How can I stop my dog from getting into fights?

I have a 2 year old neutered male terrier. He is extremely confident and athletic. He never instigates fights with other dogs, but he does not tolerate other dogs literally getting in his face. If they spend too much time sniffing his face from a close distance, he will growl for a few seconds, then bare his teeth and get his hair up, and if they haven't backed away, then bam, he goes after them. Whenever I see this starting to happen, I move in and get him out of there. But is there something that I can do to get him to stop getting so offended at what I consider the other dog's bad behavior, or is this just his nature and I need to be on alert whenever he encounters other dogs?

How can I stop my dog from getting into fights?

The key is for you to learn how to control your dog.

Take him to a certified trainer, or to group lessons. You need to constantly be on alert when you walk your dog, alert to his body language.

And you need to not allow other dogs to "get in his face."

How can I stop my dog from getting into fights?

keep him away from mike vick

How can I stop my dog from getting into fights?

The problem is that some terriers have a tendency to be dog aggressive and if not socialized with other dogs early, they can have this tendency. You can work with a trainer but you'll never be able to trust him 100% not to do this. I would avoid situations where other dogs are around as much as possible.

How can I stop my dog from getting into fights?

Your dog has social issues, and an insecurity around other dogs.

He needs to be socialized around other dogs, to learn how to behave like a dog.

sniffing is normal for dogs to get to know each other.

Do you exercise him regularly? like daily? try exercising him for 45-60 minutes a day, to work off his aggressions. Then, after he has worked this toxic energy off, try taking him to a dog park.

You will have to watch him for telltale signs of aggression. As soon as he starts, you need to stop it. Do not wait till he bares his hackles, and his hairs rise. Stop him as soon as you see the first stiffness, ears pricking, and tail goes straight up. That is a dominance, agressive sign.

this is bad to allow.

Be the pack leader, and take the lead.

Remember, exercise, discipline and then affection.

watch cesar milan on the national geographic channel for more tips! he's great to understanding how dogs think. he's helped me a lot in understand my dogs!

good luck

How can I stop my dog from getting into fights?

I want to see all the idiots who advocate cutting a dog's balls answer this one. Where are they now to tell you how neutering your dog will stop that behavior?

How can I stop my dog from getting into fights?

most terriers tend to be aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex. You CAN change it, and it really isn't all that difficult. You're doing well to deal with it early and whatch for signs the way you do. That's a step. My advice would be for you to work with a trainer who knows terriers well (ask your vet) for maybe one or two sessions. It won't take long for them to show you exactly how to teach your dog to be more tolerant.

and by the way...sniffing IS normal dog behavior...the other dogs aren't being rude at all.

How can I stop my dog from getting into fights?

It's a social issue, and I have a dog that I have had to work on this same behavior with.

The other dog sniffing your dog is not to blame. That is normal dog behavior, and you need to train your dog to be more social and tolerant of it.

This takes a lot of work and can be dangerous, so I recommend getting a behaviorist involved.