Aggression with people who smell like cats?

[Megan Ginter]

Hi everyone,

A few weeks ago, I started taking my dog Ritz to the dog park every day. Mostly it's been great fun but the past 2 days we've had to leave early because she was displaying some aggressiveness with a person at the park. She will pursue them, bite at their clothes, jump on them...she's never drawn blood but it's quite scary and she will not leave the person alone. Neither person did anything to cause her to go after them. Both times, the person had entered the dog park a couple of minutes prior and once she got within 10 feet or so of him, she focused on him and started pursuing him. I was talking to one of her "victims" and he said he has some cats and he's had this problem before with dogs that don't like cats. Ritz has a very strong prey drive and when she's trying to chase cats, squirrels, and birds, it is very difficult to break her concentration. So, I'm guessing she doesn't like it when people smell like cats.

Other than these two people, she's been great with all the other people at the dog park. I'm slightly apprehensive about taking her back now and I hate feeling like other people think my dog is vicious. I'm just not sure how to correct the problem. Any suggestions you could offer would be great.

Thanks,
Megan

[Renee Premaza]

Hi Megan,

It's a little early to generalize that she is reacting to the person because of smelling like a cat. Were both of these people men?

When you see your dog is "focusing" and staring at a particular person, you've got to re-focus her immediately on YOU. Once she gets aroused, you've lost her because she's processing from a different part of her brain once the arousal levels escalate.

I would suggest doing the attention games, including the name game and "look", and also teach her the leave it command. You can find out how to play these play-training games in the articles section here at Doggie Bag. Of course, implement the Nothing in Life is Free Program today!

If she does happen to behave inappropriately with someone at the dog park, quickly put her leash on and take her out of the park for a time out. Keep her out for about 30-60 seconds and then bring her back in. Hold her collar and have her sit -- then release her by saying, "go play." If she becomes reactive again, take her home. Be in control of her and she will look to you for direction.

Hi everyone,

A few weeks ago, I started taking my dog Ritz to the dog park every day. Mostly it's been great fun but the past 2 days we've had to leave early because she was displaying some aggressiveness with a person at the park. She will pursue them, bite at their clothes, jump on them...she's never drawn blood but it's quite scary and she will not leave the person alone. Neither person did anything to cause her to go after them. Both times, the person had entered the dog park a couple of minutes prior and once she got within 10 feet or so of him, she focused on him and started pursuing him. I was talking to one of her "victims" and he said he has some cats and he's had this problem before with dogs that don't like cats. Ritz has a very strong prey drive and when she's trying to chase cats, squirrels, and birds, it is very difficult to break her concentration. So, I'm guessing she doesn't like it when people smell like cats.

Other than these two people, she's been great with all the other people at the dog park. I'm slightly apprehensive about taking her back now and I hate feeling like other people think my dog is vicious. I'm just not sure how to correct the problem. Any suggestions you could offer would be great.

Thanks,
Megan