If your dog has been displaying a bad attitude, whether by fighting or though aggressive behaviour, here’s some advice that will help solve the problem. Hopefully, it’ll save your sanity too!

Question

We have 3 castrated, male Boerboel dogs which have recently started fighting for no reason. They have always been gentle with the family - especially the kids who can do anything to them.  What is worrying me is they may turn on us next! Are we at risk?

Firstly, there is definitely a reason for the fighting. Because food is every animal’s primary survival requirement, I’m going to guess you have recently changed their food, cut it down or put them on diet? If so, and you would rather have live dogs than dead ones, increase the food to satisfy 3 dogs or they will eliminate the competition themselves.  The amount of food available determines the number of animals - even in the wild … get it?
  Secondly, I would be surprised if your dogs suddenly became aggressive to humans, although anything is possible. Dog on dog aggression usually has little to do with aggression to humans … unless you get in the way of the fight.
You do not mention the reason your dogs are castrated but as you can see it’s not always the solution …  now that’s a whole different ball game! 

Question

My 14 month old Boxer Ali gets on with dogs - we have five others in our family and he has never been aggressive.  But when dogs pass our property he gets very aggressive and wants to attack them. Also, I can’t take him to the beach or park because of his aggressive behaviour and I’m scared he might fight.

Hello! Dogs know the difference between their ‘family’ and the ‘enemy’. Be afraid… very afraid because he will fight especially backed up by you hanging onto the end of his lead! Enroll in an obedience school where an experienced trainer will sort out his bad attitude. This is another good example of why your next puppy attends school at the age of 8 weeks and grows up a good canine citizen and not the dreaded mafiosa like Capone.

Question

My neutered Maltese has lifted his leg on me several times and it seems to be getting worse. He sleeps on my bed and gets plenty of love so I don’t know why he’s spiting me like this?

Because he can!  I bet he’s a cocky little devil because it’s a sign of dominance. Next time he tries, let him know how unhappy you are with his bad attitude and withhold his privileges - ignore him and make sure he sleeps in the kitchen  which should bring him down a few pegs and remind him to watch his Pees and Q’s.