My Pit is becoming aggressive with Miniature Pinschers

by Kat
(Bristol, PA)

Two of my neighbors have Miniature Pinschers that have attacked my pit bull mix. Now when a totally different neighbor walks his Miniature Pinscher by my house my dog tries to get at him through my gate.

One neighbor the dog ran out of the house after my dog. Another neighbor lives next door and their dog is constantly trying to get at my dog. I don’t want my pit to be dog aggressive what can I do?

Gale's Reply:

Hi Kat:

If your pit mix was non-reactive to dogs prior to this, it's likely that his or her aggressive behavior now is fear-based. And, it's a good thing to get under control sooner rather than later.

Two books I've recommended in the past are The Cautious Canine - How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears and Click to Calm - Healing the Aggressive Dog. Both are excellent books that basically explain how to use counter conditioning to help a fearful dog.

Until you are ready to begin a counter conditioning program, I would limit your pit's contact with the next door neighbor's dog as much as possible.

Good luck. Feel free to post back here and let us know how things are going.

For more information on obedience training, visit our Pit Bull Training page.

For help with behavioral problems, check out our Dog Behavior Training page.

Comments for My Pit is becoming aggressive with Miniature Pinschers

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 23, 2011

Just an idea
by: Anonymous

I'm not sure if this would help or not, but why not get a picture of a min-pin or a stuffed toy of a min-pin and slowly expose your dog to it with positive reinforcement? That way your dog will start to associate good things with the dogs instead of fear.

I do agree that limiting the dogs interaction during this process is very important. You don't want your hard work to go out the window as soon as the neighbors dog starts bothering your dog.

Jan 23, 2011

In the Same Postition
by: Stefani

I'm so glad someone asked this question. I have a year old pit mix that my friend's mom was supposed to be taking care of for a little while. She apparently let her Jack Russell attack my dog and in turn my dog started to attack back. I got a call from my friend to let me know she had an HUGE lump on her neck. After talking to the vet and digging, I found out the other dog had bit her very severely and the woman waited over a week to let anyone know. $600 later and a lot of pain for my dog from the baseball sized abscess and she is now severely dog aggressive. She barks at every dog that walks in her sight. What I find amazing is she isn't aggressive towards my chihuahua or to the different foster cats we have in and out of our house. I am hoping to break her of the aggressive habit so that eventually we can foster dogs as well. Hopefully this will be possible.

Jan 24, 2011

min pin aggression
by: Copper's Buddy

I would like to suggest reading or tuning into The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan. He has dealt with this kind of problem in his books and on his tv show. Also, if your dog is obedience trained, you could try having your dog sit or lay down when the min pins are around and reward him-her with treats for good behavior.
If you have a neighbor or friend with a small dog that is comfortable with your dog, you can desensitize him slowly until he gets over his fear of small dogs if that's the case. good luck

Jan 27, 2011

positive training!!!
by: Anonymous

Go to a positive trainer...do some training classes...its too bad these irresponsible dog owners are letting their dogs out and off leash and letting them do this...no matter what breed people need to responsible....
Do posiitive training with a trainer, practiice with people you trust and introduce to dogs slowly.
distract your dog when around these dogs, make your dog sit and look at y ou and treat your dog with high value treats..do some positive reinforcement

Jan 31, 2011

Pawsitive Fit LLC.
by: Kath

So actually, the advice given in this instance is good...both books recommended are good ones, but in addition to reading the books, it would be beneficial for the owner to work with and experienced trainer or behaviorist to coach them in the training techniques used in the books. I would also recommend that the owner speak to her neighbors about managing their own dog's behavior (i.e. not allowing their dog to *get out of* the house and go after another dog).

Click here to add your own comments

Return to pit bull community.

Are you enjoying this site? Finding it useful?
Your donation in any amount can help us reach out to more people
who want to know the truth about pit bulls.

Thank You for Your Support!

Return to Pit Bull Homepage

Share Your
Pit Bull Pride!