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Original poster

Getting scared now....aggressive puppy

137 replies

Idunnowhyibother · 07/08/2022 18:46

10 month old Bull Terrier growling at me when at home alone with him and has snapped at me several times. He is usually a happy sociable dog - good with other dogs and people. But just doesn't seem to like me....is fine with DP etc. I work from home so am with him all day but I'm starting to not feel safe around him. He's medically fine but goes into s sulk when DP is out. Today I am trying to relax at home and watch a film while DP is out with friends and his behaviour is just strange - he's slinking around avoiding me and has growled at me while I walked past him with his fur standing on end and lunged at me. Not a happy situation and I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

OP posts:
Original poster
Idunnowhyibother · 07/08/2022 19:32

Creepymanonagoatfarm · 07/08/2022 19:20

Was he on the sofa when he grabbed you op? He needs to be floor only.

Loose lead and pull him off every time.

Nope - not allowed on sofa. I don't punish or shout when he lashes out - I'm amazingly calm somehow! So no negative vibes from me. I do walk away after though. Yes he is a big strong boy but I have lost trust in him. We have no children but occasionally adult visitors who he adores. This shitty behaviour seems isolated to me really.

OP posts:
villainousbroodmare · 07/08/2022 19:32

That dog should be closed in a separate room while your partner is not at home imo. Certainly not in a room with you if he's behaving like that.
I foresee bloodshed and it's not going to be a nip and a BandAid either. Same will apply in his new home once he's attacked you and been moved on, only more so as he'll be older and even stronger.
I hate hate hate aggressive dogs - honestly, why? When you could have a gentle creature who loves his family and is a pleasure to be around?

saddowizca · 07/08/2022 19:34

Obviously get a behaviourist in pronto, but also if you do most of the care, he should have to work for good things. If you give him his food he has to sit for it first, and a smart sit. Also I wouldn't let him on the sofa either, he needs to know that you are in charge not him. If you are looking for a behaviourist the 'Dog Training and Support' Facebook page will have some links. Best to get the best person you can rather than a friend of a friend.

Creepymanonagoatfarm · 07/08/2022 19:36

Does your dp treat him like a ddog or like a human?

Awoooga · 07/08/2022 19:38

Sorry to hear this!

This does sound unusual but the dog is an adolescent and it can seem like they’re testing you and pushing boundaries.

Can you record a couple of instances and get a consultation with a behaviourist or IMDT trainer? That’s what I’d do first. See if you can find someone familiar with the breed as well.

Also have you spoken to the breeder, unless it was a rescue? They should be very keen to provide assistance or guidance where they can. You could ask them what were/are the dam & sire like temperament wise also. Any dog that shows aggression should not be bred from. The breeder may (should) have written in their contract that you do not rehome to a shelter but the pup should go back to them - mentioning as I see people have said you should rehome.

Sorry if any of the above has already been mentioned/ruled out.

Good luck!

Original poster
Idunnowhyibother · 07/08/2022 19:39

villainousbroodmare · 07/08/2022 19:32

That dog should be closed in a separate room while your partner is not at home imo. Certainly not in a room with you if he's behaving like that.
I foresee bloodshed and it's not going to be a nip and a BandAid either. Same will apply in his new home once he's attacked you and been moved on, only more so as he'll be older and even stronger.
I hate hate hate aggressive dogs - honestly, why? When you could have a gentle creature who loves his family and is a pleasure to be around?

Closed in a separate room is hardly practical when DP isn't around. This behaviour has only started recently and before he was loveable, cuddly and a total clown - in your words 'a pleasure to be around' .He still is...but had added sulky and unpredictable to the mix unfortunately.
And please don't presume I am going to rehome a potentially dangerous dog....

OP posts:
W00p · 07/08/2022 19:42

I don't know why people suggest rehoming potentially dangerous and unpredictable animals. The likelihood of someone being able to take them is very low realistically.

I do wish you the best OP, sounds incredibly tough.

Indoctro · 07/08/2022 19:47

Contact Southend dog trainers on Facebook. They are experienced with Bull breeds and you can do remote training.

All Bull Terriers are lovely dogs but not first time dog owner suitable as if it goes wrong , it can go very wrong. You definitely need someone experienced with bull breeds to help you.

Ignore your partner he is very wrong, you need proper help before you are hurt and the dog ends up PTS.

m.facebook.com/southenddogtrainingandwalking/

RedBonnet · 07/08/2022 19:53

Idunnowhyibother · 07/08/2022 19:07

I'm not prepared for 10 years of this! I'd rehome or PTS. It's like he only has eyes for DP/anyone but me and will not listen when it is just us. Yet I provide most of the care as am home with him all day. It's like he just about puts up with me....

Show quote history

[You said yourself you would rehome or pts]

You need proper professional help - try the fb page mentioned earlier - run by Sally Bradbury

If your behaviourist mentions top dog, alpha or Southend (shock collars etc) then walk on by and try a different one

villainousbroodmare · 07/08/2022 19:53

Closed in a separate room is hardly practical when DP isn't around. This behaviour has only started recently and before he was loveable, cuddly and a total clown - in your words 'a pleasure to be around' .He still is...but had added sulky and unpredictable to the mix unfortunately.
And please don't presume I am going to rehome a potentially dangerous dog....

I don't know how your day goes or what the layout of your house is like, but I would be a bit worried that he might suddenly decide to have a serious go at you, and if you're alone you could be in trouble.

I don't know why people suggest rehoming potentially dangerous and unpredictable animals. The likelihood of someone being able to take them is very low realistically.

Agree completely; it’s because most people don't have the balls to say "this dog cannot be trusted, is dangerous and should be euthanased". Plus, I suppose, there's the odd dog-whispering behaviourist who could potentially manage it, so in theory it's not impossible.
But OP isn't going to do that, which is sensible anyway.

BreadInCaptivity · 07/08/2022 19:54

Ok I'm not a dog person or dog expert, but this situation sounds very scary.

My reason for posting (because I can't help with the dog aspect) is that I think you have a DP problem.

Him minimising the issue and risk to you is very troublesome and frankly I'd feel very, very disappointed at his response.

I'm not joking when I say I'd leave him to it and walk away from them both.

You post the dog is only like this with you, but do you want to be in the situation where it "turns" on someone else? I'd never forgive myself.

I think you need a very frank conversation with your DP that involves him stepping up.

If he wants to keep a dog that is endangering you, then he needs to assess his priorities- especially going out and leaving the dog in your care.

I'm actually really cross about this. Has he no concept of the risks here?

Indoctro · 07/08/2022 19:59

No one uses "shock collars " anymore

It's E-Collars and they do not shock the dog, they vibrate the same as a mobile phone does in your hand and they have their place in dog training.

Lots of gun dog trainers use them to teach dogs from chasing wildlife.

Make sure you pick a trainer very experienced with bull breeds.

Dazedandconfused10 · 07/08/2022 19:59

underneaththeash · 07/08/2022 19:30

Considering that breed causes most injuries per dog in the U.K., I don’t think it’s a ridicilyus comment.

Show quote history

Erm no, labradors cause most injuries and that's because surprise surprise, there are just more of them around.

Original poster
Idunnowhyibother · 07/08/2022 20:01

BreadInCaptivity · 07/08/2022 19:54

Ok I'm not a dog person or dog expert, but this situation sounds very scary.

My reason for posting (because I can't help with the dog aspect) is that I think you have a DP problem.

Him minimising the issue and risk to you is very troublesome and frankly I'd feel very, very disappointed at his response.

I'm not joking when I say I'd leave him to it and walk away from them both.

You post the dog is only like this with you, but do you want to be in the situation where it "turns" on someone else? I'd never forgive myself.

I think you need a very frank conversation with your DP that involves him stepping up.

If he wants to keep a dog that is endangering you, then he needs to assess his priorities- especially going out and leaving the dog in your care.

I'm actually really cross about this. Has he no concept of the risks here?

I'm massively fucked off with him too. I won't be walking away if this becomes a deal breaker - it's my house not his (or the dogs!) So he can trot off if he won't take on board how serious this is!

OP posts:
PutinIsAWarCriminal · 07/08/2022 20:03

Getting bitten by a dog in your own home is much more common than many people realise. In my job I see quite bad, usually facial injuries inflicted by dogs on their owners or members of the family. You need to trust your instincts and not let your dh minimise. There are two options with this dog as I see it, either you personally work with a qualified vet recommended dog trainer or you pts. It'll end in tears otherwise.

FAQs · 07/08/2022 20:05

@Idunnowhyibother have you or your partner had dogs before, this type of dog needs an experienced owner who is kind, but firm with clear boundaries.

Mischance · 07/08/2022 20:06

Oh good grief - just get rid of it.

Hoppinggreen · 07/08/2022 20:07

Indoctro · 07/08/2022 19:47

Contact Southend dog trainers on Facebook. They are experienced with Bull breeds and you can do remote training.

All Bull Terriers are lovely dogs but not first time dog owner suitable as if it goes wrong , it can go very wrong. You definitely need someone experienced with bull breeds to help you.

Ignore your partner he is very wrong, you need proper help before you are hurt and the dog ends up PTS.

m.facebook.com/southenddogtrainingandwalking/

Why is this company suddenly being recommended on loads of threads on here?

Inthesameboatatmo · 07/08/2022 20:11

This must be so scary for you op. I've had dogs all my life some 40 years now including bull breeds and EBT. This ides sound somewhat unusual I've never had it with any dog and I've loads.

I will say he needs the vet first thing tomorrow to rule anything out. But the thing is I couldn't and wouldn't have such a reactive dog in my house. No dog is trustworthy 100% but there needs to be some trust iyswim. And I would've got rid at the first sign of this sorry.

You will not be able to stop him if he really went for you at all and could you honestly put up with it for the dog's entire life.

Some dog's are just aggressive no matter what and its the the truth. There is absolutely no shame in rehoming or putting down such a reactive aggressive dog.

godmum56 · 07/08/2022 20:11

two choices as i see it.....rehome or find an APDB accredited behaviourist and get the dog assessed.

Indoctro · 07/08/2022 20:13

@Hoppinggreen

Probably because they are good and experienced with aggressive dogs and knowledgeable about bull breeds ..??

I have a bull breed and I'm experienced with bull breed , I watch a lot of their stuff and I 100 percent know they know how to deal with the breed.

Bull breeds are great but if it goes wrong it can go very wrong. This lady doesn't need a dog trainer waving treats in the dogs face hoping it will do as it's told, she needs someone experienced with the breed before she ends up seriously hurt.

Jalisco · 07/08/2022 20:15

Dillydollydingdong · 07/08/2022 19:21

Re-home it OP. Things will only get worse as it gets older, bigger, and more confident. I wouldn't trust it with other people either. Do you ever have visitors? Children?

Of course. Let's rehome a dog that can't be trusted with other people.

But before everything else, what about the basics. How much exercise and training has this dog actually had? A bored and frustrated, attention seeking dog that isn't having its needs met can come across as aggressive. DP is described as being out all the time - working, fishing, or with friends. And you are describing a dogs behaviour when you want to sit down, watch TV, relaxing at home. Where is the dogs time in all this? It's a part of a family, but all the descriptions seem to be of other family members who have no time for it. A dog, especially a young one, is full of energy, full of "mind". It wants to grow, learn, play... I am not hearing anything about the dogs needs being met.

Hoppinggreen · 07/08/2022 20:19

Indoctro · 07/08/2022 20:13

@Hoppinggreen

Probably because they are good and experienced with aggressive dogs and knowledgeable about bull breeds ..??

I have a bull breed and I'm experienced with bull breed , I watch a lot of their stuff and I 100 percent know they know how to deal with the breed.

Bull breeds are great but if it goes wrong it can go very wrong. This lady doesn't need a dog trainer waving treats in the dogs face hoping it will do as it's told, she needs someone experienced with the breed before she ends up seriously hurt.

That would explain why they were recommended on this thread but I haven’t heard of them and then this week I have seen them recommended about 3 times.
Its a bit odd

QuebecBagnet · 07/08/2022 20:19

I had a dog like this, only a small Jack Russell size dog. He hated dh from the minute he came home as a six month old. I suspect he’d been abused by a man in a previous home. He was definitely scared of dh, would do the weird slinking around avoiding him if home alone with dh. However if me or dd were home he felt braver and would lunge, snap, bite dh’s legs (thankfully couldn’t bite through jeans).

We tried different behaviourists and it made no difference. Dh spent months feeding him bits of ham, dog was fine while ham was being given but would go for him As soon as the ham was finished.

Anyway he bit dh on the face one day when dh bent down to pick something up, dog was other side of the room and went for him. Dog was pts after that.

definetly try a behaviourist, one that does positive reinforcement.

QuebecBagnet · 07/08/2022 20:20

@Hoppinggreen theyre all over tiktok at the minute so maybe people have just seen their tiktok videos?