Angus agressive after neutering

My son recently rescued a dog. She is a lab, blue heeler mix. Unfortunately she was only able to stay in our home 3 days before he had to take her to his girlfriends house. She at first attacked our Collie. Tiara put her in her place immediately. Then she went for our sheltie. Poor Angel screamed. (We were right there and able to break it up.) After the 5th attack in one day I told him she would have to leave. I couldn't chance Bailey hurting Angel. Bailey is twice her size. There was an adoption fair in the area so I took my son and Bailey there and spoke to an on site vet. She said that Bailey was Female aggressive and that sometimes they can work it out but sometimes they can't. Since each attack in the day was progressing and unprovoked she said that it didn't look like it was going to work and that Bailey would be good around other Male dogs but probably not Females.

Janet, Personally this is the only experience I've had with the aggression issues. Maybe a local vet or trainer could give you some tips and suggestions. Maybe you could take Newton, Sasha and Angus on a long walk together and see if that might help them bond?
 
Furmom said:
My son recently rescued a dog. She is a lab, blue heeler mix. Unfortunately she was only able to stay in our home 3 days before he had to take her to his girlfriends house. She at first attacked our Collie. Tiara put her in her place immediately. Then she went for our sheltie. Poor Angel screamed. (We were right there and able to break it up.) After the 5th attack in one day I told him she would have to leave. I couldn't chance Bailey hurting Angel. Bailey is twice her size. There was an adoption fair in the area so I took my son and Bailey there and spoke to an on site vet. She said that Bailey was Female aggressive and that sometimes they can work it out but sometimes they can't. Since each attack in the day was progressing and unprovoked she said that it didn't look like it was going to work and that Bailey would be good around other Male dogs but probably not Females.
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That's interesting. Blue heelers (cattle dogs) are really common here and they are known for their tendency for female aggression and to shyness, which is why so many end up in rescue.

As for Angus, well I guess he is probably pretty upset he had his vitals chopped (plus it takes a couple of months to get the testosterone down). And dogs do tend to snap out at the weakest and the ones who wont snap back (not much different to humans really). I have seen a few Cesar Melan episodes where he has shown dogs in his pack before and after neutering and the initial change in doggy relationships that occurs after the snip. But they always seem to settle down after a short time.

I have faith that you will work things out Janet, you are so good handling your pack.
 
I've no advice to offer either,Janet. I don't have any experience with this. I'll just offer sympathy and hopes that everything gets sorted out soon.
 
Furmom said:
Caro - I didn't know that about Blue Heelers thanks for the info. I think I will do some research on them....Their origins are in Australia aren't they?
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They are an Australian dog - bred to herd pretty feral cattle in the outback - so they tended to be more aggressive than dogs bred to herd sheep (they herd by biting the cattle), and work better alone (they are also great escape artists too). They really need to be well socialised as puppies otherwise they tend to aggression around other animals and children. Beautiful dog though and can be really affectionate if reared well. But you did the right thing, cattle dog breeds do better as only dogs.
 
I would definitly watch their body language. Sometimes the signs can be very subtle. If Newton is still intact, dont count him out as starting the fights now that he is starting to feel more comfortable, and Angus is fixed. As for Sasha being in the mix, is he attacking her, or is she joining in the fight? I have had that happen in my house, 2 dogs start fighting and another will join in the fight. Good thing is dogs dont hold a grudge. I would try walking the 3 fighters togather. Sometimes that helps reestablish the bond.
 
I don't have any advice, but I think you're on the right track about hormone disruption in the pack. I feel certain that your patience and vigilance will help Angus sort things out.

By the way, how is Indy doing? I've been thinking about his CHF and wondering how he's feeling these days.
 
I'm still stumped by this.

While I agree that this might be a rearranging of the pecking order, I wouldn't discount that Angus is associating Newton (and to some degree Sasha) with something bad that he thinks happened. Bacca went off a perfectly good food because we had just transitioned to it when he got sick in June. Wouldn't touch it again.

I like the video tape idea. It would allow you to zero on the cues that spark him.

Of course, I've total confidence that given times, things will work themselves out, but I feel your frustration. Who needs it!

Best of luck to you! I sure hope it works out. I love what you've accomplishd with Newton and I'm rooting for you all!
 
Angus does his attacks by coming up behind Sasha or Newton. They are walking along, minding their own business...and BAM he is on their butt or hind quarters just chewing away!!

None today..but we are only letting them together when one of us is right there, right on top of them. Play time outside has been segregated.

Indy is doing a bit better this week. The Sunday before last he had a day of an upset stomach (really really bad) but since then he's been pretty good. He's walking around outside right now with Figaro and Angus. Sasha, Emma, and Newton are inside at my feet taking turns getting petted.
 
Well thats great news about Indy!!:smile2:

So the attacks are by surprise,by coming behind them. Well that can be stressful.I think also I would do as you,and keep them seperated. Lets all hope that this gets sorted out soon,and every one can coexist as before.
 
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