Sarge is a beautiful cream colored yellow lab. He is 22 months old and an absolutely wonderful beautiful smart sweet HARD HEADED intact boy. He lives with his Golden Retriever older brother Rocky, and they graciously allow my husband and I to live here too. Sarge has always been exuberant and outgoing but just this week he became very aggressive towards two different dogs under two different conditions. We have been through several training courses without issue and he goes to a group dog play several times a month. And while he tried to be a big shot at the dog play group he was promptly put in his place (he was about 6 months when we started going to play) and has not had any issues there since. He has never shown aggression with Rocky, (who is 2.5 years older than Sarge) nor with people, though he is still inclined to jump when greeting if not controlled. I walk both dogs on leash and have not had a problem like this before. Suggestions very welcomed.
Thanks Jade. I am looking forward to iearning about other dogs and their owner’s experiences in training their good dogs.
Hi there, can you tell us a bit more about the circumstances under which the aggression occurred? Ignore me - Just found the other thread on this
Hi Pippa, I have just finished your article on methods of training. Thank you, it was very informative. The first circumstance with Sarge was at a training class, intermediate obedience. I enjoy the experience of working with both my dogs around other people so I repeat this class with them-for me really, rather than them. In this instance a a young 16-18 month old recently neutered pup walked up behind Sarge, and Sarge growled and snarled at him. I moved Sarge away, but during an exercise the pup got close to Sarge again, and Sarge again growled and snarled and lunges against the lead. I am embarrassed to say I did everything wrong next. I jerked him back, smacked his ear and scolded him and moved to another place in the ring. He was fine with all the other dogs, just took an immediate dislike to the lab pup. The second occurrence was while we were walking in the neighborhood with my other dog. An older shepherd mix across the street, also on a leash, puffed up, raised his hackles and growled. Sarge started to react, and I nearly had him looking at me when the other owner crossed his dog towards us. In the owners defense his dowg was lunging and dragging him, and Sarge went totally bonkers. Lunging, barking, hackles raised. My husband got in between the two dogs before either could reach the other, and muscled Sarge to a distance while the other dog got muscled down the side road. We had seen and did see other dogs on this walk with nothing but tail wagging and a his little whine to tell me he wanted to play with them. Happy friendly Sarge.
By the way, I am Sue, Sarge and Rocky’s devotee. Have loved and lived with dogs all of my life. Sarge is my second lab, and Rocky is my third Golden Retriever. All others were Heinz 57....mostly Retreiver mixes.
