Our Rottweiler -- Ace, Shows Aggressive Behaviors Towards Our Gardener and Plumbers (Email Query From Dog Owners)
Email Query From Dog Owners
Question by Mike Murray, Location:- Redmond, Washington
I have read many articles in the Internet about dog aggression and how to handle aggression in dogs. Nothing worked well. I hope you might have a few ideas for me.
I live on a 85 acre large farm in the Seattle, Washington area. Our Rottweiler -- Ace -- is 22 months old, male and neutered. He was born in Russia and we got him from a breeder who has been in the business for over 25 years.
Ace is very loyal, calm, obedient, happy, playful and submissive, and very friendly for me and my family. We go on walks through a forest (on our property) every day that I'm in town. We play together and socialize a lot.
Unfortunately I'm required to be out of town every Tuesday - Thursday. My wife travels with me. Our housekeeper and her husband stay in our home when we travel. Ace knows them well and is comfortable with them.
But when other people come into our farm property -- to mow the lawn, plant flowers, fix a plumbing problem, or deliver a package, Ace becomes aggressive. And its getting progressively worse. Many people are now afraid to get out of their cars. My long-time lawn care man now carries a 2 foot wooden stick at all times, in case he needs to whack Ace.
If someone is carrying a rake or hoe or something like that and they turn towards Ace with the hoe facing Ace, he goes crazy and acts like he's going to attack.
I hired a dog trainer and Ace bit her on the first day (I was not present). But the day before the training, I introduced Ace to the trainer and he was sweet and docile.
When I'm with Ace, I never see this behavior. He knows that I'm the Alpha. But when I'm not around, he cannot be trusted.
What do you suggest?
Also -- I'm 56 years old. I've had about 10 dogs in my life. We currently have Ace and an 11 year old American Eskimo.
Response to Mike's mail
Thank you so very much Mike for adding value to our site. We are honored that you have liked our website.
You are lucky that you've got a good dog! Ace has behavior problem, indeed. This can be resolved, which obviously cannot happen in a fortnight. Males are more territorial and this is quite normal. However, territoriality is very common in the breed you have - Rottie. A certain degree of aggression is also normal with Ace, due to his territoriality. The problem is that Ace seems to be little more aggressive than desired and has attacking tendencies. Over aggression is a deviation from the standard behavior of any dog - regardless of breed. We assume that his bloodline doesn't have any history of overly aggressive behavior in any specimen. By this we mean his undesirable behavior is not driven by genetics.
When other people enter your/ Ace's premises, Ace assumes it to be his duty to play the role of a protective guard, which is by instinct and is nothing wrong - rather quite appreciable! The problem is, Ace doesn't know who to allow into his property. It is important that you should teach Ace who are required to be greeted well.
How?
Instead of calling the plumber and gardener, only when they are needed (once in a while), we suggest you to invite them more frequently in your house as your guests. When they will come for the first time Ace will naturally behave the way he usually does. Keep him on leash (short leash) and boss him as soon as he starts behaving undesirably with them. Give him a slight and firm jolt with firm command - 'NO' instantly, each time Ace behaves undesirably. Ask your guests to overlook his aggression and not getting scared. Help your guest to trust you and on your ability to control Ace on leash. Talk to them normally, and they should not be scared of Ace. Spend time with them interior, having some kind of snacks together. Remember, Ace is NOT the right candidate to get any treat from the table at this time. Keep Ace on the leash hold tightly. Spend time together.
Your guests will have to move out now... this is the second phase when Ace will exhibit problem behavior again. Hold him tight and give him a jolt saying 'NO' as soon as Ace stands, seeing your guests walking out. It is important to walk with your guests in your garden with Ace held with the other hand. It is suggested to keep your guests and Ace on your different sides. Keep him in short leash - ALWAYS. Walk together, and help your guests to intelligently ignore Ace's behavior and discourage him firmly to do that are not desirable.
This process has to be repeated multiple times and frequently before you can ask your guests (plumber and the garden man) to hold Ace's leash. Everything should be under strict supervision. Remember, the most important thing is to drive out the fear from your guests mind. Each time they are scared of Ace they secret fear hormone. Ace is smart enough to smell fear via the hormone secreted. This may sound weird, but this is a fact. Moreover, Ace very smart to sense fear in your guests by reading their body language. All dogs can read human emotions - working breeds like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans etc. are a lot more masterful in this than many other canine breeds. Ignoring Ace's aggression and not getting scared will fix this problem slowly.
I had the similar problem with Rex. Later I could keep Rex and my garden guys in a closed room :) It took me months to fix this problem.
This is more like a joint venture... you need cooperation of your plumbers and gardeners to socialize Ace. Also you need to cooperate with them (guests) in make them feel at ease.
