How can we change agressive behavior in a one year old boston terrier?

My husband and I recebtly adopted a one year old boston terrier from a family. The boston terrier was being adopted out because the families 3 boston terrier were shredding each other to bits. (litterally with tons of scars and blood). We were told that the BT was great with kids and other female dogs. We have the BT for 2 weeks now and he is adorable, has a great personality and is sooo cute, but whenever we walk him and he sees or hears other dogs, he freaks and barks this high pitch bark. (it's embarassing) and yesterday, we brought our BT to a family who had a female pug (since we were told that he gets along with female dogs). --well, the dogs barked and fought, my husband got bitten by our dog. Thankfully the BT has no rabies.. We also notice that our BT does not like to be moved when sleeping and growls at us and that would bark at playing kids and twice he barked at kids who wanted to pet him. -- How do we discipline or train a traumatized Boston Terrier?! Help?!How can we change agressive behavior in a one year old boston terrier?
he's not traumatized for one. he's been allowed to continue this behavior for too long. you have a lot of work on your hands that's for sure.



the people who gave him to you weren't honest with you. often dogs that are that aggressive with other dogs are very dominant and have problem behaviors. you don't think they were getting rid of the favorite one do you? of course not, they were getting rid of the problem child.



and you should have researched this breed and what you were getting before you put other dogs and people at risk. please stop doing that until these behaviors can be worked on.





contact a professional behaviorist. a group class is not going to be best for this dog or you at this point. you need professional 1 on 1 training to help correct this problem. you need to be 150% dedicated to correcting it also. if you are not, you need to consider contacting a rescue that will work with this guy. he is a lawsuit waiting to happen.



do not try many things on your own. if you are not consistant, or are doing something just a tad bit wrong you can make this problem worse rather than better.



so please contact a professional dog behaviorist as soon as you can. until then keep him away from any child at all, other dogs and strangers.



if you are out walking him and when he begins to start to act nervous at another dog, person or anything give a quick tug on the leash and tell him no. keep walking and do not allow the behavior to escalate.



your trainer will be able to show you how to best correct this.



boston's were created from fighting types of dogs. they were bred to fight. they are terriers so they are stubborn and difficult at times. they are not really for a first time dog owner. but if treated, trained and kept correctly they are wonderful dogs. it's very possible to turn this guy around. but you must be in it for the long haul, be commited and be consistent in your training.



again if he's not neutered, start there.How can we change agressive behavior in a one year old boston terrier?
Yeah that's why they got rid of him likely.. he was the instigator.. Go get yourself a professional trainer / behaviorist and find out what can be done.How can we change agressive behavior in a one year old boston terrier?
A lot of times aggression problems stems from their own fear. Call a dog trainer or dog behaviorist immediately. There is always hope for a dog. Don't let this dog bully you. You need to let them know you are the leader, not them. If you give negative, or nervous energy, they change you leadership, to their leadership.How can we change agressive behavior in a one year old boston terrier?
The dog has more than likely been Miss treated or never scolded for fighting with other dog's. It is gonna take a lot of work to rehabilitate him. You may really want to spend the money and get a trainer for the dog. I would rather pay a couple of hundred and fix the problem than a few thousand by getting sued for the dog killing another dog or biting some one. I am not saying it can't be a good dog at all, it just needs a little help. It is scared because it has had to fight to defend it's self so of coarse another dog is intimidating to it. Call a local pet store some times they offer classes at a really reasonable price. Good luck, and just keep loving this poor little guy. Iam sure he needs it.How can we change agressive behavior in a one year old boston terrier?
Get your dog into a dog training class or better yet, contact a dog behaviorist. Your BT is controlling the entire family/pack!



Demote your dog now:

No treats without earning them.

You eat while dog watches and then feed dog.

No dog on bed or furniture.

No toys or attention unless you initiate it.

Attach a leash to you and your dog and have dog follow you everywhere.

You have a wonderful dog, committing some time and hiring a dog behaviorist will make your dog a wonderful part of your family!How can we change agressive behavior in a one year old boston terrier?
Well this is going to take alot of patience on your part.



This is going to sound dumb but don't take the dog anywhere until his behavior calms down



When i have an aggressive canine i have about 4/5 fly swatters and what i do is fan their tails when they do something wrong and then bang it on the floor and say no.



The madder and or louder you get at him the more he will resist the retraining



Also when taking him out put a harness on him so he knows YOU ARE IN CONTROL, take the flyswatter with you and if he seems to want to attack swat the ground, break his attention back to you instead of the other dog



I hope this helps because it sure works here and the people that had those babies should have them taken away as they are the ones that trained them to be this way (fighting and being aggressive) GOOD LUCK