agility/flyball for dogs fear-aggressive toward other dogs?

[lancerandrara]

Urr, Lancer's fear-aggression issue is fine in public places (after a LOT of training), as long as other dogs don't start barking at him first. He's learned to pretend they're not there.

Wondering if anyone has experience with dogs fearful of other dogs participating in agility/flyball? I'm interested in getting Lancer into the sports, but I know he wouldn't be able to handle the other dogs, since there are always barky dogs in sports, if he's treated the same as everyone else... but he would excel at the sports though. :s

anyone have solutions for him, whether it's some specific training or something else... or is it just a dead-end?

I have a feeling flyball is a no-go for life, but agility though.. I dont know. :s

edit: To add, Rara has finished a beginner's agility class before, but she doesn't seem to enjoy it much, so we stopped. Lancer is super drivey and focused at anything considered a "job" though, so I was looking around at sports he could possibly play.

 

[Dekka]

Dekka is dog reactive/aggressive when she is 'on' like at agility trials. We have done a lot of work. I only trial her at fenced trials and let the person behind me know not to enter the ring till I have hands on my dog. I don't think she would do anything, but its not worth the risk.

I used to always take private or semi private lessons but recently found an awesome instructor and as only one dog is out at a time Dekka's snarkiness isn't an issue.

 

[Ozfozz]

It never hurts to try some classes! As Dekka mentioned, a semi or private class might be what's best to work the obstacles with Lancer without there being too much going on.

And from there you can first assess whether or not it's something he enjoys, and second start integrating him into a busier environment. Such as bringing him to trials before you're actually signed up. And just purely work focusing on you and getting used to the environment. It's usually easier to do this at outdoor trials where there's more space.

I feel that aggression tends to pop up in a lot of really drivey dogs, some of the best dogs at the sports I'm sure aren't the most tolerant of other dogs, or at least have their own little quirks.

I don't know much about flyball, but when it involves passing another dog so tightly, it might not be the best option for Lancer at this point.

Best of luck!

 

[Red.Apricot]

I've done rally, obedience and lure-coursing with my very reactive dog, and while I know rally isn't as exciting as flyball or agility, it's a lot of fun, and I felt like it was a good introduction for both of us to the dog sport world. Just a thought! It has helped her reactivity, too.

 

[elegy]

I would say it depends on how obsessive he gets about the game. Steve hates pretty much most dogs. He'll take cheap shots at a number of the dogs on our team in the crating area. But he can also be held side-by-side with them in the flyball ring because his brain is so focused on flyball that he forgets to get his hate on.

 

[lancerandrara]

I would say it depends on how obsessive he gets about the game. Steve hates pretty much most dogs. He'll take cheap shots at a number of the dogs on our team in the crating area. But he can also be held side-by-side with them in the flyball ring because his brain is so focused on flyball that he forgets to get his hate on.

This possibility sounds a LOT like Lancer, except with a chuck-it (for now). He is obsessed with tennis balls. Once he thinks we're about to play chuck-it, he 100% ignores and doesn't give a crap about other dogs, screaming children, bikes, rollerblades, aliens, the apocalypse, anything.
I just don't know how to go about testing this first. I suppose private flyball classes is the best way to start and check his attentiveness to the game!

 

[Elrohwen]

Watson can be reactive, and is sort of aggressive with certain dogs (barking in their face, not starting fights). I think it comes from a place of insecurity.

I think it probably depends on the dog, but if he is working he is totally fine about other dogs. On leash he can work right next to other dogs that might set him off is we were just hanging around. Dogs can be outside of a fenced in area and he can work off leash without reacting to them. If dogs are in the area with him and he's off leash, all bets are off. But in general if I can keep him focused on me and engaged, he's not a problem at all.

If the agility class requires non-working dogs to be crated or at least in a separate fenced area while one dog runs, you might not have that much of an issue.

 

[FransterDoo]

I just don't know how to go about testing this first. I suppose private flyball classes is the best way to start and check his attentiveness to the game!

If you came to us and told us upfront that he was reactive to other dogs, we'd move really slowly with him and caution you that it might not work out in the end.

I'd probably put my retired dog behind gates and leave him on a long line and see what her could manage in terms of focus. Then we'd do short recalls really far apart with gates and slowly make baby steps progress. Can he handle her moving? Can he move at the same time? etc? etc?

However, this all takes a thoughtful team. There are many out there and then there are some that are not. If you PM me where you are in Southern California, I'd be happy to give you some recommendations!