Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Male | 6 months old
Kobe is very aggressive towards our other dog, Sydney. Whenever they are sleeping and a dog from our neighbors bark Kobe would immediately rush to Sydney and attack him. This also happens each time Kobe hears loud sudden sounds.
1 Answer
Published on May 27th, 2017
This is called redirected aggression. Kobe cannot reach his intended target when excited, frustrated, aroused, etc so he redirects that energy to the closest being. That would be Sydney. The key to managing this is to prevent Kobe from reaching that heightened state of excitement/aggression/frustration. Acclimate Kobe gradually to the stimuli that set him off. You may need the help of a certified veterinary behaviorist and/or trainer. Pheromone products such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser may decrease any anxiety or aggression. Exercise and rigorous activity during the day may tire Kobe out and burn off excess energy making him less likely to respond to sounds at night.
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