Can a distemper shot stop my female pitbull from being aggressive?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Spaying can certainly correct aggressive behaviors or tendencies so that is something that can certainly help in Luna's case. If that is not corrected after surgery or you prefer not to spay her, I would highly suggest a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist that can help you with this in person. While correcting these types of behaviors is possible, it usually requires in person training. Good luck and have a great day!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Abby. I typically recommend the bordetella vaccine, distemper-parvo combination, rabies and leptospirosis. Highly social dogs receive the influenza vaccine, but this may be unnecessary for her if she is not going to dog parks, doggy daycare, etc due to her aggression. I hope this information helps!

This may require professional assistance. Have her examined by your veterinarian to rule out medical causes for her behavior. Your veterinarian may dispense medication to help. A certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist should be consulted afterwards to help desensitize or acclimate Misty to other dogs. In severe cases, a combination of medication and behavioral modification is needed to overcome problems.

The answer very much depends on why he's aggressive (fear-based, territorial, play-based, etc) but my general recommendations are to stop ALL punishments, avoid anything that is causing aggression, and never allow him around children. Then you need to find a veterinary behaviorist to work with who can go over a detailed history and diagnosis and treat his issues. If you are unable to find a veterinary behaviorist, your vet may be able to start him on medications and talk about some behavior modification.

It could honestly be a lack of socialization to other animals from a young age. Puppies should start to be socialized young and if they are aggressive, should be put into training with a professional behavioral expert. It could also be related to hormones, as I see Destiny isn't spayed.

A pit bull is a big enough dog to get as many vaccines at once that she needs. You will need to discuss what she needs with your vet. It depends on her lifestyle, where you live, etc. The core vaccinations that all dogs need are DA2PP (distemper, parvo, hepatitis) and rabies. Other vaccines again, are dependent on her lifestyle. If she is not good around other dogs I would just call the vet clinic you are planning to take her to and tell them the situation. I am sure they can arrange to take you guys directly into an exam room so you don't have to wait in the lobby with other dogs. You can also go in by yourself when you arrive and once the lobby is clear from other dogs you can go out and bring her in. Most vet clinics are very accommodating to this. I strongly suggest you use an independent vet clinic and not one located in a pet store like Banfield because they will never be free of other dogs. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Some of this may be curiosity and not knowing manners on how to act around new dogs. Some dogs have a different personality and manners on a leash vs. off a leash. She is young enough that seeking a trainer to help socialize her both on and off leash, in new settings, and around new and familiar animals will help her behavior. The more interactions at a young age, the better as long as they are controlled and the proper behavior rewarded