Agressive Bulldog

[Fourpaws]

I have 3 dogs. 1 female spayed Boxer-5 yrs, 1 Male neutered Boxer/Mastiff-3 yrs and 1 male neutered American Bulldog-1 yr. The other day, my American Bulldog attacked my other male. It was awful. He was fighting to kill. I eventually broke them up. They both had to go to the vet. The Bulldog received many puncture wounds, needed drains and is wearing a party hat. The older one has lots of lacerations on his chest and needed stiches, had drains, etc. I think the older one was just trying to protect himself. I have them seperated now so they can heal and rest. I did introduce them momemtarily and my 2 older ones are afraid of the puppy, won't really go near him. I have a behaviorist/trainer coming to help me as soon as they are healed. Which is about another week and a half. My question to you is do you think this is a behavior that can be corrected with my bulldog? Have you experienced anything like this? I know the trainer will let me know when he comes, but I can't stop thinking about this terrible ordeal. I need some postive info- I don't want to get rid of the bulldog. I want them to all be happy and balanced. Thanks so much.

[Fourpaws]

I will do that for sure. I think it might help because it's loud enough to startle them-if it is to happen again. I would rather walk around with an airhorn strapped to my belt than get rid of Titus.  I'll put an update up after the behaviorist comes over. Thanks everyone!

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I think the air horn idea is great!  Let me know if it works as well for your dog as it did for George.

[peekawho]

Gosh, it was so long ago.  I'm sorry, I really don't remember the name.  I don't think it was Prozac, but something similar to that.  

[Fourpaws]

I am curious, what kind of medication did they give George? I never knew they even did anything like that.

[Fourpaws]

Thanks, I am going to get one anyway. I have to go to wal-mart today anyways. Thanks again. I'll keep you guys updated on my "kids" progress.

[peekawho]

I got mine at an auto parts store, but I've seen them at Walmart.

I doubt your trainer will like the idea, though.  Good luck with him, in any case.  Hope something works!

[Fourpaws]

That's actually a really good suggestion. I am sure that would get their attention!! It probably wouldn't hurt to have one. Where do you get them? I am willing to try anything. The trainer/behaviorist is coming over on the 4th and I am very excited about that. He has had good luck with fighting males, and he sounded positive about fixing our problems, but I think I would feel more secure with something like that. Thanks!

[peekawho]

This is by no means a long term answer to your problem, but years ago, we had a Doberman who as he aged, suddenly became violently aggressive for no reason towards our other dogs.  Literally, we'd be watching TV, and in a flash, George would leap up and viciously attack one of the other (sleeping) dogs, the others would get involved, and soon we had a vicious 4 way dogfight.  I got badly bitten several times, breaking them up.

After the vet couldn't find any reason, and pharmaceuticals didn't help, the vet recommended euthanasia for George.  He was absolutely correct in his reasoning...it was a dangerous situation for the dogs and for us.  I just couldn't bear to do it yet to our otherwise healthy dog, so I tried a last ditch effort.

I got an air horn.    The next time George attacked, I grabbed the horn and gave a long blast.  ALL the dogs split up that instant, and ran.  

There never was another attack.  Ever.  And George lived for several more years.  

I can't say it would work for you, and if you have neighbors, they may not particularly like hearing an air horn, but it worked for me.  Thought I'd put it out there for you.  

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I don't have a happy answer for you.  Most of the time I have found that once they start they do fight again.  If they were intact I would say that neutering would make a difference but they are already neutered.  Maybe the results that you achieve with the behaviorist will be dramatic and effective.  But the majority of time, it is ineffective.  You may have to keep them seperated permanently, or if the behaviorist is a veterinarian maybe he/she can prescribe behavior altering medications or hormones.  Sorry about the bad news but maybe you will be lucky.

[Fourpaws]

P.S. Many people are telling me once they fight, it's something that will continue always?? Whats your opinion on that?