Recently,  I attempted to adopt a rat terrier (Cody) - he is 1-1/2 yrs old.  The problem is that I have a female Husky mix (Hyacinth) who is 8 yrs old.  She is a definitely an alpha female and showed her dominance right away.  Cody seemed submissive and they played together, even took treats together.  However, Cody attacked Hyacinth three times in one day, and I believe it was over what he considered his possesions.  It was fairly quick to break Cody of growling at Hyacinth when she approached me, but I was unable to do anything about the possession aggression.  My Husky is not a bad dog, and would not initiate a fight, but she will not tolerate being attacked and I was so afraid Cody might get hurt, I took him back to his foster parents.  I really like Cody - Hyacinth really liked Cody - they played and walked great together.  Is there anything I can do to break Cody of this possessiveness so that I will be able to adopt him?  He is a great dog otherwise.  Thanks!

If you are absolutely sure that the reason Cody attacked Hyacinth is because he was attempting to "guard" a particular object... then you are correct that he is showing possession-related aggression.... an aggressive behavior that is consistently directed toward another individual (human or animal) whenever that individual or another animal approaches or attempts to obtain a non-food object or toy to which the aggressor has regular access.

For example, it is not necessary that the dog has the item at that particular moment, and it may become aggressive merely upon seeing another individual or animal with the object. A dog can have possession aggression without having other forms of aggression such as food or dominance aggression or one of the other types of aggression (and yes... there are several types). Or, the behavior can occur in conjunction with other forms of aggression. Dominant dogs may occasionally try to control another dog’s access to an object as a display of hierarchy, however, possession-aggressive dogs consistently display aggressive behavior whenever they have access to a toy or other object that they consider a “possession."

A diagnosis of an “aggressive temperament” should not be based on a one-time event, or even a few events. Often the dog has been displaying signs of an upcoming problem (unbeknownst to the owner) and has been allowed to continue the behavior until it has escalated to a full scale problem. Diagnosis of aggression, and the cause of the aggression, requires an evaluation (by qualified medical and behavioral specialists) of the type of behavior that the dog is displaying, the dog’s medical condition, its background (if known), and its present environment. Treatment for aggressive behavior can include medication, but most often includes behavior modification in conjunction with an experienced behaviorist or trainer. Rehabilitating a truly aggressive dog is not an easy fix. Aggressive behavior does not develop overnight, and cannot be “cured” overnight – or by sending the dog away to a training camp. Management of an aggressive dog requires constant commitment, consistency, and follow through from the owner of the dog, for the life of the animal.

So honestly... if you are relatively certain that Cody is possessive aggressive and you do not know what his background is... I would think twice about adoption, UNLESS you are able to seek professional assistance by someone who can show you how to deal with it.

I hope I haven't burst your bubble. I'm all for adopting... but truly if a dog displays one or more of the different types of aggression... oftentimes it takes a professional to correct the behavior. The average person simply isn't equipped to do it.

That's yet another reason why I'm hoping what you described is a one or two-time incident and not something you see in Cody all the time. One problem with possession aggression is that it's not consistent behavior and you may never know what it is he has decided to become protective of.

Thank you for joining our forum... I hope this has been of some help to you as you attempt to do what is right by Cody, your family... and your resident dog, Hyacinth.

It sounds  though, whether it is true "agression" or not, Cody may eventually get hurt by Hyacinth....personally I would think twice about adopting him.  Rat terriers consider themselves big dogs even though they're in small bodies.....which can put them in danger sometimes from intolerant large dogs.

JMO

Thank you so much for your reply!  I have a lot of experience with dogs - as a groomer for 12 yrs, and with my own German Shepherds.  I trained one for schutzhund, but I have never had a small dog.  I think thyis is probably too much for me to try and deal with right now though, as I am disabled.  Thanks again!

Thank you so much for your reply!  I have a lot of experience with dogs - as a groomer for 12 yrs, and with my own German Shepherds.  I trained one for schutzhund, but I have never had a small dog.  I think this is probably too much for me to try and deal with right now though, as I am disabled.  Thanks again!