[Kat28]

I've just acquired a 4 year old ***** jack russell called Lou lou from a friend of mine. She originally came to my friend from a rescue home around six months ago so my friend didn't have har long. My problem is that normally she is absolutely fine with other small dogs but will give a little growl to bigger dogs which I think is normal for small dogs. And her temprerment is brilliant with my two kids. But today she physically attacked a dog smaller than her to the point of having to be draged away. Lukely there was no blood shed but it is completely out of caracter! She has had the snip so she's not on heat but I just can't understand this sudden change and wondering if you have any tips please? Thanks, Kat

[Aurora_Bell]

I'm going to copy and paste from another post I have made on aggression.

Aggression is such a serious thing, and if it is putting another person or dog in danger, than I would suggest you see a behaviorist.

But if that isn't possible,when your dog growls or acts aggressive, it's important to stay clam, do not yell or jerk leashes or hit. This is like punishment for him, and your dog thinks you are showing aggression. Aggression breeds aggression.

So when your dog starts growling, he is saying to you, I am unhappy, something is making me scared, something is making me upset. By punishing this behavior it's like you are saying to him that you don't like it when he gives you any warning. Over time he will stop giving you any warning and go straight for the attack with out warning. This is why so many people report unprovoked bites.

Aggression isn't something that is going to go away over night, you have to take it one step at a time, and be prepared for a lot of relapses. It may be something that is never fully cured. Professional behavior modification has very high success rates.

Next time you are at the dog park or visiting friends and another dog approaches, stay calm and do not put continuous tension on the leash. Your dog picks up on all your feelings, and if you are nervous, your dog becomes nervous.

As soon as you see your dog getting stressed, start talking to him, say something like "hey now..." or "come on" and start walking away, keep a loose leash and praise your dog for following you with a loose leash.

A lot of dogs bite from leash aggression, something you can try is keeping his mind busy with a small stick or ball or toy.

I really stand by the best command your dog can know is leave it. This will help in many situations. When your dog starts to get stressed a simple leave it can relax them more than any thing else. You gave your dog a command and he feels more confident because he has a job to do.


Obedience classes are a great way to establish leadership, especially in older rescues. It also is a great way to boost your dogs self esteem. It's important to socialize your dog in a safe environment. Good luck, please keep up posted or ask anything else you need to know! :)