I think I need to see a dog behavior specialist

LucyLu

I posted a few weeks ago about our dog Murphy showing agression to other dogs at Petsmart. We adopted Murphy from a rescue organization in September. At the foster home he lived with 2 other small dogs and one large Bull Mastiff. He was totally fine with other dogs.

I started taking him to training classes at Petsmart about 2 months ago. After a few classes he started barking, growling, showing teeth, etc at other dogs in the store. Even if they were just walking by us. One time he snapped in a Pit's face. (Murphy is 10lbs)

So I thought it was just something to do with Petsmart because he wasn't acting that way anywhere else. He goes to doggie day care every week and is fine.

2 weeks ago we were at our friends house and there were about 7 dogs there. He was fine and had a great time.

Soon after we got him we took him to the dog park and he was fine.

Yesterday we went to his last class at Petsmart and of course he was growling, barking, ready too attack any dog we saw. After Petsmart we went to a doggie bakery to pick up some dog treats. He was doing the same thing to the dogs in that store too Sad

!

I don't understand what has gotten into him. I don't know if it's leash agression because he seems to act like this when he is on-leash. I wanted to take him off the leash yesterday at the dog bakery (you are allowed to) but DH said no way.

So now I am thinking about looking into hiring a personal dog trainer who can help me. I found on the APDT website and emailed a private trainer for more information.

Is there anything I can try to do to correct his behavior before I hire a private trainer?

If you have hired a private trainer, how much did it cost? How many sessions did you have?

Thanks!

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Maisey posts here sometimes and she has had wonderful success with her dog, Witt. It takes a lot of work and commitment. Take a look at the sticky post about books - there is a section on aggression. Those books tell you how to desensitize your dog to whatever is causing him to react.

The basic procedure is called desensitization and counterconditioning, which means you gradually get him used to the things that are setting him off and condition a new response - usually something like looking at you rather than looking at the other dog. You start off in situations that are easy for him and slowly build up to more difficult situations, always going at his pace and backing off a step or two if he actually reacts.

You also have to watch your own reactions. If you are tense or thinking he is going to react, he can sense that.

Since he is only 10 pounds, you can probably safely try some of these techniques before you hire a trainer. Do make sure if you hire one that they use only positive techniques. Punishment and aggression are a very bad combination.

LucyLu · Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 7:17 pm Post subject:

Thank you Jamiya. I am going to check out the sticky.

Maraya · Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 5:55 am Post subject:

go here: excellent advice/trainer on doggies!

www.unclematty.com

also for training....google or yahoo GENTLE LEADER.......its a special leash and it calms doggy right down...no reason for choke chains. The Gentle Leader is wonderful on dogs.

other useful pet sites:

www.petservice.com

LucyLu · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 2:49 pm Post subject:

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

LucyLu, the Gentle Leader helps with dogs who pull on leash. I suppose it could help with aggression only in allowing you to control the dog (and the dog's head) more easily. However, a Gentle Leader can also make aggression WORSE as it can make a dog feel even more confined than a regular leash. Leash aggression happens when the dog feels it cannot FLEE, leaving the only solution to it's fear being to FIGHT. Those are the choices. My dogs are much more nervous about meeting another dog if they have Gentle Leaders on.

The "calming" effect of the Gentle Leader on some dogs is actually depression. A depressed, upset dog cannot learn well. It is not an ideal situation for you or your dog or the bond between you.

The Gentle Leader can be a wonderful tool for SOME dogs, but it should be just that - a tool, to be used as a temporary control measure while you train your dog. With training, the dog won't need it anymore.

For other dogs, the Gentle Leader harness - or other similar no-pull harness that attaches in the front rather than on the back - can be a better solution than the head harness. Again, it should be used as a TOOL while you are training your dog.

Maraya seems to think the Gentle Leader is a cure-all, despite my continued posting about this.

Rosarita · New member Joined: 27 Dec 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Nebraska

Our dog did the same thing. The only time when he was agressive was on leash. I would have him sit stay in that situation, he may feel as if he has to protect you. He may need to know that you are 'alpha' and you protect him.
hope all goes well in class, keep us posted Smile

Michelle Albanese · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:27 am Post subject: Sounds Familiar few tips

I'm having the same problem my Lab Cocoas trainer has me getting her attention away from whatever is bothering her another dog ,person ect. I've trained her to look at me when I say Cocoa look it is helping and worth a try. She feels walking away is better then leaving your dog in a situation that is not comfortable for either of you. Smile

Michelle Albanese · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 1:02 am Post subject:

How is Murphy doing with the aggressive issues? Getting any better for u? I know it takes time I'm living through it. Take every day as it comes.

Mary_NH · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:20 am Post subject:

my bridge dog, Sadie, was like that but only when my son had the leash.
I wonder if they feel they are protecting the occupant of the other end - their person.
My son couldn't take Sadie into a public place cause she felt she had to protect him (he was just 5 when we got her). I could have the leash and she was fine.
Maybe you could test him and let someone else hold the leash and see how he reacts when you see a dog - just make the person aware of how he may react to another dog just in case

Michelle Albanese · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:43 am Post subject:

Yes Cocoa is the same way I wanted to have her groomed. I told the groomer about her issues with other dogs when on leash I gave her my cel # said if any problem please call. I went to pick her up they said she was an ANGEL had other dogs walking by her sniffing she didn't even bat an eye. Seems she only is like that with me a protective behavior.

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Then you might want to get the book on resource guarding listed in that sticky thread. It's called "Mine!" and it's quite inexpensive. I am going to have to dig it out of my shelf and start using it with Nala, who has had some disturbing issues lately.

Michelle Albanese · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 5:02 pm Post subject:

I will look for that one thanx

Samsintentions · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 4298 Location: Texas

I used the halti on Precious. It only took three outtings and I don't need it anymore. I still carry it in my purse or back pocket just in case. But Precious is 100lbs and has some dog agression and pulling issues. Now that she's being trained, we really don't have much of a problem anymore unless a yappy dog comes running up to her.

Maraya · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:41 pm Post subject:

Michelle Albanese · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 7:50 pm Post subject:

I tried the gentle leader too it helped for awhile then Cocoa knew ways around to get what she wanted. I then went to a harness called sensations. it helped with her pulling because it attatched at her breast and not at the top of her back. That too only worked for awhile I have now move onto a prong training collar at first I did't like it looked very cruel I put the cushions on the prongs well I love it now even if she is getting aggressive I have total control. I never felt that with either devices I tried before. Just get Professional Help if you decide to use any training device to make sure it is fitted properly. I was unaware at the time but any collar or lead can cause issues if not used properly

Maraya · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 9:19 pm Post subject: