possible aggression?

Question
I have a neapolitan mastiff she will be a year old on 10/22. I have trouble trying to decipher whether her behavior towards strangers as well as new dogs is aggressive or her just being a protector. She barks at new dogs lunges while wagging her tail. I don't let her near enough to find out. She is not aggressive towards our other 4. New people inside our home never realy been an issue it's when we are outside she shows the same behavior like with new dog accompanied by a growl. Any suggestions?  

Answer

Hi Amiee,

Your dog is indeed acting aggressively towards other people and dogs. There are several types of aggression: defensive or induced aggression, dominant; possessive; territorial,  intra-sexual (female-to-female), predatory; or parental. A dog may exhibit more than one type of aggression.

Wagging her tail while lunging is just a sign of her agitation. She isn't aggressive towards your other four dogs, because they're part of her "pack", and people who are already inside of your home have your seal of approval on them. It's everyone else that seems to be a problem for your dog!

Given the size of your dog, she could cause some real damage if she ever follows through and makes contact with somebody or some other dog. This can be quite a liability for you.  The best (and quickest) way to gain control over your dog would be to work with a dog trainer. Your vet or local boarding kennel can probably refer you to a trainer in your area.

Until your dog has been trained out of this behavior, take preventative measures to ensure an attack never happens. If you're walking and see a person or another dog, turn and walk away (without saying a word to your dog!) before your dog even has a chance to react. Never let your dog off the leash, and if you fear she could pull the leash out of your hand when she tries to attack, she should be wearing a muzzle, both to protect whomever she's going after, and you (from a possible lawsuit). A basket style muzzle is the most humane, it allows the dog to pant and even drink water while it's worn.

Best of luck,

Patti