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Heeler Bully with other dogs

19 14:41:26

Question
QUESTION: Hi..I am at wits end with my Heeler. He is 2 1/2 yr old male neutered..introduced to our pack when he was 9 week old pup..to a pack all neutered, 3 yr jack Russell male and a 13 yr old Corgi female..he was basically raised with them.
as a pup he showed dominant/aggressive behavior when in doggy park nipping  older dogs when they approached him or me, and basically stayed near me the whole time or followed the jack not friendly with any dog...I never have seen this behavior in all my dogs I have had MANY( first time with this breed) we stopped the park cus it just was not enjoyable for him or us..he now as he got older around 1 yr turned into a bully with the 2 dogs at home.. picks on our old corgi..if she does something he disagrees with ..like coming to us for a greeting before him ect.. and also the jack I notice is cautious when entering aa room if he is there with us we have to call him...they have gotten in fights but he never draws any blood, on the jack, but they are frightening, cus he is a very big strong dog.. other than that they share toys and play great together.. we do exercise them both every day.. he is just so dominate and a bully is this breed generally like this??? and I am concerned he may hurt my jack badly one day even though he is a member of his pack...All i know is this dog's personality is  TOTALLY DIFF from any dog I have had..he is so serious.. and almost has OCD does everything the same everyday... very regimented.. he would be great in the army we always joke .. any insight from your perspective to this breed since you are familiar would be appreciated...we did go to a trainer and she said this breed was known to be very wary of other dogs and people..he walks on the leash like a dream, barely needs a leash he stay so near..we only use it cu of his dog aggression we are afraid..the Jack used to sleep on our bed and not him but we stopped that cus i could tell he was getting jealous since he is so obsessed with me..or maybe he needs to see that another dog is top dog?? and we should continue.. i will try anything at this point.. thanks marlene

ANSWER: Hi Marlene, This is a tough question to answer without seeing both the dog and his relationship with you. You may wish to first explore any physical ailments that can cause aggression....i.e. thyroid problems. Since he has been this way ever since he was a puppy....I doubt it is thyroid.....but hypothyroidism does manifest itself as aggression. It could also be a genetic problem......but , I think my first bet would be that this breed of dog will take over being dominant if you allow it to happen. I would recommend working him in obedience(one on one) with an instructor that knows the breed and it's tendencies...but please do not use an instructor who does not like heelers.The dog must change his impression of you...it is possible he feels that you BELONG to him, so to speak.Do not let him show aggressive behavior. Fill a spray bottle with half vinegar, half water...set up a situation where he shows aggression...and squirt him directly in the face. Do this each time he gets into that mode......and he will change his behavior if you are consistent. Hope this bit of instruction has been beneficial. Wendy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: THANK YOU..yes I did take him in to vet , and he is good of health.. is this breed usually like this in your experience...bully and headstrong , the trainer I took him too kindof refered to that... thanks

Answer
Most "trainers" do not like ACDs because the dogs are smarter than the trainers! They (the dogs) will be extremely manipulating if they get even one foot in the door. That is why formal obedience training is critical. He will become the best dog you have ever owned with discipline, exercise, and affection...Wendy

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