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Our 1 1/2 year JRT Henry has developed a very odd form of aggression. Here's what will set him off:

1. Someone at the door/yard gate - he'll bark at the person and will attack US when we approach the door/gate, growling, snapping, and biting until we're forced to resort to the water bottle.

2. We meet someone on the street with or without another dog - he'll grab his leash and launch into one of his temper tantrums (as my wife calls them), hanging onto the leash, growling and snapping. If we see signs of the an impending tantrum and correct with a firm "no," he'll back down.

He's not aggressive with other dogs or our other JRT, Rosie, or other humans, just us in the in the above scenarios. He's also possessive aggressive, but we know why this occurs and are working on that. He's a sweet dog otherwise.

Thanks in advance.

David

>>Our 1 1/2 year JRT Henry has developed a very odd form of aggression. Here's what will set him off:
>>
>>1. Someone at the door/yard gate - he'll bark at the person and will attack US when we approach the door/gate, growling, snapping, and biting until we're forced to resort to the water bottle.
>>
>>2. We meet someone on the street with or without another dog - he'll grab his leash and launch into one of his temper tantrums (as my wife calls them), hanging onto the leash, growling and snapping. If we see signs of the an impending tantrum and correct with a firm "no," he'll back down.
>>
>>He's not aggressive with other dogs or our other JRT, Rosie, or other humans, just us in the in the above scenarios. He's also possessive aggressive, but we know why this occurs and are working on that. He's a sweet dog otherwise.
>>
>>Thanks in advance.
>>
>>David

>>>>>>>>>>>

I can't tell whether this is redirected aggression, defensive behavior, or both. Either way, there are things you can change in your handling to improve or even cure it. Read the article "Defensive Aggression" at the link below my signature for more about that. Also read "Attention, Please!" "Eye Contact," "Food Guarding," "Destructive Chewing" and "Head Halter."
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47