6 month old male is becoming aggressive with other dogs

SolidJackson

My 6 month old male is becoming aggressive periodically with other dogs. He typically plays very well with other dogs but occasionally he will pick a fight with another dog. These have always been dogs he is very familiar with and it occurs when I am around. I'm assuming he is questioning his place in the pack. I have read that the problem is probably that I have not asserted myself enough to be his alpha which in turn I have read will usually keep the dog fights at bay. For instance yesterday he picked a fight with my older dog over a stick, when I told him to stop from a distance he immediately backed down and looked at me but then decided to give it another go. I walked over to him very calmly and told him no again and grabbed him by the collar, he then tried to assert himself over the other dog again. He is not being especially violent during these episodes just a lot of growling and barking accompanied by lunging at the other dog, but no hard biting.  This is my first English Bull Terrier and I thought that maybe some more experienced people may be able to lead me in the right direction of what I should do? Any training advice? Anything is appreciated thank you.

BulliesofNC

The adolescent stages of a Bull Terrier can often consist of unwarranted aggression. You need to nip it in the butt too so he understands that what he's doing is wrong and will NOT be tolerated.

You'd be shocked how many discussions there are on this forum that are on the same subject. Read up on some of the past posts within the "Training & Obedience" section and I'm confident you will find a plethora of information that will help with training tips and proper disciplinary actions that he needs.

Please keep us updated on his progress!

philsergeant

Thankfully at 6 months he is but a pup... so you have much opportunity to correct him, let him know who is boss and that you don't appreciate his disobedience. Has he been neutered? Hopefully not. You may want to remove all treasures from the field of play until you have him back under control. As Steve says, plenty of reading material here... as long as you focus i don't think you have too much to worry about... Keep an eye out for the other wily dogs that may be pushing his buttons and instigating the problem.

venger

Thankfully at 6 months he is but a pup... so you have much opportunity to correct him, let him know who is boss and that you don't appreciate his disobedience. Has he been neutered? Hopefully not. You may want to remove all treasures from the field of play until you have him back under control. As Steve says, plenty of reading material here... as long as you focus i don't think you have too much to worry about... Keep an eye out for the other wily dogs that may be pushing his buttons and instigating the problem.

I think that last line is very important.

Dogs ,like some people, can wind each other up while maintaining a look of innocence.

If your Dog is simply backing himself up and defending his honour I wouldnt worry.

However its your Dog and your call.

There are boys here that know their EBTs inside out and will steer you right.

With me all I do is make sure my Dogs know I am Boss.

But I have no experience with this breed.

philsergeant

Yes. People are often tele-pathetic, but dogs are definitely telepathic. Older dogs can communicate subtle instigation in ways that are often undetectable to us. We wonder why an otherwise friendly dog reacts suddenly but don't know what he is "hearing"