HELP!!! 3 month old bully VERY AGGRESSIVE

cmcmillin21

I have a 3 month old bully that is out of control. At first, he was a usual puppy with his play biting, but it as progresses into full on aggression. Mainly directed at me. He has attacked me on numerous occasions breaking skin and I'm usually bleeding by the end of the encounter. He just got home yesterday from 2 weeks of training and was perfect there, but as soon as he was here he attacked the trainer and also me after he left. I know it's going to be a process but it makes me nervous bc I have four boys, 2 of which are 3 and 1. If he ever attacked them, I'd never forgive myself. I'm almost at the breaking point. I don't want to give up on him but he is making life very hard. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Djammy

Wait a minute, you sought help and sent your dog away to a professional trainer to get it trained?

So far so good.

But what happened???

Was the "trainer" happy to drop the dog off at your place again after a few sessions, because he wasn't able to cope with a Bull Terrier or what?

Ok, seriously:

Did the trainer really work on the problem with the dog? And IF SO, for HOW LONG?
Did he tell you that a dog is not programmable like a TV and that once the trained dog comes back to your home, you will need to continue the training, because training is rather a process than a status and will not be finished after a only a few sessions?

And did he advise you, HOW to continue the training, meaning did he also educate YOU - because, you know, you're part of this relationship with the dog and the one to set the rules AND enforce them.

Did he tell you that your dog is acting perfectly normal for a Bull Terrier puppy? 

And how to manage the situation until your dog has matured a bit and the training shows more sustainable effects?

Did the trainer do any of this?

Because if not, I am seriously wondering, if you got ripped off by that "trainer".

Bull Terriers - even as puppies are strong and loaded with energy from head to toe and they like to challenge and question the rules. All normal. This breed needs firm and consistent, but loving guidance.

It's sad to see that you got hurt. But that happens to all of us Bull Terrier owners. Because they are just like little steamrollers, even when they are just happy and try to show affection. The important thing is to know about that fact, be prepared and get the situation under control by training AND managing.

Here's what I would do in your place:

- realize that my dog is acting normal, because it's a Bull Terrier puppy

- find a REAL trainer

- train and work with my dog myself after instruction (of a real trainer), because working with the dog strengthens the bond, communication and its attention towards me

- incorporating my training in every day life, take every chance to make problem situations a training situation

- use rewards to enforce POSITIVE behavior and show my dog, how I LIKE it to behave

- make sure my household is arranged in a way that my dog doesn't even get the chance to hurt my kids, even if that means that as long as the dog is young and untrained/ doesn't respond to my commands very well, the dog and the kids are never together. Or if they are, close supervision is in place. Limited interaction, only calm play, no running around near the dog and avoiding everything that could encourage rough play or the prey instinct

- if necessary leash my dog at home and interrupt EVERY attempt of dominant or rough behavior on the spot, EVERY TIME it happens, if necessary by giving the dog time-outs in a remote place of the house

- be prepared that training will take while (months at least) and the dog's energy level will not settle before it is a few years old

- seek my partner's help with the dog in order to pull on one string - helps to send consistent, unmistakable messages to the dog

Don't give up! Your little one's as cute as a button! And if you are willing to learn more about this breed - which there's obviously still a lot of room for - and are consistent, you will have the best dog you could ever find on this planet one day!

Ask all the questions you like around this forum, because here are Bull Terrier owners and they are all very nice and devoted to helping.

Your current problem however, is one that can't really be analyzed and addressed over the internet. With that your best bet will be to find help in your area and someone you can monitor the situation in person.

cmcmillin21

The trainer is a reputable trainer. He trains all types of dogs from German shepards to poodles. Trust me, I did my research when looking for a trainer. Now as far as him going away for two weeks, the trainer never once saw the aggression that he shows at home with me UNTIL he brought him home. We are planning on having him come into the home for private sessions as well. I do what I'm told when it comes to correcting and trying to show that I'm DOMINANT but he never really reaponds to me like he does me husband and he only ever really bites me. I'm just not sure what I'm doing wrong. For instance, when he becomes "aggressive" how do I correct that? Every time I go near him during that, he tears into me.

Djammy

Well, that sounds a little different than your introductory post.

Happy for you that things obviously are on a good path already then.

I already explained how I would correct it:

Cease every interaction immediately, ignore him and if necessary give the dog a time-out. The whole family. Also quit all wild and rough games - everyone.

If real dominance is actually suspected and it's only focussed on you, being the only one feeding him for a while, maybe even hand feeding him and using the food for training may be a viable strategy. Even though food should never be the only "bond" existing between us and our dogs, it is a very potent first aid to make a start and get through to them, get their attention and gain value in their view.

But I am sure your trainer will have all the professional advice you need. Basically, under these circumstances I don't see a point in discussing this here in more detail when you already have exactly the help you need and it is even coming into your home - which like I said before is a way better vantage point to monitor the events from and find good solutions.

swissmiss

I wish you all the best with this issue. Their behavior can be quite challenging. And when you throw in the fact you have a few children, it makes the situation way more stressful. Sounds like you have a good plan in action....good luck. 

philsergeant

@DJammy... as usual, great input... but, as sometimes occurs, the attitude and response to excellent advise is indicative of the inherent problem initially described.... it's all the tiny (3 month old ) puppy's fault. Great trainer, great management... gotta be the dog.

Djammy

It would not bother me one single bit to receive no appreciation whatsoever for taking the time to read a post, think about the problem at hand and then take even more time and try to give some advice ...

... if it were not for a living being behind the story and that uneasy feeling in my guts that the loser in this story - if there will be one - is likely going to be the dog. And often in such stories the dog is even the one being blamed for everything that happened. You sadly got that right @philsergeant.

We humans are the ones always claiming superior intelligence for us. But when it comes to responsibility, the finger often points towards the weakest link in the chain.

Curious.

I sincerely hope that this case is different and the cry for help was just a panic reaction following a messed up moment and pain caused by the scratch - and things are REALLY on a good path. I meant it when I said, I would be happy about things working out - because that means the dog will get the fair chance and treatment it deserves and the kids are safe.

cmcmillin21

I need to make it clear that if I was one who wanted to just punish the dog for his actions, I would have sent him packing at the first sign of aggression. That is obviously why I have forked out a chunk of change to look into addressing the issue that I wasn't and still aren't able to handle by myself. I also wouldn't have took the time to search for a forum where I could post my situation in hopes for advice because unfortunately, I don't have the trainer with me 24/7 to show me what I, let me repeat, I AM DOING WRONG. Also, I need those who comment to realize that I'm new with this breed. I have had dogs my whole life, but they were little dogs that were not anywhere close to my bullies' personality. It's obviously going to take time for me to learn so keep that in mind. We all have to start somewhere.

cmcmillin21

I also want to post that I am 100% appreciative for any advice given. If it came off otherwise, I apologize.

Jbird

I've had other breeds before (dobermans, kelpies, pointers), but my 9 month bully is a first. My partner had had them before. After going though the puppy stage, I can say that a bullie is certainly not for everyone. They are super affectionate, but show that with jumps, rams and teeth play. Sometimes they are hard to train. They require a lot more CONSTANT work and patience than other breeds. I just can't wait for mine to grow up and mature because the constant teeth on my skin annoys me. Ours is not agressive, and I am not scared of her.i don't let her near kids because I have seen her bowl a few over. I just keep the training consistent. The same message at each moment. Times I have let bad behaviour slide then to to back fire with the dog thinking it can get away with the undesired behaviour.
basic google search on dog behaviour and training would provide a lot of helpful tips.

Jbird

But sending a dog to a trainer wouldn't help if perhaps it is your body language that the dog is not responding well to. Us as humans tend to be kind and giving and I think if we are not displaying dominant behaviour the dog will place itself into where he thinks he fits into a pack. There may be some gentle or submissive behaviours you are portraying which may be contributing to the dogs behaviour. Perhaps take the dog to a training course yourself, rather than sending it away to be trained. Tell the trainers your problems, and perhaps they may guide you on how to hold yourself. I've been watching a fair few dog shows like Caesar. He talks a lot about this.
In my case, I recently had my best friend pass away. For weeks I was extremely down. My dog (or new best friend) noticed my down behaviour and acted up. She wasn't giving me the usual affection that I needed and that she usually gives, but being naughty (jumping, biting, chewing). Lol, my dog needs me to be strong and in a good place for her to feel secure, settled and behave well.

cmcmillin21

I'm hoping that in our in home training sessions he can help me with that.

erikashea

Oh how thankful I am to be out of that puppy stage! Bianca (1 1/2yrs) is my first bully as well and boy oh boy was I at my wits end, truly thought i was going to come out of it with no hair left. She was the most trying puppy I've ever come across, mind you i had never been around an ebt puppy. Defiant, rambunctious, stubborn and down right mean sometimes! There were times i was in actual tears thinking it would never end and i would have to give her up because our other dog was also suffering. Then i found this amazing forum and poured myself into research about the incredible breed. Wow this is actually a "normal" puppy phase?! There were many times i thought there's no way this is going to get better she's a devil puppy! There is a ton of great advice on here on how to deal with your little monster. For me what worked incredibly with the aggressive stage was the pin method and consistency. She doesn't get away with it today, she doesn't get away with it tomorrow no matter how exhausted i am. Let me explain how i used the pin method (and still do every so often) because it can be quite confusing and will take a few goes to master...
The first sign of undesired behavior i would give a strong loud "NO BITING!". Our worst thing was the biting with the razor sharp teeth so i will use that. If she would come at me and bite me yet again i would then grab her and lay her on her side while saying " no biting!" still loud and firm. The most effective way to keep her in the pin position is to be behind while gently but firmly (so there is no wiggling away) holding one hand at the back of the neck and the other hand holding down the bum. I would reiterate "no biting" once in the position. Your pup will buck like a bronco initially but you must continue to hold until they are calm. Once Bianca calmed down and realized she wasn't going anywhere she would let out a massive sigh, at this point i would start to stroke her face, head and neck (keeping the bum hand still firm) while telling her in a soft soothing voice "good girl no biting, that's a good girl no biting" and i would kiss her cheek. Once the both of you are calm then you should let the puppy up and resume play. And i say the both of you because for me this also calmed me down in the midst of chaos! You cannot teach calm if you are not displaying the same calm behavior you are expecting.She soon understood that this would happen every single time she would bite and the pinning became less and less. One important thing to keep in mind is that you will not see results the very first time or even day for that matter BUT if you are consistent with this i assure you that you will see a change within the first week. Fast forward...at 9 months during Bianca's first heat cycle i noticed a tremendous change in her behavior, must be the hormones. She had a calmer demeanor and wasn't getting in AS MUCH trouble. My sweet, snuggly, lovely, gorgeous and amazing little girl is now 1 1/2 yrs and i couldn't be more proud to be her mommy!! She's still rambunctious and mischievous but that's what i adore about her :x i wish you the best of luck, hang in there the reward is simply amazing! If you decide to try my advice please let me know on your progress!

philsergeant

@erikashea ... What a wonderful tale, and such a wonderful photo... it almost brings you to tears when you see how a "terrible' relationship can turn into such a deep meaningful relationship.... like everything else, it's all about setting the right tempo FOR the relationship and strongly moving forward. I am so glad the Forum helped you and PROMISE that, if you promise to post another update in another year and a half time, you will be telling us of how this fantastic love between the two of you has deepened even further,,, Thanx so much for sharing!!!!!!

Jbird

Yes, that was a beautiful story, and it reminded me a lot of my gorgeous little girl. Especially the bit where you gave her a little kiss on the cheek. I'm doing that all the time because she's just beautiful and I am so blessed to have such a gorgeous soul in my life. I'm loving watching her stick her head in our freshly cut Christmas tree. She comes out smelling like fresh pine. Lol.

BulliesofNC

Bull Terriers certainly go through one hell of a rebellious stage when they are in their adolescent stages. Some more than others. Many of the Rescue Bull Terriers you will find that are up for adoption just so happen to be in the ages where they have a tendency to be at their worst. Sadly, as a Bull Terrier gets bigger and bigger owners unfamiliar with the breed convince themselves that their Bull Terrier is out of control, not normal, and displaying unwarranted aggression that has the owner scared for their future safety. Some of these owners most likely received the wrong advice about their Bull Terrier and most likely didn't use any effective training techniques to teach their Bull Terrier acceptable behavior.

What's funny is when people meet my Bull Terriers and say "Wow, they are so well behaved with such wonderful personalities" I can't help chuckling remembering how a couple of them were such tyrants as puppies. Now, as mature adults, I wouldn't be able to get my Bullies to display any type of aggressive behavior even if I wanted them too. Just the simple act of raising my voice when they are rough housing in the house or annoying a guest trying by begging to receive affection causes immediate reaction that they understand which causes them to correct themselves. Nothing beats having a well behaved Bull Terrier but that result comes after many ankle biting occurrences and tests of dominance from a rebellious wild puppy that was simply in need of training and maturity.

This is a good discussion to "Bookmark" because you bet your last dollar there will be plenty of others in the future who will initiate a New Discussion on the same topic from someone deeply concerned about the behavior, aggression, and dominance being displayed by their young EBT.

corey90260

I've had other breeds before (dobermans, kelpies, pointers), but my 9 month bully is a first. My partner had had them before. After going though the puppy stage, I can say that a bullie is certainly not for everyone. They are super affectionate, but show that with jumps, rams and teeth play. Sometimes they are hard to train. They require a lot more CONSTANT work and patience than other breeds. I just can't wait for mine to grow up and mature because the constant teeth on my skin annoys me. Ours is not agressive, and I am not scared of her.i don't let her near kids because I have seen her bowl a few over. I just keep the training consistent. The same message at each moment. Times I have let bad behaviour slide then to to back fire with the dog thinking it can get away with the undesired behaviour.
basic google search on dog behaviour and training would provide a lot of helpful tips.

So agree with you I have 2 pit bulls 8 and 9 years old and a new 6 month old mini bull terrier . The pit bulls were so much easier . Since getting the mini I have a whole new appreciation for them. I am tired of the mouthy biting too but I love her and yes it is a ton of work but I can see small changes every day .

corey90260

I can't even imagine having a full size one my little 30 pound mini wears me out

BulliesofNC

I love all dogs and I love the Mini BT's too. However, I will admit that the Mini BT are a lot more energetic and hyper. They also have more health concerns than Standard Bull Terriers. Personally I prefer a nice big Bull Type Standard Bull Terrier which are much easy to train and a lot more manageable and obedient.

Sometimes I meet people who tell me they want a Bull Terrier but prefer a small one because they aren't sure they could handle a 65 pound Big Boy. Often when I hear this I can't help chuckling a little to myself because I have had some serious workouts walking some small 45 pound Bull Terriers who pull like freight trains and are on the go at 100 mph. There's no question that the more "Terrier" type Bull Terriers are far more gamey and active. They are certainly smaller but they are much more difficult to handle and raise. What's funny is that I have absolutely no problem at all walking a 80 pound Bullie who enjoys walking by my side and is so much calmer than some of the "wild child" terrier types that are 30 pounds lighter.

I guess bloodline and "type" have a lot to do with the hyperness of any dog. When it comes to Bull Terriers it's often difficult to label them with certain traits when in reality it boils down to the qualities and bloodlines of each individual dog.