female bullying other dogs

anne

We rescued a female english bull terrior from the humane society. She had been found wandering a very busy street with 3 brothers. When we rescued her they and my vet said she was about 4 months old. She has been a great addition to the family and our other two dogs an elderly male sheltie and a 2 year old male pit bull mix that is deaf. Recently she has started to bully the other dogs she heads them off when they go out and growls while grabing their lips if they come over to me when we are sat down.  This doesn't happen all the time but I don't want it to get worse.  I do separate them and let the others go out first and I also feed her last. What else can I do to correct this behavoir and show her she is not the boss.

BulliesofNC

Welcome to the Forum!
Sounds to me as though your Bull Terrier is starting to become dominant of your other dogs. She needs immediate discipline whenever you see her show any signs of aggression. Had that been one of my Bull Terriers that growled at another dog I would have come at her fast with a "NO" and most likely give her a good swat. I would then take her away from the door and tell her she's no longer going outside while you allow the others to go. A Bull Terrier aims to please their owner and when she sees your displeasure in her behavior it will bother her.
Many have great results in the "Pin" method to curve aggression and dominant behavior. There are several topics on this subject within this forum.

sally62

I have an 8 month old ZoE she does the same thing.

ITZheida

I'm going to try this pin method. I'm hopeful it will work. I have been having the same issue.

Boyda

Congratualtions on your rescue! Takes a lot to take in a rescue, but they are completely worth it!

sally62

Ok so I have been doing the pin method with a stern NO. She submits right away so how long should I keep her in the pin position?

Boyda

Until she submits, or stops trying to get up. The first few times it will take a couple minutes.

anne

Tiffy does submit at the time, how long should I ignore her after she submits. She still continues to do it again, in you experience how long before she stops or grows up?

Boyda

I don't really ignore my dogs after they submit, once I let them up they ask for what seems like forgiveness I usually show them a small bit of affection in a really calm tone. And unfortunately, it might take some time for her to completely break the habit , but don't give up!

anne

I won't give up. When she's not doing this she plays really well with them and is so good, its just hard to see her being so mean. Thank you.

philsergeant

Typically EBT's are not "mean"... but you could be seeing what is just high spirited fun... Bullies play "seriously".  When our two decide to wrestle at the park or during a walk, passers by back off like there's a real dogfight going on.... with the apparent ferocity and noises, but then in an instant they stop, shake themselves off, one gives the other a kiss and they go off down the way, side by side.... it's just a high level of commitment to whatever they do.  Other dogs could also see it as meanness. If dogs or people are bothered by it, it's time to get them to chill and calm down.  (The Bullies, not the people... although they could chill too).