I have a Chocolate Lab mix that is sweet around people, but wants to attack any or every dog he sees.
How old is your dog? Have you socialized it with other dogs? Sometimes dogs mimic the behavior of their owners, so it may be worth having an experienced dog trainer observe you and your dog before making corrections. If you watch the "Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic Channel, you'll see it's the owners most of the time that are responsible for why their dogs act the way they do.
My lab mix is 10 y.o. now. It's kind of like you can't teach an old dog new tricks so to speak. Anyways, he's pretty set in his ways. A little history on him, I got him from a family who at the least neglected him and probable abuse. He was left unattended to fend for himself litterally. Then I came along and rescued him with the help of an agency and needless to say he became my instant best friend. With that being said, I spoiled him to death. He was accompanied by another dog I had at the time whom did not like him, bit and growled constantly at him so I think the aggression stemmed from all of the above factors. Yes, I used to watch the Dog Whisperer when I had the NG Channel, now no longer do, and to a certain extent I do believe that dogs learn their behavior from human interaction, however as a Consultant myself there is a degree of separation. For example, if you own a specific breed(s) such as a Pitbull or Rotweiller, those breeds are more prone to being protective and aggressive. What I have learned from owning my lab mix, which by the way is most likely part Pit, is that when he is walking alongside me he is more likely to be aggressive as he thinks that he needs to protect me for whatever reason. Case example is that when I've taken him to dog parks he has socialized pretty well on his own and does pretty good unless another alpha male dog gets in his personal space, kind of like us humans
My old dog does that too. Maybe your dog's an alpha male. My dog doesn't really like seeing other animals or other dogs and most of the time bullies them too.
My male dog is the same way. It's about socialization and also training him that that behavior is unacceptable. My female dog who goes on walks with him as started picking up the bad habit. So I've started taking a little spray bottle with me and when they go "Cujo" I spray them. It usually settles them down and they immediately stop. Although this is a temporary measure, the real issue lies with socialization and getting him use to other dogs. That would be a long term solution, and the way I've seen it done is that you want to distract him whenever a dog is approaching or you're approaching it, distract him with a treat and then when you passed the other dog with no "Cujo" reaction, reward your dog with the treat. Being consistent with this training will help his behavior become habitual. Good luck!
This is surprising for a labrador. Usually they are very friendly. It almost sounds like he is jealous around you and doesn't want you giving other dogs attention. Or, it could be because he isn't around other dogs too often. Perhaps you can try taking him to the dog park once a week. This way he can get used to being around other dogs. Keep him on the leash when you are at the dog park so he doesn't act aggressive around them.
I had a lab/retriever mix that did this too. She was a younger dog that we rescued from a shelter. We asked for a few training sessions with the shelter to see if we could do anything to make her less dog agressive and they told us that it seems she was never properly socialized as a puppy with other dogs. She didn't know "dog speak" and so therefore wouldn't know how to communicate with other dogs. Instead of going for the hind-end (like they are supposed to) she would walk right up to the other dog's snout, which I'm sure was intimidating from such a big black dog. Usually then a bunch of growling and snarling would insue. We introduced her to a friend's dog and at first it was difficult, but we started slow, having her walk behind the other dog, both on their leashes. We eventually got to the point were we could bring her up next to the other dog without trouble and gradually and with great care we continued to get her used to this other dog. Now she actually lives at a lake with my sister-in-law and her FOUR other dogs and they have a BALL together. Good luck, it just takes gradual coaxing and plenty of encouragement.
You will be amazed what an experienced dog trainer can do for you with this behavior. They will be able to understand your dogs psyche and change the behavior. If you cannot afford one, get online and do some research about this aggressive behavior and how to retrain your dog.
I agree! You can also get DVD's or CD's at your local library. I have a friend who is doing this right now with her chocolate lab who she rescued from owners who neglected her and abandoned her. She said that Roxy is doing quite well with the other dog in her house, but she does still have issues with anxiety and separation. But its coming along...
