Why is my Alaskan Malamute suddenly aggressive to other dogs?

Question

My Alaskan Malamute just turned 14 months, and ever since she was 8 weeks old, every day without fail she was brought to the dog park for socialization.  She is use to being around other dogs.  Her role in the "pecking order" of the house is very firm, and she does not challenge me for alpha role very often (if at all.  To the point that she even waits behind me as I go up and down the stairs).  All in all, as a dog in the house and around people, she's VERY well behaved for her breed and age.

However, just recently, after bringing her to the dog park for about a year now, she suddenly attacks other dogs.  She might be there for an hour without an outburst, or have one in the first five minutes.  She's fine if we meet dogs on walks, or even with some dogs coming in the house.  It's like she plays, plays, plays, ATTACK.  

I don't understand why a dog who so loved the park and got along with ALL dogs has turned into such a b*tch (literally and fugitively).  Is there anything that can be done or is it "just the breed"?  I hate to not take her to the park anymore, because both my dogs love it, but I also can't have her attacking dogs either.  

Any suggestions or advice?

eharri3 · Accepted Answer

More mature. Bigger, stronger, more aware of her own strength. The dog parks are no longer just about play, they're about battling for dominance. It probably starts as a game then escalates into a fight. You need a control collar. Its crucial in your situation that you be able to effectively call that dog away from any situation. You need to closely monitor all interractions with other dogs. The second you see bared teeth, growling, posturing, whatever, call your dog away and reinforce her with a zap. Introduce more situations where she's allowed to be around other dogs but has to be indifferent so she can learn that the very presence of another dog does not always mean its play time or fight time. Socialization doesn't just mean playing and making friends. It also means becoming desensitized to a variety of situations so she can maintain calm no matter how many dogs or humans are around. You only half socialized her by putting her into a mindset where the dog park means she can be released to go behave however she wants.

? · Answer

Dogs are born alphas or no longer. There's not anything you'll be able to do to make your puppy an alpha. Even depriving him of meals and beating him up would not do it; it could make him competitive and neurotic closer to people, however it would not make him an alpha, simply randomly competitive closer to different puppies. Aggressive puppies are a authorized legal responsibility and in general get positioned down. So it is a well factor you might have a "wimp."

? · Answer

Hi,
Most Malamutes/Sibs end up not liking other dogs at all, I suggest walking her in another place (maybe get her into sledding as well) you also need to get this nipped in the butt introduce her to dogs slowly and consult with a trainer.

Anonymous · Answer

Dogs can become aggreisive to other ogs if they are not walked enough. Also if they are abused at home or have been attacked by other dogs  it could also become aggresive. Try walking him/her more and be nice at home.

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Why is my Alaskan Malamute suddenly aggressive to other dogs?

4 Answers