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Dogs - all types Rescued Scottie...Biting...Please Help!
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Author | Topic: Rescued Scottie...Biting...Please Help! |
hbailey New Member Posts: 2 |
posted 01-27-2004 08:59 AM
We rescued an 18 month old male Scottish Terrier, neutered at 18 mo. He is now 24 mos. We also have a 5 year old Scotty/Fox Terrier mix. Our little rescue guy snaps, bites, and growls without much warning at all people and especially our 5 year old. At first our 5 year old ignored it, but now he is fighting back and they have both drawn blood. We have tried many things including head halter, food as rewards when dogs are together, games, hand targeting...and alot more. We are at our wits end and are wondering if our little rescue baby would be better off in a "one dog" home. We are broken hearted at the thought, and want to explore all options first! Please help! IP: Logged |
Jamiya Member Posts: 1392 |
posted 01-27-2004 09:03 AM
Are there certain situations that provoke the snapping and growling? That would be helpful to know in order to find techniques to help with the problem. Do you know anything about the dog's past? Your best bet is to find a good trainer in your area that is knowledgeable about aggression issues. Be careful that you find one that uses humane methods. It is often helpful if they will come to your home so they can see the problem in action.
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hbailey New Member Posts: 2 |
posted 01-27-2004 09:12 AM
Thanks Jamiya. To answer, our rescue is food aggressive (protects food bowl, mat, etc). He gets nervous anytime our other dog is in the house. When he hears the our other dog coming, he gets still and will sometimes attack whomever is with him. We got him from the local Scottie Rescue Society, and he was abused by his previous owner, and their two other dogs. IP: Logged |
raindigger Member Posts: 25 |
posted 01-27-2004 09:59 AM
Please be careful. Your scotty has not bonded and it's a terrier. This combination can equal an indifference to punishment or praise. He is establishing a pecking order in your home. I know it's not a lot, but over the last 30 years I've seen two children from different families need plastic surgery on their faces due to the placement of food aggressive dogs. Many humane societies aggression test dogs before putting up for adoption and find it irresponsible to place a dog you describe without first fostering it with a quilified behaviorist until the problem is fixed. If not, the dog must be put down. IP: Logged |
Karriesue Member Posts: 277 |
posted 01-27-2004 10:24 AM
Yeah, the trainer would be your best bet. I bet the food hoarding comes from the previous owner's dogs taking his food from him. He feels the need to protect it. I would feed them seperately for now. That will at least put an end to the food aggression. The trainer will be able to help your dog adjust to his new home and also help give you tips on what the best ways to deal with him are. As Jamiya said, make sure this trainer has alot of experience in dog aggression. Some trainers will even come to your home. Good luck with the little guy. He's been through alot. I really hope you can help him. IP: Logged |
Jamiya Member Posts: 1392 |
posted 01-27-2004 11:40 AM
I want to correct my statement - find a BEHAVIORIST that is knowledgeable about aggression issues. You can also do some research on "resource guarding" which is what he is doing. There are all sorts of things you can do to deal with this issue. I will do some research and post again.
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Jamiya Member Posts: 1392 |
posted 01-27-2004 11:50 AM
I have no personal experience with this book, but it comes recommended by people I trust: http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB740 And some web sites to look at:
Go slowly. This will take time. Observe your dog and learn his signals. Tail, ears, eyes, whiskers, body posture, breathing - all of these things give you clues to what he is thinking and how he is feeling. Definitely get in touch with a behaviorist experienced in aggression and resource guarding. Find one that uses positive approaches rather than negative punishments. Punishments will only make the situation worse. If you feel you or your child is in danger from the dog, seek help immediately or consider rehoming the dog. Just please do it responsibily - seek a rescue group who has people willing to work with him to resolve his issues. I hope this helps, and please let us know how it is going.
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