Aggressive dog needs training, slow introduction to people

Dear Cathy: I recently adopted a rescue dog from a foster home. He’s 3 to 5 years old and a Maltese-poodle mix. He’s very sweet, lovable and kisses all the time. The problem is, he becomes very aggressive if someone comes in the house. He has to be restrained. At the dog park, he is very sociable with other dogs, but he bit the male owner of another dog. He goes ballistic whenever there’s a car or truck nearby.

Can this aggressiveness be controlled? I have recently purchased a muzzle and a shock collar, which I am hesitant to use.

Would obedience training help? — Linda, Montauk, New York

Dear Linda: This behavior didn’t start with you, so call the rescue group to get more history on him. The group should have some insight on his behavior and be willing to help you find resources to address his needs.

It sounds like he overstimulates easily and needs to meet people and be introduced to new environments much more slowly. Use a Gentle Leader or haltie collar when you are out, for better control.

Begin training at home by getting a metal dog kennel and keeping him in the crate so he can meet new visitors from a safe place. Leave him in the kennel the first time he meets someone new.

The second time that person comes over, leave him in the crate until he settles down. When you let him out, put him on a leash so he can’t run over to the person. If he overreacts, put him back in the kennel.

Over time, he should get used to the new person and be able to be let out of the crate a little sooner each time.

Do not use a shock collar, as it can sometimes make an easily reactive dog more reactive. Instead, put a pheromone collar on him and plug in pheromones around the home to create a less-stimulating environment.

Obedience work is fine because it builds a bond between the two of you but also consult a dog trainer, preferably a female, who specializes with overreactive dogs and uses only positive reinforcement techniques to help dogs learn.

He may never be great at the dog park, but with time, patience and training, you can greatly reduce his reactivity around people.