male rottie

Question
My male rottie, 20 months old and un-neutered; has some fear aggression. It does not happen often, but if he is accidently touched, bumped in a way he doesn't like by another dog when they are playing; he will become violent.  I get his attention and he stops.  Just a firm no!  He is very sweet and protective.  He likes all the attention.  But when he has these violent "outbursts", I am afraid he may hurt someone or another dog.  He is not a "mean dog", he is just a little fearful.  Don't know why, he is very loved and protected.  He had demonstrated this trait when he was a puppy.  The vet told me what it was.  Any suggestions.  You usually don't see it coming it happens fast and is over just as fast.

Answer
Hi Mary,

Thank you for writing to me about your dog's fear aggression.  I think it's crucial to have your dog neutered.  Testesterone is a big factor in male aggression.  I've seen dogs change for the better, once they are neutered, especially if they are playing with another male dog.  Until this is done, I don't think there will be any change for the better and a Rottie is an extremely powerful dog who can do severe damage.  So far, you've been lucky in that you've been able to intervene but one day your luck will run out and your dog's very life could be at stake.  If he bites someone, even someone trying to break up a fight, your dog could be put down as dangerous.  

You write that your vet told you what this condition is but you didn't say what he told you?  Did he offer any suggestions about it?

The steps to take in my opinion are:  one- have him neutered and within 6 months the testesterone will be depleted and two- go to the section under dogs and write to the canine behavior specialists who focus on aggression.  They can guide you through this.  I would also work with a behavior specialist in your area who uses ONLY positive reinforcement.  This is very important...make sure what their approach to training is.

Please do not put other dogs at risk, or even your own dog before you find a solution to the problem.

Wishing you the very best,
Shelley Davis