him on a lead at all times for the safty of others and him!! These are just my some thoughts Bullies of NC should chime in I hope as he's helped me tremendously with my self created brat. Hes been around this breed a long while and is extremely helpful. Youve come to the right place. Keeo cool and calm when training him as he will read your mind and know that you're upset and he will feel that he should be too if you aretry not to expect the bad behavior as he also reads that to. Uou got a lot going on but these are a few of my ideas.

philsergeant

Wow! 11 comments in 4 hours... You are going to get a lot of varied input based on each of our experiences... And they are all different, obviously. The first thing I would say is not to worry or panic... I know it's troubling but its unlikely to be long lasting... Second thing is to not place much stock in opinions of those that don't have much or any experience in EBTs ... Even if they are experienced vets or trainers...EBTs are not other dogs. Ignorance is rampant. I would guess that he was abused before you got him, possibly by children or his breeder... EBTs have LONG memories and you are going to have to work them out. Third you HAVE to be sure that he knows you are boss...at 10 months he is still a baby and can be redirected... But he MUST know that he has to listen to, and want to please you... And you have to let him know, in no uncertain terms, that the slightest demonstration of aggression will not be tolerated, similarly upon every positive reaction he has to receive treats and praise. A muzzle if you must, but the help of some brave friends will be better.... I know the tendency is to be embarrassed and afraid of reprocussions and consequences .... And to avoid people more than embrace them.... He senses this and EVERY emotion you have.... If you're afraid of what might happen he will be aggressive to "save" you... I believe 75% of it is a reaction to what you feel, not what he feels. That's why brave friends are needed. If you hide him away it'll get worse... Expose him to a small group frequently until he accepts them, then add members as much as you can. No children to begin with... only dominating characters. They have to be work sessions, not chance encounters, where you can focus on behaviour and reaction... and deliver the required response. I do not believe in medication at all... At worst Benadril you take off the edge. Some morons would have you sedate him forever.
Tell us more about his diet, his exercise routine... he must get a serious "tongue hanging out" workout daily... And conduct your "introduction" sessions when he is drained. I agree with the use of a prong collar to ensure he gets the message as he's probably getting really strong now.

Rufiorocks

Thanks Leslie and Philsergeant!

Agreed, I wish I would have known the warning signs when he was a puppy but I only started doing the research when the problem got out of control. I always thought he'd grow out of it and didn't think the fear would turn into aggression.

I don't believe he was abused as a puppy because I got him at 2 months old, he was so tiny and helpless I can't imagine anyone having a reason to abuse him - but I did read that when puppies get taken from their litter this young it can cause socialization problems (?)

He was never afraid of me, when I brought him home he was really energetic and happy and loved to play with the whole family...only the outside world scared him.

I am going to try and get some friends to help me work with him. I've had difficulty accustoming him to a muzzle, I try to use treats and make it a fun thing..but once it's on he will just lay down and not budge, he also won't take any treats...(any advice on this?)

Also for example yesterday we were on a walk and someone was just standing by their car and he tried to lunge at them...(they weren't close to us and didn't do anything) usually he only lunges if they walk right by us, but this time the person was a good distance away...so I am worried it's getting worse.

As for diet and exercise I feel him Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet (someone recomended this to me and said it's good for Bull Terriers since they are sensitive.) I used to feed him Wellness but it upset his stomach and I heard it was too rich? I mix canned food with dried food. 

Unfortunately he doesn't get as much exercise as he should during the week because I work., but I take him on at least 2 1/2 hour walks and I have a yard where he plays during the day (but he usually just chews on stuff and doesn't seem to tire himself out much alone in the yard)...On the weekends I take him on longer walks and go to the dog park at night and play fetch...I can't go during the day anymore which is what I used to do because he has tried to bite some people there...

I read that bull terriers need more socilization than other dogs as puppies (is this true?)

I'm still sort of shocked that his fear was so great that it turned into aggression, all the people that were around him as a puppy were all nice, no one ever threatened him (unless this happened before I got him)... the only other thing I could think about is that when he was a puppy it was winter time and the people outside were limited (I live in a suburban area) but when spring rolled around crowds started appearing and biking, running...this is all seemed to trigger him.

Rufiorocks

I also wanted to add a little more about where I got him...it was a market in San Jose in Costa Rica, they had some puppies in the back. The cages were tiny and the water was filthy. Above the puppies they had parrots, and all the dirt and feces from the parrot cages would fall into the puppy cages. The people seemed pretty rough and mean,...I'm sure it must have been a traumatizing time for him especially since he was so little, but I don't think he was physically abused. He was really happy as soon as I got him out of there and didn't show any fear towards me at all.

Boyda

I think one of the biggest obstacles you have to get over is your own fear when you are out with him. Remember to always remain calm and collected when you are correcting his behavior. When he lunged, what was your reaction? He might be, in a since, trying to protect you, and this can be a source of his lunging towards others, the way to curb this is to assert yourself as the leader of the pack. If he lunges while on a walk, don't be afraid or embarrassed to flip him on his back in that very spot, don't let him get up until you let him up. If he struggles, keep him down until he calms down. Have you picked up a prong collar yet? Another issue is, you have no idea what the temperament of his parents are, which can be a big factor. I'm certain that he probably didn't have the kindest upbringing, but you can change that with constant work.

BulliesofNC

Lots of good information and guidance provided for Rufus.
One thing to keep in mind is that from the ages of 5 - 10 months a puppy can develop some nasty habits. I often hear about puppies in this age group having aggressiveness quirks even with their owners. Is almost as a test of dominance as the puppy is developing into maturity. Usually these negative behaviors go away when the puppy realizes their actions aren't welcomed or excepted by their owner.
Others may feel his aggression and fear exists from being abused. However, I disagree especially knowing hos young in age you received him. My opinion would be that Rufus may have been nutritionally neglected from 4-8 weeks of age. This may also contribute to his current weight and stature. Another concern would be that his aggression could very well be caused from genetics passed down from his parents. To me it sounds as though Rufus suffers from more of an anxiety and stress disorder which may stem from the development of his immune system. Often BT's like this develop some sort of negative psychological trait, i.e - Tail Chasing, thunder/loud noise phobias, and other fears.
My advice would be much the same as others have mentioned:

• Start using a muzzle and allow him to socialize with other people.
• Utilize the "Pin" method when any display of aggression is shown.
• I too think the pinch collar would be a good training tool for him
• Supplement his diet with a vitamin that will enhance his immune system. I use NuVet.

I wish Rufus was near by because I'd tell you to bring him over so I could spend some time with him. I understand you can't "Pin" him in public because people would probably look at you like your crazy. I also know that 99% of the trainers who deal with dogs don't have experience with Bull Terriers. There common approach to training Rufus may not be effective. I think if you find one or two of your friends and ask them for a little help it will do wonders. Bring him outside with a good muzzle on, and let your friend walk by him to see how he reacts. If he goes to strike then you can immediately disciple him in a manner like "Pinning Him" where he'll instantly realize his owner is displeased with his actions and he'll also know who's the dominant one in charge. Slowly start to introduce Rufus to your friend. Once he accepts him without acting aggressive bring in another stranger. As Rufus gets older and matures more you will see that his aggression will decrease and hopefully go away all together if you're working with him.

Everyone on this Forum will agree that a Bull Terrier wants to please their owner more than anything else including their impulse for any type of aggression. Use this to your advantage. I guarantee Rufus adores you and your family members. Let him know his current behavior isn't making YOU happy and will not be tolerated. When he realizes it he will adjust.

Rufiorocks

Thank you Boyda -

Thank you Steve!! 

Your advice and encouragement is very much appreciated and I'm feeling optimistic. It's true that I myself need to get over my own fear of what might happen when walking him. I think as soon as I get him wearing the muzzle I'll feel less tense. I've already learned to not keep the leash tight and I try to act silly and sing when we walk to make sure he knows everything is fine.

I'm going to look into the prong collars and get some brave friends to work with me. I am so happy to hear that you all think there is a good chance the behavior can be fixed. 

I hired two of the "top" animal behaviourists in NY, asked them if they knew about Bull terriers - they said they did, but I don't think it was true. They both concluded he was 'abnormal' and too dangerous, too much of a risk to work with unless I put him on medication first. ( I didn't agree ) - so now it's up to me.

I wish we lived near too, I'm sure you would know how best to work with him. I'm going to do everything we've discussed here and will post updates soon. Thanks again!

philsergeant

Rufiorocks..... Three things.... First, as previous... if you are nervous remember that leash is like connecting his & your bloodstreams.... he behaves as you are feeling.... So relax, start with friends, and be confident and IN CHARGE!... Second, I picked up an eight week puppy once and "front of house" at the breeder was all presentation... I managed to get a peak at the balance of the litter in the "back", which I was not meant to do, and the breeder's two 4 or 5 year old daughters were treating the pups like rag dolls, literally tossing them around, carrying them by a leg etc. Steve could be right and early nutrition could be involved but don't discount the above possibility... it you were treated like that for 8 weeks you'd remember.  The girly that we picked up lived with us for 14 years and, besides a surprising spell around a year old where she snapped at a couple of joggers, she was fine, except for kids... she ran away from all small children until she was about 3.  [ I only tell this story to give you comfort if some "ex-spurt" gave you a feeling that it could be "in his blood"..or in the breed.. no worries, you can shake it].
Third, most experts think they should bamboozle you with "I know everything", because they wouldn't be experts if they didn't ... doesn't mean they know squat.... There are no experts on this forum ... just people that love Bullies more than enough to get to know them a whole lot.

Boyda

I couldn't agree more @philsergeant, I have to say we have a one up on the experts, we actually have a passion for the breed and are caring for them 24/7.

philsergeant

You are 100% right Boyda... Except I think you meant 25/8!!