aggression problems

[big_fish]

I have a 15 month old brittany. We have hunted with a friend and his old female gsp with no problems but today he got into a fight with another male dog. They were both showing aggression and I got in the middle and thought I had it taken care of but when we started running them the other dog circled around him and got close and it was on so fast I don't know who started it (so I am assuming it was mine). I haven't socialized him that much due to lack of other dogs. What is my next step? Should I try to get him into an obedience class to socialize him? He also barks like crazy when he sees my neighbor out side and has me a little worried about his whole attitude. Is the possessive trait that of a brittany? I never had any problem with my lab but we did 6 obedience classes when he was a pup.

[Sharon]

I have a 15 month old brittany. We have hunted with a friend and his old female gsp with no problems but today he got into a fight with another male dog. They were both showing aggression and I got in the middle and thought I had it taken care of but when we started running them the other dog circled around him and got close and it was on so fast I don't know who started it (so I am assuming it was mine). I haven't socialized him that much due to lack of other dogs. What is my next step? Should I try to get him into an obedience class to socialize him?

Nice of you to take the blame , but "the other dog circles around him and got close and ...................." I wouldn't be overly concerned to day. Try to set up some other dog experiences to see if it is your dog that has the problem - or not. If it is , at 15 months, I don't know what I'd do.

Obedience class would be something I'd do with caution. If it is your dog , having 10 other dogs in a small area could equal #$%^&*()_

If it is your dog , you may have to hunt him alone.

[big_fish]

This is my fear of having to hunt him alone we wanted to start hunt test this year but afraid now it would be a bad thing until we figure this out. Both dogs today were circling each other and then they started to get the Mohawk down their backs and that's when I got in the middle and we walked the other way. My worry is he has started barking and growling when he sees my neighbor outside so he is under a very watchful eye.

[Ez4]

I haven't socialized him that much due to lack of other dogs. What is my next step?

I would start right there, get him socialized. How much have you gotten him out with other dogs in both hunting and non-hunting environments? You need to determine if it is him firstly, if it isn't could have been the other dog that started it and you're somewhat off the hook.

[birddog1968]

In future contacts you need to read the dog and make corrections before a fight starts...after the fact won't help. And the more it happens the more engrained it will become.

Good luck, let's hope he was just protecting himself. I have one that I have to manage but he,s one of the best birddogs I ever owned or I would have never decided on life long management if he wasn't.

Be on the lookout for any posturing that will give you an indication of his inclinations.

[Sharon]

This is my fear of having to hunt him alone we wanted to start hunt test this year but afraid now it would be a bad thing until we figure this out. Both dogs today were circling each other and then they started to get the Mohawk down their backs and that's when I got in the middle and we walked the other way. My worry is he has started barking and growling when he sees my neighbor outside so he is under a very watchful eye.

PS to my first post:

If doing hunt tests is really important to you, then put some money out for professional advice/help.

To be blunt , but trying to be honest and helpful, "I haven't socialized him much and he's 15 months old." quote , you may have missed the boat. Those first 6 months of socialization are crucial.

[polmaise]

I have a 15 month old brittany. We have hunted with a friend and his old female gsp with no problems but today he got into a fight with another male dog. They were both showing aggression and I got in the middle and thought I had it taken care of but when we started running them the other dog circled around him and got close and it was on so fast I don't know who started it (so I am assuming it was mine). I haven't socialized him that much due to lack of other dogs. What is my next step? Should I try to get him into an obedience class to socialize him? He also barks like crazy when he sees my neighbor out side and has me a little worried about his whole attitude. Is the possessive trait that of a brittany? I never had any problem with my lab but we did 6 obedience classes when he was a pup.

It's not a 'Breed' thing ...It's a 'DOG' thing! (not male!) Bitches are worse!