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Author
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Topic: Black Lab Aggression
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JMcManus
Junior Member
Member # 742
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posted March 07, 2004 12:08 PM
We have a two-year-old black lab that is very intelligent. Unfortunately he occasionally growls at children and even adults he is unsure of. We notice his hair stands up on his neck when he growls but it also stands up when he plays. He has never bitten anyone but we are not sure if this may change. He has not been fixed and we are thinking of getting this done to help lessen his aggression. He has been to obedience school and is well trained in all other areas. We were told labs were not aggressive and we are wondering if anyone else has experienced this.
Posts: 2 | Registered: Mar 2004
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Diane
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Member # 701
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posted March 07, 2004 01:09 PM
well any dog has the potential to be aggressive. To say he hasn't bit anyone yet, is the key word, "yet"..
If he is "unsure" it's probably fear based aggression vs downright aggression.
I have dealt with fear aggressive dogs, and I can tell you this, I'd bet my bottom dollar, if a stranger cornered him he'd bite them. It's the 'fight or flight" defense.
Neutering certainly can't hurt him, but will not make the behavior disappear.
My suggestions? Keep up on the obedience classes. You are aware of the problem, therefore don't put him in situations which would warrant the behavior.
Growling is a prelude to a bite, it's a warning, I'd rather have a dog growl than just nail someone.
I would not allow people he is unsure of, strangers, push themselves on him. Let HIM make the decision on who to approach who not to. I'd never leave him alone with a child (ever ever) or an adult he is unfamiliar with.
I would be walking him in areas where there are LOTS of people around, but again, no one approaches him or touches him, let HIM become more comfortable with people around without interacting with them.
You may never have a dog who likes children or adults but it can be managed. If YOU know what triggers the behavior, it's up to YOU to avoid putting him in situations that make him uncomfortable. You can however work on having a dog who can go anywhere, do anything and mind his own business as it sounds he does in other things you enjoy doing with him
Just my 2 cents Good luck
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Diane @ Jakoda Acres
Jakoda's Bewitchen Sami CD OAJ OA OJC OAC NJC RS-O GS-N JS-O TT CGC HIC
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Jakoda's Jagged Edge (in training)
Posts: 20 | From: Connecticut | Registered: Feb 2004
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ellierat
Member
Member # 612
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posted March 08, 2004 03:31 PM
Yes I have the same prob. with one of my yellows, I have never been able to trust her with children, have no idea why she is like it, never been abused, and had her as a pup.
If anyone wants to pet her, I always warn them that she may bite, to wait, if her hackles go up then I say no, I let her sniff their hand first.
But I never let young children near her, kids older than 6 or so she is o.k., she has had obedience training too.
She is now 7, fine with my own kids and family members, the best watch dog I've ever had though, when I was living alone, (6 years) I always felt safe, no one would get past her, without me knowing about it.
My advise: If you can keep him without young children comming into contact you should be o.k.,
if not then sometimes it is kinder to have him put down, as was suggested to me for my girl.
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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